Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Can we stop the silliness surrounding drones and come back to reality?

This recent story decries coming regulations that may require a pilot’s license to fly a drone. Let’s repeat a bit of reality:

Today’s drones

1. are not autonomous flying robots
2. are remote-controlled (RC) flying vehicles

For decades, hobbyists have flow RC aircraft. Some of these aircraft are large—approaching the size of manned aircraft. RC aircraft have always been regulated. Mostly, the FCC regulated the radio frequencies and power levels of the radio controllers. There are also regulations where you can fly RC aircraft as they become larger and can fly at higher altitudes.

Today, we have some  technology advances that permit four-rotor quadcopters to fly easier. The on-board computers and accelerometers provide stability and remove much of the skill needed to fly prior-generation RC helicopters. Advances in batteries allow these newer RC quadcopters to fly farther and higher.

No, you should not be allowed to fly your RC quadcopter near a commercial airport where you can collide with a plane carrying my wife and kids.

No, you should not be allowed to fly your RC quadcopter in Yosemite National Park where you crash land into a pool of super-heated water and spoil it for generations.

Yes, if you are flying a bigger and better RC quadcopter, you should have a license to provide some public safety.

This is not a privacy issue. This is a safety issue. Who wants a 500-pound RC quadcopter crashing onto their roof?