Classic New York Post: (via Gawker)
"Attack of the Drones
Airborne Eyes Peer at the City
In New York City, someone's always looking down on you.
Low-tech, miniature versions of battlefield drones have come to the boroughs. Only here, they are controlled mostly by hobbyists and photographers, not soldiers shooting insurgents from the sky.
There are only 282 official permits to fly drones nationwide, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. They range from $4.5 million jets that can fly for two days without landing, to hand-launched helicopters that fit in a book bag.
The FAA would not say if any of these permits have been issued in New York City.
But the number of drones patrolling the nation's skies is expected to "explode" if the agency, as expected in December, relaxes restrictions on law enforcement for aircraft weighing 4.4 pounds or less.
Until then, hobbyists are the only people who can launch unmanned aircraft without a permit, as long as devices aren't being used to make money, said an FAA spokesman. They're supposed to fly below 400 feet."
more here....
Comments
http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/more-eyes-in-the-skies
SkyCamUsa is a professional video and photography production company, creating and editing digital media for clients. Due to the complex nature of the current FAA legal structure we can not charge for remote helicopter filming or photos. We charge only for video and photo editing (as needed), consultations, travel time, ground based media and traditional manned aircraft aerial photography and video.
The remote controlled helicopter that we use sometimes to film is a low altitude, close range, open space flyer only in an approved area and does not operate near any airports or violate any FAA regulations. This is a non commercial service for which there is no charge. The remote controlled helicopter is NOT a UAV or autonomous in anyway and is flown by hand only within line of sight of the operator always in a safe location. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this. Thank you.
New York-based SkyCamUSA has used battery-powered helicopters, which can fly up to 40 mph and hover in place, to shoot Riverside Park, the West Side Highway and Yankee Stadium, costing real-estate and production clients a fraction of what they would spend contracting a manned helicopter.
Have just put their neck in the noose for a prosecution.