I thought everyone might be interested in the petition for rulemaking we recently filed for a client setting out a complete proposed regulatory framework for non-recreational drones that weigh 3 pounds or less (which we call "micro"). The proposal is supported by an aviation safety study.
http://www.kramerlevin.com/files/upload/UAS%20America%20Fund%20Petition%20Rulemaking.pdf
Replies
I am biased in that I want to fly for commercial purposes but i agree with the quote from your statement in the proposed regulation.
i't makes little sense to impose (requirements) upon
American businesses just because the purpose of their operation is commercial rather than
recreational.
I think the FAA does want teeth to control the bad actors that do not think when they fly. So that your "proposal, this “certificate” will be subject to suspension or revocation in
the same manner as a pilot certificate, so that the FAA may exercise enforcement in the event of
regulatory violations." would work.
The position on first reading seems reasonable. As a hobbyist all the activities are OK but when commercial intent is added the same activities are not OK. So one would have to assume that the hobby acceptance was pre- existing and they could not ban. The commercial component one would have to assume is affected by large company interests and lobbyist to prevent the new technology from creeping into the market of the high end manufacturers. Other wise why so much effort to block what is OK as a hobby? It seems to be a huge contradiction that can only be fought with donations to build an equally funded lobby to bring things back to reason.. Clearly many of the objections are a smoke screen to delay the commercial usage.
Do you agree?