Recent content by merk

Well, I'll see if they provide any sort of record of where they say they tracked my flight.

it did show up in the map, so I do think it was restricted. In either case, I avoided it. Even if it wasn't restricted, that's the sort of thing I'd try to give a wide berth.

So I got an email back from the university. They basically avoided any discussion at all about what the FAA said and their attempt at regulating their airspace. They did however claim that I entered restricted airspace by flying into a medical heliport space. I was aware of that space and as far...

Already done. I've forwarded a copy of the email to the university and I'm waiting to see what their reply is.

Just for clarity - the university was not my customer. I'm assuming if they had hired me to fly, they wouldn't then tell me I can't fly ;) I was flying for a realtor who wanted to highlight a properties location relative to the university and surrounding area. I emailed the university's office...

If the FAA is in charge of navigable airspace only, and that starts at 500ft, then wouldn't that mean the FAA should have no authority over drones since we're all (supposed to be) flying at 400ft or lower? And no I'm not trying to seriously argue that point. It just seems to contradict itself...

So i contacted the FAA and they replied. I think I have my definitive answer now: You are correct. The University of Michigan can prohibit activities on the property over which they have jurisdiction. They have no jurisdiction over airspace. Federal Law 49 U.S. Code §40103 stipulates (my...

I didn't go to them because I wasn't really focusing on any specific building or anything. These were wide shots just showing the location of the university relative to the property I was photographing. Plus, it would just mean extra time for me to try and find whoever is responsible and waiting...

It's amazing how you know these things without having been there.

I supposed they can cite any potential danger they want. But if the FAA says it's ok to fly over the campus, then i don't think it legally matters what they cite. I specifically asked the cop while he was there if it was ok for me to photograph some of the buildings on the ground and he said...

well, if i was not in the car and staring at the drone, I wouldn't have noticed them either. It was cold out and I was sitting in my car while the drone was within LOS of me and the car.

I did send an email to the campus office in charge of their drone ordinance explaining that the FAA is the only one able to enforce airspace restrictions, although I didn't include any links. That would have been a good idea. I'll wait and see what, if any, response I get back from them.

Pretty sure it was city police but they are specifically for campus.

Nope. i'm not affiliated with the university in any way. Would you happen to know of any legal document I could show to them to show they don't have any legal authority? I still wouldn't argue with the police, but it would be nice to at least have it on hand and show them. Thanks

(this is Michigan) I've been stopped by the police once or twice before just asking what I was doing and nothing else beyond a 2 minute conversation happened. Today however I was flying around a university that is also within controlled airspace. I have a part 107 license and i applied for and...