New proposed FAA rule requiring remote identification for SUAVs over .55 lbs

[Beeg]

Other than the burdensome expense for manufacturers of some sort of onboard "ADS-B" that will be passed on to the consumer my biggest beef is the proposed $5 registration fee EVERY 3 years for EVERY airplane. I currently have 25 airplanes and know guys like TI that have 50+. Then, they will raise the fee in the next year like they always do to either $10-$15 or more per airplane. If it's about identifying the owner/operator then a single number attached to every model that person owns should be more than sufficient. But, like GA they will crush "model" aviation by making it too expensive so the the commercial operators (Amazon, UPS, FEDEX, realestate companies, county/state tax assessors, etc) will have the very low altitudes to them selves. (RANT)/OFF

[Valkpilot]

I hope everyone has taken the time to post a comment to the FAA, the deadline is tomorrow. If you don't comment, I don't want to hear you whining when the doo doo hits the fan. It's like voting, you don't vote, you have no right to complain about the outcome.
I have posted two comments so far, here is my second one for all to see here is the link so you can post as well:
https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=FAA-2019-1100-0001

Grossman, you forgot to work in the immigrant angle. You should have included something along the lines of you being a newly naturalized citizen, and expected this kind of thing happens in Canada, but you'd never expect it to happen here.

[Grossman56]

I hope everyone has taken the time to post a comment to the FAA, the deadline is tomorrow. If you don't comment, I don't want to hear you whining when the doo doo hits the fan. It's like voting, you don't vote, you have no right to complain about the outcome.
I have posted two comments so far, here is my second one for all to see here is the link so you can post as well:
https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=FAA-2019-1100-0001

[fredmdbud]

CVA59 and VOODOO My comments were in no way directed at the the two of you. This isn't the "other forum". We are all friends here.

We are all in this boat together and none of us like how this is all likely, changing the face of our hobby.

My point was simply that, if everyone that was voicing discontent on all of the various media platforms actually commented to the FAA on the NPRM, it would be a loud voice indeed. Sadly, not the case.

Yup

[CVA59]

This is perfectly normal in our household as my wife builds and flys as well. We just finished her 1/4 scale Tiger Moth and are getting ready to start work on her VQ Warbirds Twin Otter this week. She gets treated well.

Happy Anniversary Charlie!

WOW, that is like having a wife who loves to fish, hunt and watch NASCAR. NICE!!!!

[Twowingtj]

NOW, to all you "good husbands" out there, don't forget that today is Valentines Day. Take you're special lady to the local hobby store and buy her a new EDF.

This is perfectly normal in our household as my wife builds and flys as well. We just finished her 1/4 scale Tiger Moth and are getting ready to start work on her VQ Warbirds Twin Otter this week. She gets treated well.

Happy Anniversary Charlie!

[CVA59]

On the bright side of today, I planned this out back in the day as a 2-FOR …………. its also our wedding anniversary. A very expensive dinner in about 6 hours.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!! and we all know, if "Mamma" ain't happy, no one is happy.

[OV10]

NOW, to all you "good husbands" out there, don't forget that today is Valentines Day. Take you're special lady to the local hobby store and buy her a new EDF.

I would but the days of local hobby shops are relegated to larger towns or cities anymore and dwindling
On the bright side of today, I planned this out back in the day as a 2-FOR …………. its also our wedding anniversary. A very expensive dinner in about 6 hours.

[CVA59]

Gentlemen, for the avoidance of doubt - I mean absolutely no insult or upset in my remarks and do not infer any from yours.

So with that said I would much prefer to respectfully agree to disagree on a point, rather than continue to argue it, and risk getting off side of people in the community.

I would encourage you to watch this young man's take on the hobby and reflect on any similarities to your own journey, whether it fits or challenges your narrative, and more importantly, whether you think it's worth having people like this in your corner.

https://youtu.be/A5rsfcc8hzs

I agree COMPLETELY! There is not one good reason for any us hobbyist to have conflict over this among ourselves, we are all on the same team. Assuming we are all heading in the same direction of resolve for this FAA issue, some of us (yes, including myself) need to be a little less argumentative and stay focused on the issue at hand. I admit it, I do tend to be a bit coarse in my wording and responses sometimes. Although I have no intent to be rude, sometimes I come across that way. This has always been an issue for me when posting, emailing and texting. Sometimes comments are not always interpreted as intended. Anyway, good point mshagg, let's all continue working together and less time dissecting one another comments. Just my 2 cents worth.
NOW, to all you "good husbands" out there, don't forget that today is Valentines Day. Take you're special lady to the local hobby store and buy her a new EDF.

[mshagg]

I am NOT trying to be a jerk but lets get the facts straight! Opinions are fine, wonderful and all that but facts are not opinions sir.

Don't take this as a dig at Australia, it is my favorite country to visit ,having traveled there for over 30 years. We hope to return soon to Perth, where we visit with two couples we have been friends with for those 30 years.

