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Xenocrates wrote:IIRC, there is also a carve-out in it for model planes and helicopters, so long as they are not autonomous, or intended for non-LOS flight, and they are flown in accordance with the rules of an institution such as the AMA (you don't need to be a member, just follow their rules is my understanding). There are other issues with the rules, but I think a 5 dollar fee (which is being refunded/waived currently), and filling out a form for out-door flight is reasonable, when you talk about drones like a DJI phantom, or similar. Much less so for say, a 30$ RC helicopter you bought at wall-mart.

I would agree with that approach. Most cheap helis and quads sold for Christmas likely won't ever be a problem. On the other hand my Quad weights between 4 and 5 pounds depending on the configuration and has up to a 6 pound payload capacity using a NAZA controller. Quite a difference in application.

Have to love the typical government wording that leaves it up for interpretation.


Individuals flying for hobby or recreation are strongly encouraged to follow safety guidelines, which include:

Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying
Don't fly near people or stadiums
Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs
Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft – you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft



The actual proposed regulation includes a lot more restrictions.
http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies ... nature.pdf


A few that stick out:

First-person view camera cannot satisfy “see-and avoid”
requirement but can be used as long as requirement is satisfied in other ways.

Make available to the FAA, upon request, the small UAS for inspection or testing, and
any associated documents/records required to be kept under the proposed rule

Pilots of a small UAS would be considered “operators”.
-Operators would be required to:
-- Pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center.
-- Be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration.
-- Obtain an unmanned aircraft operator certificate with a small UAS rating (pilot airman certificates, never expires).

My solution is simple. I am going to take my quadrotor, which currently weighs about 6 pounds, and attach a rod structure to the top that is capped off with a 6 foot diameter mylar or latex sphere. The sphere will be used to contain 113 cubic feet of gaseous helium. By my calculations, the finished quad will tip the scales at 200 grams, exempting it from all licensing requirements.

Of course it will be more sensitive to wind, but I rarely fly in wind. The motors and batteries could be scaled back considerably in size, making the required sphere volume smaller, if I want. But I might want to leave it as is, so I can print something snarky in huge letters on the gas bag about registration.