Re:The FAA vs. Model Airplanes
by twic on Tuesday August 26, 2014 @04:34PM
(#8229368)
There are two separable domains here.
Firstly, the traditional model aeroplane realm: below 400 feet altitude ("angels 0.4"?), and presumably not at all in the approaches to runways.
Secondly, the new realm of beyond-visual-range high-altitude model aeroplane flight, as explored in the firework video.
The first has long been legal. The second probably needs some new rules for safe use. But the problem is that the FAA has reacted to the emergence of the second by trying to annexe the first.
Firstly, the traditional model aeroplane realm: below 400 feet altitude ("angels 0.4"?), and presumably not at all in the approaches to runways.
Secondly, the new realm of beyond-visual-range high-altitude model aeroplane flight, as explored in the firework video.
The first has long been legal. The second probably needs some new rules for safe use. But the problem is that the FAA has reacted to the emergence of the second by trying to annexe the first.