ORIGINAL: bkdavy
ORIGINAL: ira d
The FAA has never regulated models in all these years and doubt they will start now.
As far as UAV's thats a horse of a different color being that they tend to be larger
and fly higher than most of our models and also fly from point A to B but our models
generally fly in a big circle in full veiw of the pilot.
One of the proposals on the table has restrictions of not more than 35 lbs. and no higher than 1200 feet, and must be operated line of sight. The definitions of UAVs so far proposed do not exempt models used for hobby purposes. A UAV is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Like it or not, our models will probably meet the definition unless the AMA can get specific exemptions included that would limit FAA regulations to commercial purposes. And thats going to take a lot of people and a lot of effort during the regulation review and approval process.
And you still won't be able to get paid to fly unless you meet the stricter FAA requirements.
Brad
Brad-
From what I have seen released by FAA, ira is right. The Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) policy released by FAA a couple years ago
does exempt model aircraft from regulation, and defines model aircraft by its operating envelope (ref. AC 91-57) and purpose (recreation/sport). Look for AFS-400 UAS POLICY 05-01 of 9/16/2005 on the FAA web site.
What table is the "restrictions of not more than 35 lbs. and no higher than 1200 feet" on? FAA controls airspace down to 500' AGL and wants model aircraft under 400' allowing for a 100' buffer zone. Also, they represent the US in ICAO, which defines model aircraft in part as weighing less than 25 kg (~55 lb). Why would they consider raising the ceiling into controlled airspace and imposing a weight limit other than what has been set by international agreement?
Abel