Very interesting set of YouTube videos of representatives from the AMA and FAA discussing UAVs, Altitude Limits, etc.
#1: (above)
#2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5nUG0RhSwY&sns=em
#3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeLV7ymo59E&sns=em
#4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVPoEelEn70&sns=em
Comments
I find it really interesting in the last video that the FAA directly referenced trappys flight over virginia tech as an example of what would be prevented in the new laws. Not sure if Trappy is following this thread but would be interested in his thoughts on this.
The Suits Vs. The Retired guys...
WOW! I didnt think there would be that much tension between the FAA and the AMA...
I love that fact the sUAS are "clogging the NAS"...I had to swot five quads and three fixed wings just getting out the front door this morning...,
I may have been paying particularly poor attention, and perhaps missed something, but one of the questions I've always had on my mind has been concerning commercial uses of UAVs. From what I've read, it's currently illegal without a COA issued by the FAA, which is nearly impossible to get unless you are a government or research organization, etc. Will this be changing somehow under the rules and standards discussed by AMA/FAA, or is that an entirely separate topic?
That could well mean that we don't get singled out, it's not a bad thing. What we do isn't, and shouldn't be treated any differently than any other model aircraft. Though we have our own part to play, like respecting altitude, distance, weight and LOS to keep within the definition of model aircraft.
I’m sure the AMA would rather I not comment on their portion as it could cause confusion…
However, many of the points that you make in your post have already been hit. There are no provisions for semi-autonomous operations for hobby sUAS. We as a community need to get out in front of these regulations or your hobby may have you looking over your shoulder. The RCAPA has been working this issue for about 7 + years. Much of what has transpired and is happening I write about at sUAS News
This was really useful as helped clear up a few misconeptions I have had.
One thing that wasn't answered was if the AMA standard will also cover private / hobby sUAS usage?
I would assume not?
I would also assume that the FAA ruling does not differentiate between hobby and commercial sUAS usage.
That leaves a gap does it not?
However what was made clear was that it is possible for anyone to write a standard and get it endorsed by the FAA.
Enter DIY Drones and its 21,000 members...
Why do we not attempt to draft a safe practice standard for private sUAS usage?
If the AMA standard is going to allow soaring up to any height then surely we can come up with a safe standard that descrbed how you would safely fly beyond line of site, or above 400ft.
It strikes me that everyone here is worried about the impending changes, but unless we actually do something about it then we all could lose out.
I don't live in the US, however inevitably the new rules will be adopted by other countries as well.
Not only that, it would be very useful to have a standard we could all use to describe how to do things safely.
This is particularly important given the number of new members joining, presumably many of whom are not AMA members and have had little exposure to aviation in the past.