Line of sight

[msinger]

These are of course "guidelines".... which I think adds to the confusion.... guidelines vs actual laws on the books...

Yes, most of those are guidelines. Some are laws though -- as seen here.

 

[J-Dub]

Go here, read, interpret for yourself. Lawyers will have a field day with some of this...Unmanned Aircraft Systems

 

[J-Dub]

From FAA site

Safety Guidelines
Individuals flying for hobby or recreation are strongly encouraged to follow safety guidelines, which include:

• Fly at or below 400 feet and stay away from surrounding obstacles
• Keep your UAS within sight
• Never fly near other aircraft, especially near airports
• Never fly over groups of people
• Never fly over stadiums or sports events
• Never fly near emergency response efforts such as fires
• Never fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Understand airspace restrictions and requirements

 

[Logger]

In Australia you must keep the drone in sight. As it is a small drone anyone got any ideas how to see it in the distance? Thought maybe fluro colours or even a reflective prism mounted somewhere. As i fly a phantom standard at the moment it isn't a problem as it can't fly out of sight.

I was thinking a smoke generator so it would leave a contrail

As you rightly say, our rules here Australia require that an RPA such as the Mavic...

"...is operated in visual line of sight (VLOS) only - close enough to see, maintain orientation and achieve accurate flight and tracking."

So this leads me to wonder several things:

What happens if a drone malfunctions, flies off into the never never and stacks into something. Did I operate it beyond VLOS or did I cease operating it when it malfunctioned?

Along the lines of "Rules are for the guidance of wise Men and the blind obedience of fools" - Will I steadfastly observe this rule when operating at 30' AGL on my own private property, checking my cattle and sheep? If it had a spontaneous power failure it might fall 30' onto one of my sheep. Who would ever know. I wouldn't' because it was beyond VLOS and CASA would never know.

To me the big ticket items are:
...no higher than 120 m (400 feet) above ground level, & <-- air traffic / safety
..no closer than 30 m from people not associated with the flight <-- safety - privacy
.. not over over a populous areas <-- safety - privacy
These rules all make good sense and are arguably even possible to police.

However the VLOS rule - Specifically when applied to operation over ones own private property strikes me as a bit onerous and pointless given the FPV and autonomous capabilities of these modern drones. Practically speaking it is un-enforceable as well.

The things you wonder about at 3am in the morning when you cannot sleep!

 

[LuvMyTJ]

I did quote from 107, however for hobbyists as well - again from the FAA website, and you all acknowledged this when you registered with the FAA.

These are of course "guidelines".... which I think adds to the confusion.... guidelines vs actual laws on the books...

FAA Acknowledgments of Safety Guidance (Check All) *
I will fly below 400 feet
I will fly within visual line of sight
I will be aware of FAA airspace requirements: www.faa.gov/go/uastfr
I will not fly directly over people
I will not fly over stadiums and sports events
I will not fly near emergency response efforts such as fires
I will not fly near aircraft, especially near airports
I will not fly under the influence

Drone Registration Form

If you are in the US, an AMA member & hobby flying, some of those 'guidelines' don't apply such as the 400' ceiling and restrictions on night flights for example.
Glad they made this all clear as mud.

 

[BlakPhoenix]

Where are links to laws saying you can't fly at night?

From CASA's website.

You should only fly in visual line-of-sight, in day visual meteorological conditions (VMC). What does that mean?

• No night flying (generally).
• No flying in or through cloud or fog, and you should.
• Be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (rather than through first-person-view [FPV, binoculars, telescopes]) at all times, (unless you operate under the procedures of an approved model flying association.

For those flying in Australia: Flying drones or model aircraft recreationally | Civil Aviation Safety Authority

I am curious what "generally" means here...

 

[Logger]

....I am curious what "generally" means here...

That simply means it was created by CASA and is a can of worms like everything else they do ;-) For every rule they make there is an obscure exception or sub clause somewhere.

 

[voxelman]

As far as the Visual Line Of Sight (VLOS) rules, it seems that if if you mount three strobes, White , Red and Green you could significantly extend your flying distance. I've ordered one of each color and plan on experimenting as soon as I receive them.

 

[Butterpuff 6]

I don't know if "VLOS with the lights" is even a thing. Then again, I've never seen the FAA say it wasn't acceptable. There are no street lights where I live, so just seeing the lights flashing wouldn't be the same as flying during the day. I'd definitely hit a tree since they are not lit up. However, I guess it would be different story if you're flying in a wide open field.

In the U.S., if you're flying as a hobbyist under the AMA's safety guidelines you can fly at night as long as you have directional lighting that you keep in your line of sight.


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[voxelman]

In the U.S., if you're flying as a hobbyist under the AMA's safety guidelines you can fly at night as long as you have directional lighting that you keep in your line of sight.


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I became an AMA member yesterday after reading your post. I may eventually seek a Remote Pilot Certificate as there are some potential applications in my work. I also found that reading about the
National Airspace System was informative including a basic understanding of Sectional Maps. The town where I live lies wholly inside the 5-mile radius of the local municipal airport. However, from reading the section chart it appears that as long as I observe the 400 ft ceiling outside of a 3-mile radius of the airport I'm good to go and possibly closer than that. I also intend to meet with the airport manager to confirm my understanding.

 

[OCsurfer411]

Couple guys I fly with velcro'd some of these in their drones and other RC aircraft. They're super bright and are self contained. They claim to strobe for up to 7 hours on one charge.

STROBON Standalone - Flytron

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[Cookedinlh]

Yes strobon works! ... super light and compact . Just ordered 2 more. Here's my testing pix and video www.inskyphoto.com ... hover drone issues menu and click strobes


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