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NTSB: Drone Flights Are Subject to FAA Regulations
The government has the power to hold drone operators accountable when they operate the remote-control aircraft recklessly, a federal safety board ruled Tuesday in a setback to small drone operators chafing under Federal Aviation Administration restrictions. The FAA had fined Raphael Pirker, an aerial photographer, $10,000 (www.nbcnews.com) More...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
John you are using common sense in reading the 14 CFR definitions. However, while there is much common law in our history, there is little sense.
When the clause "is used or intended to be used for flight in the air." one must ask who is using it? Who means that a person is using the device to fly through the air. Since model planes do not carry people they [according to CFR 14] are not aircraft.
If we apply the definition as you suggest, crisply folded sheet of paper or a helium balloon would be considered "aircraft."
If Clint Eastwood's empty chair was doing the job elected to perform, he would have directed his agencies to formulate rules that allow remotely piloted vehicles to be sensibly operated. Instead he makes proclamations that gives many people who broke immigration laws amnesty. I have to cut him some slack though, he does live in the same house with his mother-in-law.
When the clause "is used or intended to be used for flight in the air." one must ask who is using it? Who means that a person is using the device to fly through the air. Since model planes do not carry people they [according to CFR 14] are not aircraft.
If we apply the definition as you suggest, crisply folded sheet of paper or a helium balloon would be considered "aircraft."
If Clint Eastwood's empty chair was doing the job elected to perform, he would have directed his agencies to formulate rules that allow remotely piloted vehicles to be sensibly operated. Instead he makes proclamations that gives many people who broke immigration laws amnesty. I have to cut him some slack though, he does live in the same house with his mother-in-law.
A link to the NTSB decision so you can see how close the news reports get.
www.ntsb.gov/legal/pirker/5730.pdf
www.ntsb.gov/legal/pirker/5730.pdf
Pay up sucker!
I imagine there will be an appeal. There are lawyers involved.
$10k fine cheap compared to lawyer. Lol
Not to the lowyer. Chortle
Drones have a place in aviation, but to borrow a quote from Nick Sabatini, they need to "do no harm." Airworthy drones flown by people that understand the rules and responsibilities for flight in the airfare are the keys to moving forward and making drone use mainstream.
As an owner of a DJI Parrot 2 Vision +, I would very much like to use it beyond the "hobby and recreation" use I now fly it under and welcome regulations that will provide clarity to the safe flight and privacy aspects of flying drones in the nation's airspace.