Originally Posted by
Sport_Pilot
The local authorities can do that, but the FAA can only suspend license and issue fines. And there are likely no local laws broken here. Relooking at the video there is no incontrovertible proof there was any FAA rules broken. Was this outside 5 miles from and airport, if so then he did not break any altitude rule. How fast was he going. His video may have lied about the speed. Was it flying over traffic? Hard to be certain because the canopy may have distorted the view, but it looked like he was trying to turn before going over the highway. So looks like the only rule you could prove is taxing in the pits. But if he didn't have a waiver then that and his boosting about the speed is enough to pull his waiver. That and flying the drone beyond LOS is enough to suspend his AMA membership IMO.
But jail? Give me a break! Just extreme hyperbole that only hurts your case. Obvious hyperbole can help to highlight the issue but when it goes that far It doesn't help.
Geez Porcia, TAKE OFF YOUR ROSE COLORED GLASSES ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The guy has several videos on Youtube showing the same disregard for the rules. He has his jet vids where he's claiming almost 300MPH and FPV control 3 miles from the flying field, quad vids where he's bragging about altitude violations, and who knows how many other FAA or local laws and ordinances he's breaking, not to mention thumbing his nose at the AMA and FAA, daring them to stop him by posting his violations on public media. If he was driving a car in these videos, he'd be in jail, his license revoked and his car impounded, just based on the videos he's posted on line. Since the AMA and FAA can't do anything but pull his waiver, if he even has one, drop him as a member and fine him, according to you, what does he have to fear, other than losing a little cash? This tells me the system is broken and needs to be fixed, regardless what you think. Going back to my comparison to driving a car, this guy would be driving a Corvette through LA during rushhour at 120MPH, both on and off the sidewalk, and the local LEOs would be powerless, other than giving him a citation through the mail, to stop him until he injures or kills someone. When he does that, and it is coming with the way he flies, it will be everyone else in the hobby that will pay the price for his arrogance and stupidity