Hook,
I don't mind clarifying my statement. From my point of view as a professional in the UAV industry for the past 6 years, I have seen the FAA first bury it's head in the sand regarding UAVs. Then, they got pushed to action by pilot groups like the AOPA using scare tactics with it's membership about those pesky UAVs flying all over the place. So, the FAA then casts a toothless "policy letter" saying to the UAV industry, "you better not, or we told you so!" Meanwhile, the FAA with pressure from AOPA and other pilot groups, has been dragging it's feet on putting forth SOME form of reasonable policy to at least allow the industry to develop and test new technologies...not just commercial "for-hire" activities. So, in order for the US unmanned aviation industries to prosper, they are forced "under ground" to develop their technologies...that is, unless they are ALREADY under contract with a US Government Agency that will sponsor a COA. Many countries around the world are fast exceeding the capabilities of US developers. As far as the FAA is concerned, they would just prefer UAVs to just go away. The AOPA would prefer the same, in order to protect a few pilot jobs among their members...under the guise of phantom "saftety concerns." It's pressure like this why the FAA is talking about requiring UAV operators have pilot's licenses and medical certificates to operate a 5 pound mini-UAV. That's no exaggeration, either. The FAA currently makes no distinction between a Predator and a Raven. The answer in all cases is just a nice, simple NO. That is contrary to my making a living as a UAV professional. The AOPA, through their pressuring of the FAA regarding UAVs, is also contrary to my best interest.
About the RC recreational issue: The FAA, in an attempt to be consistent and "fair" will put forth some form of regulation pertaining to RC models. This is also to create a regulatory distinction between those using RC model based commercial vehicles and recreational models. This is just more red tape that over all is not beneficial to the model industry. As for my being a full-scale pilot, I do understand that the charge of the FAA is to promote safety in US airspace, so I do encourage SOMETHING to regulate the operation of UAVs. When I'm toodling along in a 182 someday, I don't want a Scan Eagle stuck through the side of my baggage door.
So, maybe you understand my views a little better now. I see need for reasonable policy and regulation, but so far what I've seen from the FAA is an all or nothing attitude...in recent times...nothing.
Erich
ORIGINAL: hook57
Apwa, you are absolurtely correct. Getting a pulse on what Ef sees as contrary was sincere. I simply didn't see the connection that Ef was/is making between AOPA, FAA, and our interests both as RC enthusiast and certificated pilots. I certainly didn't intend for it to sound that way so if the tone of the message did, then I sincerely apologize Ef.