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Drone Pilot Wins Case Against FAA

Posted by samzenpus on from the I-fought-the-law dept.

schwit1 writes "In a David vs. Goliath battle that pitted the Federal Aviation Administration against the operator of a small model airplane, a federal administrative judge has sided with the aircraft's pilot. The judge has dismissed a proposed $10,000 fine against businessman Raphael Pirker, who used a remotely operated 56-inch foam glider to take aerial video for an advertisement for the University of Virginia Medical Center"

2 of 236 comments (clear)

  1. How did this go to trial? by kthreadd · · Score: 3, Funny

    1. Guy flies radio-controlled model plane.
    2. ?
    3. Guy is in court.

    What happened a step 2?

  2. Re:he was being a dick by Chrisq · · Score: 4, Funny

    "Pirker operated the aircraft within about 50 feet of numerous individuals, about 20 feet of a crowded street, and within approximately 100 feet of an active heliport at UVA, the FAA alleged. One person had to take "evasive measures" to avoid being struck by the aircraft, the agency said."

    This must have been very frightening. How were the people present to know that the operator wasn't a muslim and the plane about to explode?