Comments

• 

  Andrew Helgeson February 6, 2013 at 3:39am

  I think the issue here is just plain ignorance.

  These people have never seen a "toy" aircraft with a 2 metre + wingspan before!

  I was cutting out ribs for another two wings for a total span of 4 metres and suggestion it would be better as a biplane and would be "too big to be practical" was funny/annoying.

  I tried explaining aspect ratio, sideways flow of air along a wing, tip vortex drag and was met with blank stares...

  sigh

  Andrew
• 

  Duncan Greer February 6, 2013 at 2:52am

  Model aircraft rules apply so long as you are using it for 'sport and recreation' - it is nothing to do with the actual weight of the aircraft.  

  If operating at an MAAA field under MAAA rules, aircraft over 7kg need a heavy model inspection certificate.  Over 25kg is a 'giant model'.  
• 

  Andrew Helgeson February 6, 2013 at 12:33am

  Thats what I thought.

  Basically common sense and good building practices.

  Seriously, if most model flyers had seen what, where and how the ArParrot was being flown they would have been horrified.

  I know I was.

  These are the <expletive> guys giving me safety advice.

  Andrew
• 

  Stephen Dade February 5, 2013 at 11:03pm

  Andrew:

  At this point in time, an Operators Licence is only required for commercial operations. Otherwise, it's covered under the model aircraft regulations.

  The model aircraft regulations require inspections by certified personnel for models above 11kg (not sure of the exact weight).

  It should be noted that any drone operator (commercial or not) is still open to being sued if they damage any people/property during their flight.
• 

  Andrew Helgeson February 5, 2013 at 9:58am

  Hi!

  I was discussing my UAV on the local HackerSpace facebook page and got asked,

  "Do I have a drone operators license?"

  This is the doc I got sent

  http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/rules/1998casr/101/101c0...

  How much of this applies to what we are doing?

  My understanding was if the AUW was under 11kg it was still considered a model aircraft.

  What really pisses me is one of these guys was flying an ARParrot, indoors, within centimetres of small children and I'm getting concerns about safety!!!
• Moderator

  David Anders November 23, 2012 at 2:09am

  Hey guys, and welcome to the new comers.  I'm in Melbourne for work, but from Adelaide/Brisbane and go to both places often [my drone travels to Adelaide with me when I go].  Would be keen to catch up with anyone if they're around.
• Developer

  leonardthall November 23, 2012 at 1:58am

  Hi all,

  I am from Adelaide SA. Up near Tea Tree Plaza.
• Mathew Cohen November 23, 2012 at 1:32am

  Hi from Bondi Junction. Im looking forward to finding some other Arducopter flyers in the area.
• 

  Jack Chomley November 23, 2012 at 1:08am

  UAV newbie, just "landed" here :-)
• 

  Jean November 18, 2012 at 5:11am

  Sounds great, David.  Are you a member of the Brisbane Hackerspace as well?  I'm working on a slightly unusual tailsitter quad/rigid-wing hybrid.