There's been much discussion here and other forums about this very topic. We live in very 'we need to be protected society' now. Some call it a nanny state. May be, but we've lost the rationale and good, common sense thinking nowadays. We are in an over-reacting mode for sure. However, if you simply look at the statistics regarding quad-copter accidents that cause another serious accident, there simply isn't any proof. At least not enough proof for the restrictions in place today.
Personally, I think the amount of hysteria around 'potential' flying accidents is unwarranted. Until the skies are filled with 1000s of toy drones and GA airplanes flying around in the same space, the likelihood of mid-air collisions is so remote that we are at greater risk just getting out of bed every morning! Sure the potential is there, but how likely in real-world scenarios? I'm a licensed driver too, and haven't had an accident in over 50 yrs. Not because I'm lucky, but because I'm defensive, have acute situational awareness, and responsible.
Don't get me wrong, I follow the rules and guidelines as published by the FAA, and I'm even going for my Part 107 cert. I do believe that everyone flying quads should be responsible, safe and take the necessary precautions. Not everyone feels that way unfortunately, and hence the restrictions the FAA has imposed on this hobby. But when the regulations get so onerous as to take the joy and pleasure out of the hobby, why bother? What fun is it then? When I want to fly, I have to pack my stuff up, get in my car, and drive to locations outside NFZ areas. It's a hassle. And why would National Parks be off limits!? That virtually eliminates half the state of Colorado and large portions of other states.
Maybe everyone wanting to fly should take a minimal test and get licensed up front (like driving) to avoid the hassle of notifying a local farmer running a crop-dusting operation with a dirt landing strip every time we want to fly. That's the common sense that's missing from the regulations equation here.
