G+_Jared Bartimus Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 Fr. Robert Ballecer, SJ I was thinking about all the issues with quadcopters and the risk of FAA regulations. What do you think about a system similar to amateur radio? Have a reasonably simple test that is there to show knowledge of safe operation. Maybe allow pre built micro RC aircraft to be flown without a license. Have an entry level license that maybe would allow only quads up to a reasonable size/weight and only visual flight and then a higher level license that allows FPV, autonomous flight, etc. Just about everything I have read indicates you need an amateur radio license for 433mhz, fpv, and probably other activities so there is already a barrier to legal operation of those technologies but hopefully an expansion covering safe operation would reduce the number of people making close passes to aircraft, hitting buildings, plummeting out of the sky into populated areas, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ben Reese Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 How often does that happen currently? Is it a big problem or a new problem? Either could get the same amount of publicity. I presume most have to be flown within line of sight. If you're right about requiring an amateur radio license for FPV, there is that barrier already for drones with higher risk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Dana J. Dawson Posted January 1, 2015 Share Posted January 1, 2015 Quads aren't really any more dangerous than the RC planes and helicopters that have been around for years - they've just become more popular because the barriers to entry have become much lower lately. I believe the existing rules, laws, and associated penalties should be left alone until there's a clear and widespread problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Ben Reese Posted January 2, 2015 Share Posted January 2, 2015 Ideally they could fix the problem before it occurs. I'm not predicting a problem for another 5-10 years, but at the rate of our government, they better start now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G+_Travis Hershberger Posted January 2, 2015 Share Posted January 2, 2015 The rules are already in place tho. You're not allowed to fly ultralights in the area around an airport for example. Just enforce the current rules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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