Jyunte
Second Officer
Flight distance : 2103150 ft
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Bioluminous Posted at 2018-9-29 16:09
I understand. I just don't agree that the FAA would more likely deny permission than grant it. As a fixed-wing pilot in addition to being a remote pilot, I have found the FAA to be pro-flying rather than pro restrictive, at least on the business-end of the organization (meaning the people in the tower or center). I have been denied entry into airspace before, mostly when I'm trying to transit class bravo airspace surrounding KSEA. But whenever I contact them regarding drone flights, it has always been "sounds good, fly safe". Honestly, unless you're in direct flight path or very close to the airport, you're not much of a threat at or below 400 feet. I just don't see this as being much of an issue. If anything, it will educate non-commercial remote pilots about airspace classifications. However, regarding your other points, it's true. I fly my drone slow, straight and level because I use it for filming exclusively. I do not have an interest in RC flying as a hobby, but I do care about rules that affect the RC flying community in general. "...pilots of slow-moving camera drones who are the ones who are breaking the current rules..." Um, don't really agree with that one. There is more media attention on slow-moving camera drones because that is what is popular, I guess. But to classify slow-moving drone pilots as the major rule-breakers, and on this forum? I just don't think it's accurate description of the issues.
You must remember, that those in the tower know that they cannot currently deny an RC pilot when he/she calls to inform the tower of their intent to fly. So what else is the tower going to say, other than "Have fun, fly safely". Under the new rules, they have discretion as to whether to let you fly, or not. If they give the RC pilot permission to fly, and an accidental occurs, the tower will be blamed. Tacit liability for any accidents that involve RC aircraft that were specifically given permission by the tower to fly near manned aircraft, close to the airport, would dictate that the tower routinely deny any and all requests.
The recent FAA report where drone-related incidents (near-hits, drone sightings etc) were reported by licensed full scale pilots was investigated by the AMA. The AMA found that of the 700 incidents, only a handful (going from memory, something like 5 incidents) actually involved a drone/UAS that was being flown irresponsibly. As for the majority of sightings that actually did involve a drone/UAS, it was found that the drone/UAS was flying legally and responsibly... For example, at an RC flying field, at less than 400 feet and in full compliance with AMA safety guidelines! The rest of the reports, were objects that were mistakenly reported as being drones/UAS but, in fact, were NOT drones/UAS. These included birds, other full scale aircraft, and even a UFO or two! There have been several recent instances of people flying drones/UAS near wildfires, such that firefighting aircraft could not operate safely. These have ALL been camera drone models, like DJI drones. The model aircraft that hit the helicopter in New York in 2017, was a DJI phantom. The model aircraft flying at night, through firework displays, over hundreds of people, none of whom we part of the flight operations, all DJI drones. I'm unaware of ANY report of a large scale RC P51D interfering with fire operations, or any turbine RC jet hitting a full scale helicopter while a TFR was in effect, or any RC glider interfering with police SWAT responses. It can't be denied, that most of the rule breakers, are slow moving camera drone operators. - not the responsible ones, of course.
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