It really does give me humor and horror when I read and realize how many pilots out there, (in the many wonderful lands around the globe), lend themselves to self confession. Examples are varied and many of the violations. Violations either by mistake or on purpose. Violations such as "I did a VLOS flight of (exaggerated) 23 miles and never lost sight." "What is your longest?" "Here's my video of my drone flying over a car/truck/ship/train loaded with a highly explosive substance, and clearly marked hazardous material." "I placed strobes on my Mavic Air so now I can maintain VLOS up to 45 miles away." How about the videos posted that show the DRONE takeoff from point A, fly over 3 or 4 city blocks, across the river, trees, buildings, etc, and the pilot expects us to believe they maintained VLOS the whole time.
I have to sit back and laugh at these self confessions. It seemingly is sending a message to the FAA (or respective national authority) and saying, "
I know what the rules are but I just have to prove I don't care!" And so, these individuals that proclaim to be
responsible pilots start a thread and/or post a video bragging of their inability to fly within the limits of the law. And, some even go further and encourage others to violate the law as well by asking "Have you tried this bypass?" or "How far can you go?", or "How can I still fly in the TFZ when I am 15 miles away?", etc, etc!
Should we NOT, as members of this FORUM, be open to display ourselves as responsible, lawful pilots? Should we not be encouraging other to promote the drone community as a responsible entity. One which has the public drone industry first and foremost in mind by promoting a safe and responsible environment of piloting by ourselves and all others. Should we not condemn the FAA (others) for placing more and more strict rules of flying, when we ourselves cannot abide by the rules set forth already? As members of the drone industry, we should be able to point out, to others, the mistakes and infractions of simple and blatant violations! If I am making a mistake, or more clearly violating the law, when I am flying, please tell me, so I may correct the inappropriate action. Help me to become a better pilot. Be gentle, but firm. Let me know specifically what I did wrong and why it was wrong! I can take it. If not, I have a blanket and pacifier and I know where the corner of the room is! Been there, done that!
Do
NOT be condemning of others for responding to the violations of a pilot that has posted obvious violations, as they are attempting to correct a wrong! Often, those persons are trying to help the forum as a whole by letting all know of the errors. Do
NOT condemn the pilot for making an error the pilot may not be aware of! The forum should be a place where we can all exchange ideas and encourage each other to grow. We should NOT condemn and crucify another for their errors, but rather help them grow. Let others know of their mistakes, their errors, their violations. Do NOT be afraid to cite the offense and offer corrective action.
DOES BIG BROTHER WATCH AND READ? FAR TOO OFTEN WE CAN READ, ON THIS FORUM, THE SINS OF OURSELVES! HOW EASY IS IT FOR THE FAA, CAA, OTHER RESPECTIVE AGENCIES TO STOP BY AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES OUR SINS. WE ARE FAR OPEN TO BOASTING OUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES. WE OPENLY SHOW WE HAVE NO REGARD FOR THE AUTHORITY THAT GIVES US PERMISSION TO FLY (MOSTLY WITHOUT TOO MUCH CONSTRAINT). BUT, WHEN THE AUTHORITY SUGGESTS A CHANGE OR MODIFICATION TO THE RULES OF FLIGHT, WE CRY AND SCREAM AND THROW A TANTRUM AND WONDER "WHY ON EARTH DID THEY WANT TO DO THAT?" THE ANSWER WAS OBVIOUS ALL ALONG! WASN'T IT?
REMEMBER, ALL BIG BROTHER HAS TO DO IS VIEW THIS FORUM TO SEE IF MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY ABIDE BY RULES OR NOT. ONE DOES NOT HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO READ, BUT TO POST!
MORALE IF THE STORY IS . . . IF YOU WISH TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS NOT ALIGNED WITH THE LAWFUL FLIGHT OF A DRONE. DO NOT POST IT FOR THE WORLD TO SEE!!!
KUDOS TO THE ADMINISTRATORS/MAINTAINERS, THEY DO A THANKLESS AND WONDERFUL JOB AT KEEP THIS FORUM ALIVE AND INFORMATIVE. MODERATORS DO
NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO THOROUGHLY VIEW EACH AND EVERY POSTING/VIDEO. THERE IS MUCH MORE INVOLVED THAT PROHIBITS THEM FROM READING/REVIEWING EACH AND EVERY POSTING/VIDEO TO DETERMINE IF THE CONTENT WAS A LEGAL ACTION OR NOT. HELP THEM ALONG AND STAY WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THE LAW. IF YOU VIEW A NEW THREAD (OR POSTING) THAT YOU BELIEVE IS DEMONSTRATING ILLEGAL/WRONGFUL ACTIVITY, MESSAGE A MODERATOR! LET THEM MAKE A DECISION, THAT'S THEIR JOB!!! THAT WOULD TRULY BENEFIT ALL MEMBERS OF THE FORUM AND PROMOTE RESPONSIBILITY WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
I ENCOURAGE EACH AND EVERY MEMBER OF THIS FORUM TO ABIDE BY THE RULES ESTABLISHED FOR SAFE FLIGHT, PROMOTE AND DEMONSTRATE A HIGH DEGREE OF RESPECT FOR THE INDUSTRY, BY SHARING THE SAFE AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF DRONE FLIGHT WITH ALL, HELPING TO KEEP THIS INDUSTRY ALIVE THROUGH ADHERENCE TO THE APPLICABLE RULES AND LAWS, AND KINDLY WARN OTHERS OF POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS AND ACTIONS TO CORRECT.
DO NOT GIVE THE FAA (OTHER ENTITIES) AMMUNITION TO RESTRICT THE INDUSTRY ANY MORE THAN IT IS!
