Have you seen this idiot

[Jim622]

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Reading through the comments is just as troubling as the unsafe acts.

 

[msinger]

He was on the way to filming a potentially unsafe, illegal flight, but was still likely within VLOS range when he crashed.

Or is there something else we should be looking for here?

 

[Cafguy]

He was on the way to filming a potentially unsafe, illegal flight, but was still likely within VLOS range when he crashed.

Or is there something else we should be looking for here?

I agree with you there BUT was he really flying LOS or was he "Flying the camera", one cannot FPV alone you need a spotter. and even tho he has no goggles constant attention to the screen would be the same thing as having goggles.

 

[msinger]

BUT was he really flying LOS or was he "Flying the camera"

We will never know. But, I'd have to think he was flying LOS (or looking elsewhere) since it was easy to see the tree was fast approaching on the remote controller screen. Either way, it's an easy mistake to make when flying LOS.

As for his original intent for the video though, it looks like the making of an illegal flight.

 

[mavic3usa]

Dustin Dunnill is far from being an idiot.

 

[Jim622]

My point was filming yourself doing a potentially unsafe and questionable illegal flight is not the smartest thing to do.
Drone activity is heavily scrutinized right now. I think most people here are safe and conscientious. Do we need people posting unsafe activity on YouTube? Then, all the comments seem to support illegal activity. Maybe I misread them, but that's what it looked like to me.

 

[msinger]

Then, all the comments seem to support illegal activity

I'm not sure anything illegal happened in that specific video. But, yes, many people in general support long range flight videos as they probably aren't aware it's illegal. Many people do not understand the rules well.

As for Dustin being far from an idiot, that's likely true as he understands how to make viral videos (likely the sole purpose here). That said, his judgment in setting a responsible example might be questionable.

 

[hank970]

A beginner's mistake. If Dunhill isn't an idiot, he's certainly careless and non-observant. What, exactly, is the purpose of a range test other than to tickle the tiger? Is it really necessary to see if a manufacturer's claims of flight duration and distance are entirely accurate?

 

[tstr14]

Dustin Dunnill is far from being an idiot.

And yet his video seems to dispute that statement.

 

[Bad Santa]

So, here's the question on VLOS.
Do you have to be able to see the drone, itself, or the area the drone is in?

I knw people say it's supposed to be able to see the drone itself. Is that in writing in some law? (I'm not saying it's not)

 

[msinger]

Do you have to be able to see the drone, itself, or the area the drone is in?

Per section 107.31:

(1) Know the unmanned aircraft's location;
(2) Determine the unmanned aircraft's attitude, altitude, and direction of flight;
(3) Observe the airspace for other air traffic or hazards; and
(4) Determine that the unmanned aircraft does not endanger the life or property of another.

 

[Bad Santa]

Per section 107.31:

(1) Know the unmanned aircraft's location;
(2) Determine the unmanned aircraft's attitude, altitude, and direction of flight;
(3) Observe the airspace for other air traffic or hazards; and
(4) Determine that the unmanned aircraft does not endanger the life or property of another.

#3 requires VLOS
1, 2, 4 can be determined from the screen.

 

[msinger]

1, 2, 4 can be determined from the screen

Unfortunately, we can't negotiate with the FAA on how we believe a screen can be used. That's why they always require VLOS when operating an unmanned aircraft.

"With vision that is unaided by any device other than corrective lenses, the remote pilot in command, the visual observer (if one is used), and the person manipulating the flight control of the small unmanned aircraft system must be able to see the unmanned aircraft throughout the entire flight"