We go through the process of getting our part 107 and follow FAA regs, but what is the advantage when it seems like a such a large percentage of people offering drone service either don’t care about the rules or don’t know there are any. Real estate agents who do their own photos without a Part107, night flying without waiver or lights and the most common flying over people. I was just watching this guy’s wedding reel and he is 5 ft directly above the smiling bride and groom, props artfully blowing the veil.
Whew that's a lot for one post but let's break it down into specific sections:
We go through the process of getting our part 107 and follow FAA regs, but what is the advantage when it seems like a such a large percentage of people offering drone service either don’t care about the rules or don’t know there are any.
It's a complex environment right now to say the least. While the vast majority of Part 107 operators do follow the rules there will always be some who think:
- A) the rules are over bearing and impossible to follow so why try
- B) the rules aren't realistic so why follow them
- C) the FAA isn't properly staffed to be able to handle Part 107 regs so there's no need to bother trying
All of the above are total BUNK and should be avoided across the board.
Also at the same time there are genuinely some people who don't know what the rules/regs are and don't even know they are breaking them. Keep in mind you could literally go to the store, swipe your credit card, go home, read the Quick Start Guide, and be flying in an hour with out ever being exposed to the rules & regulations.
Each and every single one of us (hobby or commercial) need to step up and be Ambassadors for our industry and try to spread the knowledge to those who are new or uneducated.
Real estate agents who do their own photos without a Part107, night flying without waiver or lights and the most common flying over people.
Best thing I can say here is:
Is you think you see someone who is genuinely violating a rule/regulation then you can either try to open a friendly line of communication with them or take the time to report them to the FAA. You can initiate this by going to the following link and selecting the option that best fits the situation:
www.faa.gov
I am 100% for either (or both) of the options above and have done both.
I was just watching this guy’s wedding reel and he is 5 ft directly above the smiling bride and groom, props artfully blowing the veil.
That sounds like a DIRECT violation of Part 107 regulations and definitely should reported if you have sufficient evidence to it. Here-say isn't enough and a waste of resources.
While I 100% think you should (and I DO this too) report violators, trying to find fault with your competition is honestly taking time and effort away from your business. Spend more time increasing your skill set, improving your processes, and making yourself stand out from the crowd.
Under Part 107 there is no "approval/allowance" for anyone to fly over a person unless:
A) They are part of the flight crew responsible for the SAFETY of the flight
or
B) The RPIC is been issued ~§ 107.39
Nothing else is acceptable under Part 107 (currently)/