By Bob S (Oldtoot) on Saturday, November 21, 2015 - 01:35 pm:
In Northern Illinois we have about 9 or 10 inches on the ground
and more coming as i write, 19 mile an hour winds with it. Winter
came here before da UP this year eh.
By FRNash/PHX, AZ (Frnash) on Saturday, November 21, 2015 - 07:11 pm:
Hurrah for Nick and his drone pix!
But, a small caveat, especially given the affordability and potential popularity of such drones as Christmas gifts:
I certainly hope that Nick or anyone else operating a drone, a.k.a "Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)" is aware of and in compliance with the FAA's Regulations and Policies on (click →) Model Aircraft Operations, quoted here in part:
Quote: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 (statute) miles of an airport1 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
As this is an evolving regulatory environment, it would be well to follow the status of this Small UAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM).
The FAA proposal offers safety rules for small UAS (under 55 pounds) conducting non-recreational operations. The rule would limit flights to daylight and visual-line-of-sight operations. It also addresses height restrictions, operator certification, optional use of a visual observer, aircraft registration and marking, and operational limits.
See also the various links in the above document:
Read an overview of the Small UAS NPRM (PDF).
Read the complete Small UAS NPRM (PDF).
…and other links therein.
There are increasing numbers of unmanned aircraft encounters in controlled airspace being reported to the FAA: From AOPA, August 27, 2015: "Drone reports detailed".
Failure to comply with these requirements can be expensive. From Newsmax.com, Tuesday, 06 Oct 2015: "FAA Proposes Massive $2M Fine Against Drone Operator"
[1 Note: The 5 statute mile "no drone zone" radius from CMX (nearly 20 square miles) includes:
Quincy Mine, the Scenic Lookout on US-41 above Hancock, all of beautiful downtown Hancock east of the City Hall, the bridge, all of beautiful downtown Houghton east of the south/eastbound US-41 loop at the bridge and the MTU campus, East Sharon Avenue @ Diamond Avenue, US-41 0.4 mi. south of the Pilgrim River, Senter, the Traprock River Bridge on Bootjack Road, South Hecla Street @ South Calumet Street in Laurium, Osceola Location, Swedetown, and North Cloverland Road at M-203 (Calumet).]
