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Lawsuits Challenge FAA Drone Ban
Several groups comprised of research universities, commercial drone operators and model aircraft hobbyists have filed federal lawsuits challenging the FAA over its rules relating to unmanned aerial vehicles. Three lawsuits filed on Friday ask the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to review the validity of a June directive issued by the FAA, which the agency says is an attempt to clarify current model aircraft regulations. (www.flyingmag.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
It will unfortunately take a serious accident beofre this is resolved. Hopefully no one looses their life in the process.
Years ago at a midwest local airport we had large box kites flying off end of runway at sugnificant altitude. Often we had to dodge these things on final. Stupidity knows no bounds or a shortage of dumb people.
The real test will come when a plane hits one or a bystander gets hurt. Until then I expect regulation to waffle back and forth in the court system. I do know that if the FAA busts you, prepare to spend plenty of $$$$, win or lose.
There have been instances when model aircraft have struck bystanders, and any claims were handles by the insurance provided by the insurance provided by the owner's membership in the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). See http://www.modelaircraft.org/membership/membership/overview.aspx Labeling model aircraft such as these as "drones" is ridiculous: they are built and operated with a completely different purpose in mind than the true commercial-purposed drones. And yes, I am aware that there are those who misuse model aircraft in one manner or another. Certainly they should be subject to the law as it exists. It's not necessary to completely rewrite the appropriate sections of the FAA regulations to tar all remotely controlled aircraft with the same gooey brush!
Modelers have had fun with their sport for decades with barely a ripple. The newbies are already creating a bad rep. If you want to fly below the airspace limits mandated by FAA then the operator should have permission from the landowner or public entity. All the Modelers I know fly at a designated field or over their private property. Just my take.
FCC is no different than any other government agency, too big and little enforcement ability. Same thing with the new ride sharing app companies, government regulators are left behind because they move at the speed of a turtle.
Maybe regulate how high you can fly, the leave the rest to responsible pilots