If you live within 5 miles of airport, flying a model aircraft – or a kite or helium balloon on a string– just inches off your patio deck – is a violation of Federal regulations says an FAA representative – and can incur a $10,000 fine: The Federal Government Thinks Your Backyard Is National Airspace And Toys Are Subject To FAA Regulations.

Forget hobbyist photography let alone commercial uses. Since I have a Private Pilot’s certificate, I wonder if I can get my Hubsan X4 classified as an “Experimental” aircraft? 🙂

The FAA asserts that flying kites and holding helium balloons on a short string are subject to regulation by the FAA! Last week, a dozen crows were on my roof or in the front yard – each is physically larger and weighs more than my Hubsan X4! One is regulated a danger to aviation and the other is not!

Continue reading FAA: flying model aircraft inches above backyard patio may be illegal →

FOIA Response Reveals FAA Routinely Misrepresents the Law Regarding Unmanned Aircraft – DIY Drones.

Read the whole article at the link.

Long ago, the FAA issued an “advisory circular” (AC 91-57), which is not a rule or regulation, regarding model aircraft.  Per the link, the FAA has incorrectly interpreted this advisory notice, which clearly states the notice is a voluntary guideline, as a regulation concerning model aircraft even though the FAA said in a Court filing that “compliance” with the advisory is not mandatory.

The 2012 FAA Reauthorization Act, includes wording that exempts model aircraft from FAA regulations but the FAA seems to be interpreting this law opposite to what the law says.

On a related topic, recent news reports say the FAA has seen an explosive growth in “near misses” with UAS craft. But this appears to be a big stretch.

Continue reading FAA appears to misrepresent the rules on model aircraft “drones” →