RE: longer range planes
One problem I can see is that even though you may be able to control the plane well enough to fly it you still can not see ALL of the airspace surrounding it at that distance. If a private plane was to encounter your vehicle from an unmonitored direction and sustain damage (or worse) YOU would be liable (law suit and/or jail). You need to think long and hard before proceeding down this road. And then don't do it.