FAA speeds up drone flight approvals for firms that don't need them

Re: Drones should be very limited

"We certainly don't need or want a lot of drones flying around to cause both aviation and populace issues."

Oh, They're coming. The biggest industry in The US will lobby like Hell, and then...

At the vending machines outside a gas station:

"{Bzzz} Hi! I see you're about to purchase a beverage. I'd recommend a Nice Refreshing Sparkle soda -The Soda with Style!

At the bus stop:

"{Bzzz} Hello commuters. Just a reminder that Rancor Motors is offering a sale on the fuel efficient, stylish 2023 Electron - The World's smartest Smart Car! If you owned one, you'd already be at your destination! Buy now, get Easy terms, and no money down!"

Just out walking:

"{Bzzz} Tired of your current wardrobe? Snooty's High fashion Apparel is on sale at Vlecks, just two blocks away!"

"{Bzzz} Snooty's is sooo twenty teens! Be fashionable and comfortable in a new Kanor Wardrobe, for sell at all Titor department stores, Take a left at the corner for the closest one!"

"{Bzzz} Bah, forget those clothes horse fad rags, Denton's store has comfortable, affordable clothing in styles that never go out of fashion! Just go back two..."

{Bzzz} {Bzzz} {Bzzz} {Bzz..."

At the accident scene:

"Bzzz" Don't worry, emergency services have been called, Thanks to Dight, Dighter, and Dightest, Office of Reliable Liability Lawyers. When you're ready to sue, call Dight, Dighter, and Dightest!"

I fear for the future.

Re: When a drone's a model....

I'm sure Georgia Power would love to replace their helicopter inspections of high-tension lines with two guys in a truck with 6 drones (so they can spend 8 hours flying without having to wait for battery packs to recharge).

It will also make it quieter. Having a helicopter hover for 10 minutes less 100ft from the house is RATHER LOUD.

Re: When a drone's a model....

Over here on our side of the pond there is no height limit for models below 7kg in weight.

Above 7kg it's 400 feet.

Re: Visual Line of Sight

I guess it's some kind of definition of actually being there and looking at it with the mk1 eyeball.

As opposed to , say, flying two drones in tandem with camera's pointed at each other. Or a selfie stick on the one drone.

Re: Visual Line of Sight

Drone operation is either VLOS ("Visual Line of Sight") or BLOS ("Beyond Line of Sight"). Typically you need multiple communications systems to operate in BLOS mode (e.g. long-range UHF coupled with satellite communications). At the moment no aviation authority allows small-drone BLOS operation, although the CAA is working on the rules.

Re: Line of sight

Line of Sight flight rules

The pilot of the aircraft must be able to see the aircraft being flown unaided (except by prescription glasses where required) at all times.

fairly simple, you have to be able to see what you are flying directly with your eyes.

Indeed! I was under the impression that the LOHAN flight was a ballocket.