Originally Posted by JohnShe

Well, GB you have part of a point, but not all of it. HAM operators use the public frequencies regulated by the FAA, just like we do. The FAA has set aside frequencies for various uses. In the good old days, these were shared by a number of user classes. Things have changed somewhat depending on technology and use. But, certain public frequencies such as the ones used by HAM operators are still regulated and require licenses to use.

The drone situation is similar depending on how the Nations Airspace is being used and the technology involved, many aviators are required to have licenses. All manned aircraft operators require a pilot's certificate. Drone aircraft is a new technology to some degrees and quite old from other viewpoints. Recreational drone uses are not allowed to use the full NAS. We are severely restricted by location, altitude ranges and see and avoid responsibilities. For the last 75 years, give or take, we have not needed licenses. But, the advent of commercial drones has added a new wrinkle to the situation.

Congress passed the 2012 FAA Modernization Act to fund the FAA, and added in it, directions to integrate commercial and public service drones intro the NAS. At the request of the AMA, congress added a rule freeing recreational model aviation from any of the drone integration regulations. That means,that as long as we operate within the spirit of sensible safety guidelines, such as the AMA's safety guidelines, we are free from regulation. This means, that recreation model aviators will not need a license. I can't say the same for commercial operators, but that is their problem not mine.