I agree rps have a right to fly, i just don’t agree on where, based on what an rp currently requires (access to a drone and an App Store.) I think a graduated certification system like 61 certs. is needed.
Make all current non-107 operators hobby operators. Have a web based course and test, pass it and you get you rp. I’d even say if you want to take the test without the course, fine, but if you fail the test you can’t retest until you take the course. Obviously the course and test wouldn’t as extensive as a 107. This would minimize the impact on current, knowledgeable and responsible operators, who would be able to test quickly and easily, and with the same cost as a 61 pilot pays for the 107 test- zero.
Don’t want to do that? That’s cool too, just stay in uncontrolled airspace. I think it’s absurd that some 15 year old kid ( or anyone else for that matter)who gets a drone and has internet access will be able to bolt into controlled airspace without any requirement to know anything at all.
I’m not too far off what the FAA wants, why they would open LAANC to rec pilots before a knowledge test is beyond me.
You indicated a 15 yr old, a minor. That’s a valid point in multiple directions, the age of a sUAV Pilot can be 10 or less without supervision. Although a minor of 17 can obtain a pilots license, most younger sUAV Owners probably have a more care-free discipline, and don't view the drone any more legitimate as skateboard, game, etc. Ever been at a park and observe a group of younger flyers "Play" with their drone... it changes hands as rapidly as a video game because to many mindsets, that's basically what a drone is to them.
For the mass, the drone - quad, has become popular due to it's ease of flying & control... and the ability to capture video; a 6 yr old can fly it easily! When it was RC Planes or Heli's there wasn't much concern: it required a lot more focus, dedication to the sport, and resulted in a loss of time & money if error. Might still be some 6 yr old Heli flyers, but they weren't flying toys, they were serious. Did every RC Flyer only fly at RC fields, nope... just not the number or improper use to draw attention. I recall myself or others flying Heli's in our yard & neighborhood often... practicing to improve skills.
Combine open age, ease of flying, with the "small" percentage of sUAV Owners that will abuse the system no matter the regulations... results to media focused and FAA concerns. Like a video game, the human element is removed and that introduces the lack of concern or regard of legal... again, for the small number that are playing with a drone to entertain or challenge.
The focus of discussion as a problem is towards the minority of the sUAV Owners, not the majority. The few idiots have created the concern and drawn the attention of media, that now paint the image that all drone Owners are a threat to society. The same minority of Owners that won't pay attention to regulations... and as mentioned above, enforcement will be minimal due to logistics and politics. Rules prior to purchase, regulations, and a short class won't prevent the behavior if their attitude doesn't recognize the authority in the first place. Motorcyclist take a series of classes or exams to obtain their license... it doesn't stop the few that abuse that either.
That brings it back to the next step normally applied to manage the mass... control the device. Something I'm normally totally against, but I'm more against removing all regulated airspace when many cities that encompass the whole city. I'd rather see software control; create FW updates that limit improper behavior, respects the Geo Fence, limits the altitude. Many things could be performed via software. The number that would hack around the FW is minimal....similar to the number that will construct their own sUAV is now minimal. If outside a classified airspace... relax the restrictions or remove.
For the professional; If valid reason or granted authority, then that opens more flexibility & management of their software.
Regarding test... I think a Web Based initial exam is great! Next problem, how to address the mass of re-sale of drones, that's a problem that isn't ready to address. The PT107 for a commercial level is simplistic for the authorizations it provides, I personally think that should be a more in-depth exam and a competency on-site exam of flight. Actually I think as multiple levels of commercial is established, this will most likely become part of the process for upper commercial levels.
I don't feel any degree of regulations limiting the majority of Owners willing to operate within the regulations within controlled airspace will address the current situation of problem sUAV flying. Since it isn't a manned craft, the craft will need some limitations... and if operating within the regs, no one correctly operating would notice the limitations.
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