Gentlemen, for the avoidance of doubt - I mean absolutely no insult or upset in my remarks and do not infer any from yours.

So with that said I would much prefer to respectfully agree to disagree on a point, rather than continue to argue it, and risk getting off side of people in the community.

I would encourage you to watch this young man's take on the hobby and reflect on any similarities to your own journey, whether it fits or challenges your narrative, and more importantly, whether you think it's worth having people like this in your corner.

https://youtu.be/A5rsfcc8hzs

[James]

Don't forget to leave a comment guys. Be heard. Regardless of your stance on it, be heard. Complacency helps no one

[MikeT]

12,000 comments we're still way short. Less than a month left to comment.

Mike

[MikeT]

12,000 comments we're still way short.

Mike

[VOODOO]

I do. But I don't believe everything I read/hear at face value. Likewise, I don't buy into the myth that 'real world' pilots are beyond reproach. They're responsible for more aviation deaths than any drone operator ever has been. Everyone in this debate has a vested interest - us included.

Like it or not the quad guys are part of our hobby. How much effort you want to invest fighting them versus fighting the vested interests that benefit from that kind of thing... is a personal decision. Not my place to tell you how to fight the fight, and I value your contribution - just saying, I'll be taking a different approach when it inevitably comes to our shores.

I don't feel as if you comprehend the enormous number of drones flown irresponsibly in the US. What if it is determined that the C130 which crashed with loss of all USA crew aboard was caused by a collision with a drone while fighting YOUR wildfires??? I have enormous respect for the commercial airlines in your country, having flown aboard them into all your major cities except Darwin. The volume of air traffic in Australia does not come close to the density of USA air traffic. For this reason, you are probably not at the same risk as we in USA. While your opinions may be justified in "OZ" they don't hold much water here in the US. Don't take this as a dig at Australia, it is my favorite country to visit ,having traveled there for over 30 years. We hope to return soon to Perth, where we visit with two couples we have been friends with for those 30 years.

[CVA59]

They're responsible for more aviation deaths than any drone operator ever has been.

WOW, that's a pretty bold statement. I must disagree. I'm NOT saying drones have killed anyone. However, how many "real life" pilots do you think have intentionally and or recklessly brought down their plane or caused a plane to crash? Outside of being a terrorists, I'd say that number is relatively small! When a legitimate pilot does cause a crash from my experience, it is usually due to an unforeseen & instant health crisis, lack of, or poor training in the equipment they are flying. More times than not, excluding weather related conditions, when a real plane comes down it is related to some form of a mechanical malfunction.

Like it or not the quad guys are part of our hobby.

NO, sir, they are NOT. A kid who orders a $69.99 drone off Amazon, fly's it until it breaks or simply loses interest, then tosses it aside or in the trash is NOT a "hobbyists"! I have dedicated some 30+ years of building, flying and supporting my R/C aircraft hobby. Simply because they use a remote control for their camera platform does NOT make them a true "R/C hobbyists! Also, the intent of the drone is completely at the other end of the spectrum from what we R/C flyers do. Our hobbyists do what we do because; #1, we promote model aviation. #2, we support those who want to use model aviation as a starting pillar for a future in manned aircraft aviation. #3, it is a harmless and relaxing thing for us to do that provides a limited yet enjoyable experience of flight AND does NOT infringe or interfere in any way with anyone's privacy! Shall I continue giving you endless reasons why droners are NOT a part of our hobbyists community??????

The ONLY reason the drones are "illegitimately" considered part of our R/C aircraft community today, is because the AMA has designated it that way which is also wrong on so many levels. Make no mistake, no legitimate and truly dedicated "traditional" R/C aircraft builder or flyer will have anything to do with the drone community. Although, like everything in life, there will always be a few exceptions!!! The drone guys have their hobby circles and we have ours. Maybe in Australia it is the way you have described, but in America and from my own personal experiences, it's not that way. You statement is grossly inaccurate.

I am NOT trying to be a jerk but lets get the facts straight! Opinions are fine, wonderful and all that but facts are not opinions sir.

[mshagg]

You must never read newspapers or watch the tv news.

I do. But I don't believe everything I read/hear at face value. Likewise, I don't buy into the myth that 'real world' pilots are beyond reproach. They're responsible for more aviation deaths than any drone operator ever has been. Everyone in this debate has a vested interest - us included.

Like it or not the quad guys are part of our hobby. How much effort you want to invest fighting them versus fighting the vested interests that benefit from that kind of thing... is a personal decision. Not my place to tell you how to fight the fight, and I value your contribution - just saying, I'll be taking a different approach when it inevitably comes to our shores.

[VOODOO]

That's hyperbole. The fact remains no one has been killed by such an incident. So many claims from pilots turn out to be completely unsubstantiated.

