Greetings all; I am new to this, so please excuse my naiveté.
I listened to the NPR (science friday) program and that is where i learned about DIY, and wish I had known about DIY sooner.
I have designed a program / project (starting soon) which involves using a UAS to map a wetlands / pothole area in rural Montana. The UAS is a 35 lb. airframe (Inst. suite loaded), the data link is a 2.4 GHz video downlink, 900 MHz 2-way modem set up for fully autonomous flight (capability) including launch and landing mission plan created with Cloud Cap Piccolo Command Center ground station software.
I have followed several paths to getting FAA info, and I cannot get any answers from any of the FAA people in MT. (one guy said to fly it, and if someone says something to just plea stupid).
What and where can I find out about FAA / FCC regulations? can I fly at 700 ft.without having to worry about FAA? Montana allows for great UAS operation with our wide open space and low population (6.2 people per mile-last census).
I guess to state the research implications of this, to this group, would be like telling kids Christmas is fun.
any assistance, or ideas would be greatly recieved.
cheers
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