"The people who are opposed to UAVs, UAS, or drones have some very real and valid complains regarding WEAPONIZED UAVs and UAS. Unfortunately, due to the valiant efforts of the American media to convince the public that those are the only uses…"

"Most of the American public only knows of UAVs what they hear from mainstream media, and that's largely a matter of hearing about what went "boom" in Afghanistan. Ignorance, however, is NOT bliss."

""Voluntary guidelines" are exactly what both AMA and SUAS have tried to put together. The problem is that first word: voluntary. The evidence, such as it is, points to someone not thinking those guidelines should apply to them. And even…"

"AC 91-57 is a guideline, this is true. However, AC 43-13 is ALSO a "guideline"...one that aviation mechanics are required to follow in order to obtain their certificates as aviation mechanics. The FAA can, and does, fine persons who…"

"This made it to Slashdot, too. Excellent job by the owner/operator of that UAV."

"Presuming you're talking about the RC side of the operation, absolutely...that's how transmitters with multi-model memories function. :-)"

"Here are some options... http://hothardware.com/Reviews/The-Definitive-3D-Printer-Roundup-Cubify-Up-Solidoodle/"

"It even made Slashdot... http://tech.slashdot.org/story/12/12/20/0354259/drone-made-of-lego-takes-flight"

"Lighten up, George. We're here to talk about UAVs, not politics."

"I don't believe it's possible to operate multiple devices from a single XBee module at the control computer, since, as I understand it, a single serial data link is established with a pair of modules. So, to operate multiple vehicles from…"

"I wonder if Octave will work as a replacement for MATLAB. One way to find out, I guess..."

"Looking at the Sparkfun page, I see that there's now a MOSFET-regulated Xbee Explorer board, which they claim will reduce the communications problems. Link to new board: https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11373 DISCLAIMER: I am in no way…"

"As a fellow newbie, but one who has read through the information, I believe "Simple" mode is what you're looking for...and it's already part of the APM firmware."

"@Lucidity - that is EXACTLY the sort of setup I'm wanting to put together and offer for use in either wildland firefighting or SAR. I'll need to do a bit of research on the thermal camera. The one question that comes to mind on that unit…"

"I have to agree with Jesse. A UAV, be it fixed-wing or fling-wing, would serve best as a surveillance tool, but would come into its own in extreme or hazardous terrain, either for seeking out hotspots and extension, or for assisting in…"

""Productization"? Is that even a word?"