Drone question

Nov 26, 2008
1,970
Endeavour 42 Cruisin
"Require flight authorization"? I did not see that in the regs I read. They are talking about having a basic licensing program for pro's with regulations such as no flying over crowds.
 

KZW

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May 17, 2014
831
Catalina 310 #307 Bluewater Bay, FL
"Require flight authorization"? I did not see that in the regs I read. They are talking about having a basic licensing program for pro's with regulations such as no flying over crowds.
Yes, anyone not flying as a model airplane hobby in a "community based program" (language from the 2012 Congressional Law, will be regulated by the FAA. Anyone flying must be registered and licensed. There are strict directives on where one may and may not fly. My use of the term "flight authorization" was meant to mean you may not fly without registering and being licensed.
 
Jan 25, 2007
366
Cal Cal 33-2 cape cod
Here to stay...

I don't like them at an anchorage. Or a beach, or a park, or anywhere buzzing above my head like a wasp. They belong with state police, accident surveying, inspecting power lines, observing bridges, filming sporting events-like Volvo ocean race, or documentary/artistic type of stuff with willing participants. Ect. Amen.
 
Feb 20, 2011
8,062
Island Packet 35 Tucson, AZ/San Carlos, MX
I don't like them at an anchorage. Or a beach, or a park, or anywhere buzzing above my head like a wasp. They belong with state police, accident surveying, inspecting power lines, observing bridges, filming sporting events-like Volvo ocean race, or documentary/artistic type of stuff with willing participants. Ect. Amen.
IOW, under authority control?
 
Aug 1, 2011
3,972
Catalina 270 255 Wabamun. Welcome to the marina
I don't like them at an anchorage. Or a beach, or a park, or anywhere buzzing above my head like a wasp. They belong with state police, accident surveying, inspecting power lines, observing bridges, filming sporting events-like Volvo ocean race, or documentary/artistic type of stuff with willing participants. Ect. Amen.
It was interesting to watch the lads on Nova last night talking about Predators at 17,000 feet, watching. You can't see them, you can't hear them.
If we want to talk about who should, and who shouldn't, maybe we should talk about who is, and who isn't.
 
Jan 22, 2008
8,050
Beneteau 323 Annapolis MD
On tv AT 0700 EDT: ABC's GMA had a short story on drones. Mostly, it seemed to be concerned with the White House, but other stuff, too. Not a whole lot of story there, but in tune with this thread.
 
Jan 10, 2015
130
. . Pensacola, FL
I have a DJI Phantom 2 quadcopter. Takes great video, and my brother has already asked if it would be possible to shoot video while underway.

We're going to give it a try, the problem will be the launch and recovery...never tried that on a moving platform. The Phantom II does require a little time sitting still to acquire GPS satellites and 'learn' it's position. Even if coming to a stop, any rolling motion of the boat could prevent the gyro from getting a good alignment.

I've used it to take a look at the anemometer on my house, so I can see a use for inspecting the top of the mast. But even so, getting it close enough to see good detail, and keeping a stable hover, sounds tough. Could be real easy to hit the mast or rigging if not very careful.

Now that I've typed all this, it sounds like trying to use a 'drone' on or around a sailboat might be more trouble than it's worth...
 

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Ward H

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Nov 7, 2011
3,832
Catalina 30 Mk II Cedar Creek, Bayville NJ
Timely thread with the new Alfred Hitchcock's "The Bird's" themed Lexus (?) commercial using drones in place of birds.
 
Sep 20, 2014
1,330
Rob Legg RL24 Chain O'Lakes

Bgjj

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Nov 1, 2013
10
O day 272 Port dover
OH MY GOD !!!! Live and let live people, I don't find anything wrong with someone flying a drone around, if it gets to a point where it's going on to long and your bothered go have a talk, and start the conversation how you would like to be approached, you should be able to work it out. As for the "privacy" issue, give me a break!! You don't own the anchorage or water, river, sea, lake, whatever, it's just someone trying to capture a video of the beautiful place the are at, and I'm sure 99.99999 % they are sure as hell not trying to spy on you, and if you really think that, ahh..... I believe you really have problems.......... Ssheeesh !!!! God humanity sometime just sucks !!!
 

Joe

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Jun 1, 2004
8,318
Catalina 27 Mission Bay, San Diego
If you use the drone as a hobby interest, such as a model airplane.. then it should be restricted by the same rules.

If you use the drone for other reasons than hobby flying... aerial photography, visual inspections, security, etc.... then its operation falls into a commercial category and there are definitely guidelines for using the devices in these circumstantces.

Because drones can take off vertically and hover people feel they can operate them anywhere, rather than be restricted to open, unobstructed areas that pose few dangers.

Unfortunately, the irony is that drones are basically boring if they aren't use to go places they shouldn't. It's like owning a Ferrari and driving the speed limit. What's the point???

If you can't see the potential legal and moral violations these things pose.... go ahead and buy the gadget, but be prepared to be sued when regulations kick in and the unexpected happens.