While his video doesn't help our cause, don't fool yourself by thinking we can prevent the noose from tightening if we're all compliant. Just this month
Orlando passed more anti-drone legislation - despite hobbyists' protests, and there not being a single (publicly documented) drone incident happening there. The anti-drone sentiment is such that it will steamroll the hobby regardless of our behavior.
Actually, that legislation isn't terrible. First, it only restricts takeoffs and landings on city property near sports venues and other places, and has some exceptions:
1. If you are flying on behalf of a governmental agency
2. If you are flying in a park that has designated areas for flight
3. If you hold a 107. (Well, that appears to be the intent. I think the wording could be interpreted to allow legal hobbyist flight as well by a creative lawyer. Here's the wording: "Proof of authorization by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate unmanned aircraft in city air space in accordance with federal law constitutes an affirmative defense to any action brought under the provisions of paragraph 2, above."
They also kept it "boots-on-the-ground", and didn't overreach by trying to prohibit overflight.
But yes, we do have to be mindful that cities, counties, and states are all varying levels of paranoid about drones - either being weaponized by terrorists, used to invade people's privacy, or being flown recklessly and hurting people. What lawmakers do not understand and are afraid of - especially that which generates citizen outrage - they legislate away.
My issue with the OPs video is that in demonstrating recklessness and disregard for the rules, this stereotyping of drone operators as reckless and drones as undesirable will continue. That said, this is by far NOT the worst thing I've ever seen - but I still caution the OP that such videos don't help you or the rest of us. I would encourage him to find ways to impress everyone with how drones are good, not things to be legislated. Let's say the FAA does indeed fine him and it makes the paper - how do you think it will be spun? "Local teen fined by FAA for minor rules violations" or "ZOMG DE DRONEZ ARE DROPPING BURGER BOMBZ CALL TRUMPPPP NOWWWWWWW"? The media is horribly reactionary to stories like this, especially since they get a steady diet of privacy issues and reckless conduct.
