Originally Posted by
NorfolkSouthern
Of course you don't want an outright ban on RC. But I see you understand the need for regulation. OK, how about this: If you want to fly an RC model plane, then get a license. No constitutional right exists to buy a small unmanned aircraft, regardless of the type. Sure, very few outlaws in the UK have guns, so I guess their gun ban worked. So a ban on RC flying without a license and medical certificate, I am sure, will work just fine at keeping near misses at a minimum.
How about this? We form a nationwide community based organization to manage safety for all forms recreational model aviation. Then, we have the organization to lobby congress to insert the following language into the next FAA funding act.
"SPECIAL RULE FOR MODEL AIRCRAFT.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems into Federal Aviation Administration plans and policies, including this subtitle, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not promulgate any rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft, or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft, if
(1) the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use;
(2) the aircraft is operated in accordance with a community based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization;
(3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a community-based organization;
(4) the aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; and
(5) when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation (model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport)).
(b) STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Administrator to pursue enforcement action against persons operating model aircraft who endanger the safety of the national airspace system.
(c) MODEL AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘model aircraft’’ means an unmanned aircraft that is
(1) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere;
(2) flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft; and
(3) flown for hobby or recreational purposes."
That way, we don't get regulated, only commercial and public service UAS will be regulated. Anyone who cannot or will not abide by the CBO safety guidelines will be hunted down and punished as they well deserve.