Speaking of....look at this post from last year. A lot of people still think it is "ok" as long as you are uner 400 ft AGL or you fly a lightweight drone.
Someone made a poll about breaking the 400 feet law. 90% said don't do it. So I am curious about the vlos law. We are not allow to fly beyond vlos. But I see a lot people stating on here they going miles out. Even hacking their drones from ce to fcc just so they can fly further out. Can't...
forum.dji.com
My view: Violating the law is always a risk. There are also a lot of ridiculously restrictive laws and regulations aimed at the lowest common denominator citizen, and/or way overbroad, because of the sad fact that our democracy, still the best form of government mankind has ever come up with, is full of leaders who are most of 'em corrupt, lazy, lying-arse crooks that sought office for power, privilege, and fame, not any real motive to serve their community.
So, we all violate laws. I'll admit right here I exceed speed limits routinely, all the time. There are all kinds of roads in my area that are 25mph and I, and everyone else on those 4 lane main arteries are going 30-35,
always. Why? The posted limit is absurd.
Same with BVLOS. Yes, I've violated the rule. Save the arguments for a different thread. I have no safety concern BVLOS than VLOS because in my opinion my operation and piloting is safer using the camera as my eyes to maintain situational awareness after I get more than 500 feet away, yet still well within VLOS. My naked eye and ears tells me there's a plane or helicopter out there to be concerned about; the camera view tells me where it is relative to my drone so I can react effectively.
And the VLOS rule is vague. What is VLOS? I would argue that we all fly BVLOS regularly according to the definition of VLOS in the regs. A drone becomes too far to distinguish relative distance compared to another object well before you can't see it.
So, a lot of "common sense" is involved in complying with, and enforcing the VLOS rule. Unlike the 400ft ceiling, VLOS is subjective. Like "disturbing the peace". If you're way out of visual range over open, cattle grazing land and it comes to the attention of a pertinent authority, they're likely to ignore it. They have much better things to do that their boss cares about.
OTOH, if you're 3 miles BVLOS over downtown Santa Cruz, you very well may get a letter or even a visit.
The law isn't – in theory – about controlling citizens. It's about an orderly and safe society.