Drone Search and Rescue Operation Wins Fight Against FAA

An anonymous reader writes: Back in February, officials at the Federal Aviation Administration told a Texas search-and-rescue team they couldn't use drones help locate missing persons. The team, which is called EquuSearch, challenged the FAA in court. On Friday, the court ruled (PDF) in favor of EquuSearch, saying the FAA's directive was "not a formal cease-and-desist letter representing the agency's final conclusion." EquuSearch intends to resume using the drones immediately. This puts the FAA in the position of having to either initiate formal proceedings against EquuSearch, which is clearly operating to the benefit of society (as opposed to purely commercial drone use), or to revisit and finalize its rules for small aircraft entirely. The latter would be a lengthy process because "Congress has delegated rule making powers to its agencies, but the Administrative Procedures Act requires the agencies to provide a public notice and comment period first."

Comments

Re:both?

[BitZtream]

How many pictures of your house are you going to take? 1? 2 flights? Are you even going to bother spending the money to get a rig to do it with? Is it going to last more than the weekend you bought it simply because it isn't all that interesting too you by itself?

Now if you're doing it 5 days a week, for income? How about just weekends, for income?

The difference is frequency and motivation. You're unlikely to spend the money required on the camera alone if its just for your house and there is no profit. You certainly aren't going to take too many risks with a $500+ (minimum) camera and $500 UAV if theres no financial gain.

Now if you can pay for the UAV and make a profit? You'll be doing it FAR more often and you'll be FAR more likely to do stupid shit that could hurt people or property.

Yes, I've read their chart. I've commented on their website. Its the same logic as to why you can give your friend a ride to the airport in your personal car with a normal drivers license but you aren't allowed to charge a fee, carry random passengers and run a business without special permits and a CDL.

There are reasons we regulate businesses.