I wanted to post this article I came across on CNET. I think it needs some better clarification though, as the writer doesn't really spell out too much detail, and even mistakes the intent of another article she links to regarding, "hunting drones."
FAA cautiously agrees to some use of civilian drones
While still far from giving a thumbs up to unmanned flying vehicles crowding the skies, the government agency recommends that some drones be allowed.
Small drones, like this Parallax Elev-8 kit, will be allowed if they stay within view of a person.
(Credit: Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)The Federal Aviation Administration weighed in on the increasing civilian use of autonomous drones on Thursday. The government agency released a report outlining a roadmap for certain cases in which unmanned drones could be permissible.
In the report (pdf), with the lengthy title "Integration of Civil Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System Roadmap," the FAA said that autonomous drones are already being used in disaster response, cargo transport, aerial mapping, and commercial photography. While drones are already buzzing around, the FAA is cautious with allowing wholesale use of the flying machines.
Unmanned drones bring up the sticky issue of privacy. These self-flying vehicles can swoop over vast areas gathering information on unsuspecting people. Even Google's executive chairman has cautioned legalizing drone use, saying they could infringe on people's privacy and that they should be regulated.
However, drones can also be very useful for civilians. For instance, farmers can use them to monitor their crops, hunters could use them to stake out deer, and earth scientists could use them for gathering data and research.
In its report, which was created by orders of Congress, the FAA said it would accept some agricultural drones if a person monitors the flying object from the ground.For now, all unmanned drones bigger than asmall shoebox sized apparatus are still prohibited. For those smaller drones that are allowed -- they must stay within a person's view. The FAA wrote that it will prioritize research on the use of self-flying vehicles. Additionally, it will launch six drone test sites by the end of this year.
These test sites are "not intended to predetermine the long-term policy and regulatory framework under which UAS would operate," the FAA wrote. But they will "help inform the dialogue."
Most likely, the government won't take action on legalizing or prohibiting drones further until 2016.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57611439-76/faa-cautiously-agrees-to-some-use-of-civilian-drones/
Comments
I think Google is more about protecting their turf rather than privacy issues. At least they don't seem to be to concerned about privacy issues when gathering their Street View photography.
500m eh? That's pretty far. Should be close enough to avoid collisions with manned aviation, but not for unassisted manual flight. You're basically IFR at that distance.
Of course it is not going to shut down modelling.
They are making sure folks know what the difference is. Anything flying BLOS will need a UA licensed pilot driving it. That was always going to be the case.
Recreational/hobbyist will be able to continue below 400' and VLOS. Note the V is there because its visual and not just LOS which is a radio term that can take you to the horizon with the right gear. Europe has defined the V as 500m, I don't think the USA has a definition yet.
There is no way it's going to shut down existing modelling.
This is for commercial? Or even recreational/hobbyist? My Dad used to have his private pilots license, but couldn't pass a medical currently. I bought him a small quad to fly around their farm. Would he be subject to these rules, and be cut out of flying? For something that is about a pound, on private property? Really?
They also want to make sure that everyone flying UA in the USA has been through security vetting. There will be pilot training requirements based on manned aviation and aircrew medicals, class 2 I believe.
Even for the small stuff.
sUAS, VLOS only may not need to go through airworthyness. However if you wish to sell a unit to your local police force DHS has already stipulated that the type needs to have at least 1000 hours demonstrated on type before its allowed to head to their test centre.
Did you also noticed the first test group to be in place by 2017 with a 2020+ rollout.
What this has done has clearly stated the FAA's position and for hobby fliers they underline that reckless endangerment certainly applies to model fliers. It will be interesting to hear the AMA's position.