Just my opinion about the future of drones.
I would expect over the next decade the fracturing will occur something like this. Manually operated drones like Mavics will eventually become so advanced with their imaging tech that they be moved to a more enterprise-like class.
Class 1: Selfie/camera drones with machine leaning that will do most of the all the flying themselves. As manual toy drones fade as a fad, this will become the most popular new entry drone class since it will require no FAA authorization because all flight restrictions are imbedded into the design (all weigh less than 250 grams). There is no way to override it. Flight ceiling locked at 150ft and won’t fly more than 300ft away from beacon.
Class 2: FPV race drones. These manual drones with their ultra high speeds and short battery life will be regulated to racing events and isolated and FAA approved practice/fun locations. FPV race drones over 250 grams will likely require some type of FAA license but won’t be as airspace-knowledge dependent as 107 and could be done online annually.
Class 3: Professional class of manually flown drones. As camera/imagining/sensor tech and etc become so good that privacy laws are enacted that forces this class to require FAA 107 and tracking at all times.
Class 4: Heavier professional drones that have waivers for out of line of sight flight and will require parachutes as standard equipment. These drones will be treated similar to manned aircraft and will have higher annual fees attached to them.
I would expect over the next decade the fracturing will occur something like this. Manually operated drones like Mavics will eventually become so advanced with their imaging tech that they be moved to a more enterprise-like class.
Class 1: Selfie/camera drones with machine leaning that will do most of the all the flying themselves. As manual toy drones fade as a fad, this will become the most popular new entry drone class since it will require no FAA authorization because all flight restrictions are imbedded into the design (all weigh less than 250 grams). There is no way to override it. Flight ceiling locked at 150ft and won’t fly more than 300ft away from beacon.
Class 2: FPV race drones. These manual drones with their ultra high speeds and short battery life will be regulated to racing events and isolated and FAA approved practice/fun locations. FPV race drones over 250 grams will likely require some type of FAA license but won’t be as airspace-knowledge dependent as 107 and could be done online annually.
Class 3: Professional class of manually flown drones. As camera/imagining/sensor tech and etc become so good that privacy laws are enacted that forces this class to require FAA 107 and tracking at all times.
Class 4: Heavier professional drones that have waivers for out of line of sight flight and will require parachutes as standard equipment. These drones will be treated similar to manned aircraft and will have higher annual fees attached to them.
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