FAA 2014-0396- interpretation of new rule for Model Aircraft

3dNater said:

The article I read sounded like things won't be finalized for up to 18 months from now.

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That is what I saw, also heard on the news it could take up to two years. Not sure where the reporter got that info from.

These are the published FAA regulations for recreational RC use (and yes, that includes those of us in the industry who do not fly for commercial purposes (I may be paraphrasing a bit here)):

1. The aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational purposes.

2. The aircraft is operated in accordance with the community guidelines and within the nationwide community based program.

3. 55lb max weight, unless certified

4. Aircraft operates in a manner that doesn't interfere with manned aircraft.

5. If flown within 5 miles of an airport, be in communication with the tower about doing so, or have pre-established mutual agreements with the tower when in a permanent zone.

You can find the complete set of laws in section 336 of P.L. 112-95:

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-112publ95/pdf/PLAW-112publ95.pdf

So basically, business as usual for us hobbyists.

It took longer than it should have for common sense to hit the pages but it appears it has. For now! Good.

While the resolution may be common sense, they are still a lot of uneducated mass out there that do not know the FAA/NTSB/AMA rules. And they can complicate the application of the rulings. So the "drones" will still make news for the near term.

Absolutely! Lowest common denominator beats out common sense every time unfortunately. We all have to keep educating and being part of the solution.