Drones & legislation working through Congress

Started by Live2Learn, December 05, 2018, 05:17:35 PM

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Live2Learn

http://digitaledition.rotorandwing.com/december-2018/polices-role-in-small-uas-enforcement/

I've seen drones flying over urban areas more than once.  On one occasion I asked a couple of local PD about their role and they said:  "NONE, not our problem".  End of story.   It looks like this might change that stance (provided "$$$" is attached).  Criminal charges for operating drones near airports might influence decisions an activities of some CAP squadrons who are early adopters (for CAP, anyhow) of this technology.  Most CAP units I'm familiar with meet on airports.

PHall

Quote from: Live2Learn on December 05, 2018, 05:17:35 PM
http://digitaledition.rotorandwing.com/december-2018/polices-role-in-small-uas-enforcement/

I've seen drones flying over urban areas more than once.  On one occasion I asked a couple of local PD about their role and they said:  "NONE, not our problem".  End of story.   It looks like this might change that stance (provided "$$$" is attached).  Criminal charges for operating drones near airports might influence decisions an activities of some CAP squadrons who are early adopters (for CAP, anyhow) of this technology.  Most CAP units I'm familiar with meet on airports.

Many CAP squadrons do model rocketry too. But they're smart enough to not launch them near an airport.
I would like to think that we're smart enough to follow the rules for drones too.

etodd

There are those of us who have been making a living in aerial photography for decades now. First in planes and helicopters, now drones are part of the toolbox. Yes, you'll see me flying over "urban areas" quite often, whether in a plane or with a drone.

Near an airport? The FAA has defined "near" with grid maps for us to use. Here is a sample of one on their website, showing the altitude grids:

https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver/uas_facility_maps/media/Class_E_UASFM.pdf

Some grids allow you to get much closer, but at lower altitudes, like 50 feet. You can get some great aerial photography of many things at 50 feet and below. No airplane should be near that. LOL

"Don't try to explain it, just bow your head
Breathe in, breathe out, move on ..."

Eclipse

Quote from: PHall on December 05, 2018, 06:40:00 PM
Many CAP squadrons do model rocketry too. But they're smart enough to not launch them near an airport.
I would like to think that we're smart enough to follow the rules for drones too.

Or the drone itself is smart enough not to launch, regardless.

Though not always the case with the less expensive ones.

"That Others May Zoom"

baronet68

Quote from: etodd on December 05, 2018, 08:13:04 PM
Near an airport? The FAA has defined "near" with grid maps for us to use. Here is a sample of one on their website, showing the altitude grids:

https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver/uas_facility_maps/media/Class_E_UASFM.pdf


Shorten that link to: https://www.faa.gov/uas/request_waiver/uas_facility_maps/

and click on the link that says, "View all UAS Facility Maps and grids", and you'll find an interactive map of the whole country.

Michael Moore, Lt Col, CAP
National Recruiting & Retention Manager

etodd

Quote from: Live2Learn on December 05, 2018, 05:17:35 PM

  .... Criminal charges for operating drones near airports might influence decisions an activities of some CAP squadrons who are early adopters (for CAP, anyhow) of this technology.  Most CAP units I'm familiar with meet on airports.

Our Squadron meets at the airport. So if we ever start talking about using drones locally, first thing I will do is contact our local Model Airplane club. They have a field and facilities, and we could probably work out an arrangement to fly and have practice Drone SAREXs there.
"Don't try to explain it, just bow your head
Breathe in, breathe out, move on ..."