I have a lot of mixed feelings about multi-rotor and hobby aircraft regulation. Part of me looks at all the idiots out there and goes: "okay, that's fair." But then it impacts responsible flyers and isn't consistent with some existing case law and even the US Constitution. In my state they've enacted a law that makes it illegal to film, then post video on YouTube from a multi-rotor and have all but made it illegal to fly them over private property without permission. Meanwhile, balloons! Balloonists can do whatever they want and no one is calling them out on the crazy irresponsible stuff they do. In fact, court cases dating back nearly 200 years supports their use of the air for all purposes. Yes, you might go "ha, ha", Patch is a funny guy, irresponsible balloonists, right!" but I'm serious. On April 17th of just this year we had a balloonist come quite literally inches away from hitting our neighbors house. Do you think anyone at the FAA even cared? Do you think it made the news? Nope. Below is a photo I snapped of the incident as I ran out the door to what I thought was going to be a pretty nasty ballooning accident.
Throughout the centuries, owning a balloon has been something for the rich, for people who could afford good lawyers and build case law that favors nearly unrestricted flight by way of comparison to drone 'rules' being enacted. The problem with multi-rotors, is that any idiot without a lot of money can buy one, do something stupid, then be at the mercy of a public defender when they go to court. Since there are literally millions of people out there who can afford a multi-rotor but can't afford to defend themselves in court, the future isn't bright when it comes to being able to step out your door and fly a multi-rotor.
Idaho. Specifically any drone footage with a human who has not signed a waiver. It's a real piece of work and I've partnered with a production firm here in town and hope to have a real funny video challenge to the law sometime this summer.
Throughout the centuries, owning a balloon has been something for the rich, for people who could afford good lawyers and build case law that favors nearly unrestricted flight by way of comparison to drone 'rules' being enacted. The problem with multi-rotors, is that any idiot without a lot of money can buy one, do something stupid, then be at the mercy of a public defender when they go to court. Since there are literally millions of people out there who can afford a multi-rotor but can't afford to defend themselves in court, the future isn't bright when it comes to being able to step out your door and fly a multi-rotor.
https://scontent-sea1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1...