kkoran
Pattern Altitude
I looked around the forum and was surprised someone hadn't already posted this. http://www.cnn.com/2015/02/15/politics/drones-faa-rules-commercial-flights/index.html
It's a surprise but it might also be because we fly real airplanes and stuff. Nobody cares about this. It can't be enforced. I see ad all the time on Craigslist about quadcopter and pilot for hire.
Good luck enforcing it.
Waste of ink.
How do they tell the altitude?
Pretty heavy handed for the danger they pose. Fear mongering and government expansion all rolled into one.
I don't mean to throw a grenade, but the AOPA supports these new asinine regulations.
So what? Did you talk to your neighbors about it? Throw a rock? Anything short of seeking federal legislation?As do I. But it's mostly because this past summer I had a quadcopter with a camera hovering about 80 feet over my deck on two separate occasions while trying to enjoy a nice private evening with family and friends. Seeing as how I can't discharge a firearm within city limits, there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it and it ****ed me off to no end.
So are in favor of this as a first step to banning quadcopters altogether?Of course I realize this NPRM re: commercial UAS won't do a damn thing to stop Joe Blow from doing things like this, but it's a good start.
They already are.Will flying a kite be regulated as well ? There is no reason not to regulate it. It goes in the air and it is unmanned no different than a "drone"
Subpart B—Moored Balloons and Kites
§101.11 Applicability.
This subpart applies to the operation of moored balloons and kites. However, a person operating a moored balloon or kite within a restricted area must comply only with §101.19 and with additional limitations imposed by the using or controlling agency, as appropriate.
§101.13 Operating limitations.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate a moored balloon or kite—
(1) Less than 500 feet from the base of any cloud;
(2) More than 500 feet above the surface of the earth;
(3) From an area where the ground visibility is less than three miles; or
(4) Within five miles of the boundary of any airport.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to the operation of a balloon or kite below the top of any structure and within 250 feet of it, if that shielded operation does not obscure any lighting on the structure.
§101.15 Notice requirements.
No person may operate an unshielded moored balloon or kite more than 150 feet above the surface of the earth unless, at least 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation:
(a) The names and addresses of the owners and operators.
(b) The size of the balloon or the size and weight of the kite.
(c) The location of the operation.
(d) The height above the surface of the earth at which the balloon or kite is to be operated.
(e) The date, time, and duration of the operation.
§101.17 Lighting and marking requirements.
(a) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite, between sunset and sunrise unless the balloon or kite, and its mooring lines, are lighted so as to give a visual warning equal to that required for obstructions to air navigation in the FAA publication “Obstruction Marking and Lighting”.
(b) No person may operate a moored balloon or kite between sunrise and sunset unless its mooring lines have colored pennants or streamers attached at not more than 50 foot intervals beginning at 150 feet above the surface of the earth and visible for at least one mile.
§101.19 Rapid deflation device.
No person may operate a moored balloon unless it has a device that will automatically and rapidly deflate the balloon if it escapes from its moorings. If the device does not function properly, the operator shall immediately notify the nearest ATC facility of the location and time of the escape and the estimated flight path of the balloon.
So what? Did you talk to your neighbors about it? Throw a rock? Anything short of seeking federal legislation?
So are in favor of this as a first step to banning quadcopters altogether?
I don't understand why you'd support legislation just because you had a bad experience that the legislation does nothing to prevent.
As do I. But it's mostly because this past summer I had a quadcopter with a camera hovering about 80 feet over my deck on two separate occasions while trying to enjoy a nice private evening with family and friends. Seeing as how I can't discharge a firearm within city limits, there wasn't a damn thing I could do about it and it ****ed me off to no end.
Of course I realize this NPRM re: commercial UAS won't do a damn thing to stop Joe Blow from doing things like this, but it's a good start.
Slingshot. Crossbow. Bow and arrow. Potato launcher. Water balloon launcher. The list of things you could chuck at it is pretty long.
Wonder what a green laser would do to any onboard optics....
That is an interesting question! Any answers?
I wonder what the U.S. Attorney would do to a person who pointed a laser at a UAV? Let's see...the FAA says UAVs are aircraft and 18 U.S. Code § 39A make lasing an aircraft a federal offense.
Doesn't matter; it's still punishable by fine or up to 5 years in prison.Wouldn't be trying to destroy it, just keeping its camera from poking around where it don't belong.
I don't believe the camera on these things has anything to do with navigating it.
Googled it...apparently, quite effective against CCDs.
http://www.hdcamteam.com/2011/07/10/report-cmos-ccd-cameras-damaged-by-laser/
Might need to pick up one of those on the next trip to Frys.
My brother told me a few months ago that he went to the park and flew a buddies DJI P2 up to 1500+ AGL.
I mean, how did they know it was 1500+AGL ?
How do operators of these "toy" machines tell the altituds that are quoted by them?
GPS?
Are commercial uses of ultralights allowed?