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Drone Registration Is FAA's Way of Getting You To Read Their "EULA" (hackaday.com)

Posted by samzenpus on from the new-rules dept.

szczys writes: There is little to complain about when it comes to the new FAA rules regarding drones (unless perhaps you live in DC). The regulations are basically an End User Licensing Agreement and focus on educating responsible operators. Eight simple rules cover how to avoid doing dangerous things with Unmanned Aerial Systems. The FAA has even left alone the small toy drones, and the certification system for those above 55 lbs remains. The one aspect that is concerning is that of privacy; the drone database will be publicly searchable and contains names and addresses of drone owners. If the DMV keeps license plate data protected, the FAA should do the same.

2 of 131 comments (clear)

  1. The "EULA" is crap by russotto · · Score: 3, Insightful

    "I will fly below 400 feet"

    There is no law or FAA regulation requiring model aircraft to fly below 400 feet. If you accept the FAA's definition of model aircraft being aircraft as defined by the statutes and regulations, the regulation actually says that except for helicopters and except for takeoff and landing approaches, aircraft must stay ABOVE 500 feet. The 400-foot rule is an asspull published in an advisory circular (advisory meaning it does not set any rules). If you do not accept the FAA's definition of model aircraft being aircraft as defined by the statutes and regulations, the FAA has no authority to regulate model aircraft in the first place.

    "I will fly within visual line of sight"

    Once again, reflects only guidance published in an advisory document.

    "I will be aware of FAA airspace requirements"

    These are published in NOTAMs -- notices to airmen. Model aircraft operators are not airmen (unless they have airman's certificates for full-scale flight). Note that if model aircraft are "aircraft", the regs make it illegal to fly one without such a certificate, so registration will not make you legal.

    "I will not fly directly over people"

    Probably a good idea, but another asspull. If model aircraft are "aircraft", flying over people is normal and expected.

    "I will not fly over stadiums and sports events"

    NOTAMs are often issued for sports events, so this one can be fitted into a consistent intepretation.

    "I will not fly near emergency response efforts such as fires"

    Same thing concerning NOTAMS.

    "I will not fly near aircraft, especially near airports"

    Not sure why it's any safer to fly near aircraft when you're not near an airport. Note that if the FAA interpretation is correct, a model airport (including a piece of ground you land your heli or quad) is an airport. And that this would prohibit flying in proximity to other model aircraft (because model aircraft are aircraft, right?)

    "I will not fly under the influence"

    This one can be read consistently.

  2. All airspace users are held to these standards. by slacktide · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I am a certificated pilot, and I am an aircraft owner. My name, address, certificate status, medical status, aircraft registration, and aircraft registration status are all available in a publically searchable FAA database. I this is requried of me to be a user of the national airspace system, why should drone operators be exempt?