FAA told to make room for RC planes & drones

Source:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/story/2012-02-06/unmanned-drones-share-faa-airspace/52994752/1

Reprint via Model Airplane News with comments:
http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2012/02/09/faa-told-to-make-room-for-rc-planes-drones

Somebody's got to watch the watchers.

Yes someone has to watch them government types but that's not to imply we don't need to be protected from the "noob" either. Look around the internet and look up the injuries and/or mayhem causes by some noob who thought it a good idea to drop big money on a machine that was way outside their SKILL level and ability to fly safely

Generally I'm also suspicious of governmental rule, or should I say "over rule" but nevertheless a meager form of licensing to at least prove one can indeed fly can't really a bad thing !?! {LMAO} Now watch the "Flame Bait" FLY ....

Not too interested in entering a big political discussion, but I follow this topic very closely as I am looking at the future of commercial UAS aviation. It looks like the FAA is adopting the weight catagory of 55 Lbs being a small UAS. I am personally concerned at the thought of "Just anybody" being able to fly a 55 Lb metal helicopter wherever they want, or worse when I am in a commercial airliner on approach to the airport and someone lost control of thier giant drone and it gets in the way of the plane....... I for one, hope there are certifications that have to be met by the pilots of these "small" metal aircraft.....

Hmmm 55 pounds eh?  That sounds like a pretty decent size.  I guess they will have to print on the box for children 13 years and older.  ;D

Yes weight is major issues when they get out of control but not to get lost in teh details I would think an "organization" like LAW Enforcement, University or a Corporation would have, should have safeguards in place for their UAV/FPV flight interest ... If only so they don't get sued and taken to court!

... And I DO agree a government arm such as your FAA (each country according to their government body who looks after their local skies) with respect to flight regulation, we do need some rules and regulations for flying alongside the Passenger Aircraft. I think that would just be common sense to have such regulation. The SKIES are a crowded place and another aircraft however small is another aircraft adding to the congestion already a problem or issue. It would be silly to think an unmanned aircraft can fly the skies unless they ALL followed the same rule of the skies!

I think for the "amateur" UAV or FPV Pilot the issue is a little more "Life & Death", some would say "it can be allowed" and some say "it should be BANNED outright" ... Correct me if I'm wrong but under current US Law the use of UAV's or FPV Flight is not allowed without some form of Licensing!?!

And NOT to make too fine a point but since 9/11 "some" would HAVE an all out across the board BAN on Rc Flight, a complete BAN! I'm sure NONE of the Rc interests on your side or this side of the border want that but nevertheless there's people (specifically Representatives and Lobbyists in Washington DC) and NOT only here but governments around the World who are actively trying to DO just that ...

... Meh, ALL "this" would bring JFK to mind "what are you doing for your Country"

    [shadow=Orange,left]w00d[/shadow]

Yes, Wood, that all makes sense. As far as what I know from my following the AMA has worked with the FAA and the Gov to leave the hobby alone. Here is a link:

http://www.suasnews.com/2012/02/11850/senate-joins-house-in-passing-faa-bill-exemption-for-aeromodeling

So it seems as though the hobby will be safe for many years to come if things go as described in the article, as of right now there are no requirments of any nature for hobby FPV flying. AC 91-57 is a "guidance" not a law, and where it says to stay within line of site is also not a law. As seen on YouTube many do not stay LOS and no one has gone to jail or been fined that I know of. The argument for banning flying post 911 would be the same as gun control, those who follow the rules would not do it, those who are the problem would continue do it.......

Re: ---> Senate joins House in passing FAA bill, exemption for aeromodeling <--- Thanks for the post PP as this is GOOD news ...
... and on a side note it's kinda funny (and I blame Tv) but I KNOW more about the happenings in the U.S and your Government than my own {LOL}

It's GOOD even though we are on two different sides of the border we can agree ...
... Meh, ya know they say here in the Great White North, they say "what happens in the U.S will SOON happen here"

For ALL who have a vested interest in keeping the Rc Hobby alive the above read is "defiantly" good news! HeHe, there's "politics" that shouldn't be discussed and there's some, like this "issue" that should be discussed at every opportunity so WE don't LOOSE the privilege, yeah !?!

Although I wish it wasn't so but "victories don't make em go away it just makes em more resolute"

    [shadow=Orange,left]w00d[/shadow]