Meanwhile they'll let chartered helis fly into the side of hills with half a mile of visibility? In my jurisdiction people regularly die at the hands of amateur pilots in general aviation. But no, it's guys flying quadcopters around abandoned buildings that are apparently the threat to uncontrolled airspace...

The finger pointing and efforts to throw segments of the hobby under the bus is a terrible strategy. Some of the popular youtubers referenced earlier are making more effective calls to action than the rest of the hobby combined. So much value to be had working with other segments of RC flight rather than divide and conquer.

You must never read newspapers or watch the tv news. Too bad you missed the drone video on national news of pictures taken directly above the approach path into LAX showing a jumbo passing underneath. What about a trailing airliner approaching at a steeper glide path? Do you think the drone flyer will know it is coming until they collide? The answer is absolutely NO!! I am an avid r/c flyer since 1962 and still fly several times a week. I also spent 30 years flying commercial airliners, so I can assess the danger perhaps better than some. Before my flying career I worked briefly for the Allison Aircraft Engine Division of General Motors, in the jet engine test cells, where foreign objects were introduced in the intakes. If you could see the result of this. perhaps you would not be so cavalier about not yet having a fatal accident involving drones. About a month ago a LA news copter collided with a drone in its tail fuselage just a foot or so ahead of the tail rotor. A foot's difference and you would probably had your first fatal crash.When was the last time that a traditional fixed wing non FPV model had a similar incident?

[CVA59]

My comments have all been inclusive of both drones and FPV flying. Having been in the pilot's seat twice when colliding with a crow sized bird and having a radome shattered by one and a windshield obscured by the other,my blood runs cold when I consider what if those incidents were with an object made with hard and/or metal parts. An airliner in full landing configuration is at it's most vulnerable and least maneuverable state and seeing a FPV drone in time to avoid it is improbable at best. It is time to face up to the fact that there are thousands of rogue flyers ( I would not consider them pilots} out there presenting a deadly hazard to manned full scale aircraft. What do we do about it?? I do not know.

Point very well taken and understood. Again, back to your post, the FAA, if they want to do the "right" thing with this NPRM situation, they need to go target the "drone" (aka, hovering camera platform) flyers and hold them to a strict set of rules. Of course, we have to be realistic as well. No matter, if someone wants to get into a 777's airspace, the odds of stopping them would be very small regardless of how many laws or rules the FAA enacts. Where someone has a determined will, they will follow thru. Only a complete fool would believe that these FAA rules will put an end to some idiot buzzing around a 777 on final.

You ask, what do we do about it? We keep getting louder and louder with the FAA and anyone else who is affiliated with this nonsense. We keep hammering all the branches of Congress with letters and phone calls demanding this nonsense be stopped or at the very least, completely re-written such that it leaves us R/C aircraft flyers out of it! I have written to the FAA until my fingers are worn out. I've posted on social media, such as this; I have screamed, fussed, cussed and raised hell at the complacency I see on some social media outlets, the FAA, and the ones that downright favor this crap until I am quite honestly sick of hearing about it all. At the end of the day we have 1 action and 2 choices. First ACTION: do as I explained, pound the h_ll out of out State Rep's until they are sick of us. First CHOICE: Comply with whatever the FAA decides and get used to that new Government power grab as it pertains to our hobby. Second CHOICE: Do like me, once the final drafts are written into law provided and say the rules remain mostly unchanged, just ignore it all, keep flying and have fun. If you get caught, so be it, take your chances and plead ignorance. At that point it is on them to prove you wrong. Again, as a retired Police Officer, the burden proof is always the default task of the justice system to prove guilt. I can assure you, unless you are flying circles around a Football game or the Capitol Building, 98% of the time, they will not bother pushing you through the court system. I have already removed every FAA# and AMA# from ALL my aircraft.

[mshagg]

That's hyperbole. The fact remains no one has been killed by such an incident. So many claims from pilots turn out to be completely unsubstantiated.

Meanwhile they'll let chartered helis fly into the side of hills with half a mile of visibility? In my jurisdiction people regularly die at the hands of amateur pilots in general aviation. But no, it's guys flying quadcopters around abandoned buildings that are apparently the threat to uncontrolled airspace...

The finger pointing and efforts to throw segments of the hobby under the bus is a terrible strategy. Some of the popular youtubers referenced earlier are making more effective calls to action than the rest of the hobby combined. So much value to be had working with other segments of RC flight rather than divide and conquer.

[VOODOO]

My comments have all been inclusive of both drones and FPV flying. Having been in the pilot's seat twice when colliding with a crow sized bird and having a radome shattered by one and a windshield obscured by the other,my blood runs cold when I consider what if those incidents were with an object made with hard and/or metal parts. An airliner in full landing configuration is at it's most vulnerable and least maneuverable state and seeing a FPV drone in time to avoid it is improbable at best. It is time to face up to the fact that there are thousands of rogue flyers ( I would not consider them pilots} out there presenting a deadly hazard to manned full scale aircraft. What do we do about it?? I do not know.