The NASA DROID is Coming.
The modified “DROID” small UAV model aircraft in the foreground is being used as a test bed for further development of autonomous ground collision avoidance system software that was successfully flight-tested at NASA Dryden on the F-16D behind it in 2010. (NASA / Tony Landis)
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/Features/DROID_Auto-GCAS.html
The FAA needs to leave the R/C community and AMA alone. It is foolish for the FAA officials to propose rules such as a defined ceiling above R/C flying fields. Let the rulemakers actually fly a model higher than 300 feet above the field and try to enjoy their experience without FPV equipment. Amateur quadcopters and small helicopters should not be prohibited from flying anywhere that the pilot can fly safely. No serious model aircraft pilot wants to interfere with commercial aviation. The AMA rules are sufficient and should continue to define the R/C model builder/flyer experience. It may eventually become necessary for the states to require giant scale flyers to show financial responsibility or AMA membership, but that should not involve the federal government or the FAA.
I welcome Dan Landis and the DROID to the AMA Convention. I’ll be there to visit and congratulate.
The majority of model aviation participants NEED to understand the UAV world and see the vehicles. The FAA’s concern is based mostly on Predators, Raptors and Global Hawks. These do fly cross-country and at altitudes in which commercial and general aviation operate. Small UAV’s and our model airplanes DO NOT. Managing UAV operations in the National Airspace is the issue that the FAA is trying to delineate. It is enormously complicated.
Model flying is line-of-sight and mostly within our AMA Safety Code. We fly from and back to the same field. We do not fly cross country. Yes, there is no question, our models are becoming more and more technologically advanced. The distinction between a UAV and a model airplane is blurring. Lawyers can’t tell the difference. Paint the model flat grey and it is called a UAV!
There are places in the USA to operate large or small UAV safely and legally. I co-own and operate a UAV facility in central Oklahoma. It is inside RESTRICTED air apace. Some of the vehicles we operate certainly should not be flown just any where or anytime in the National Airspace. In time, these vehicles may be capable of sense-and-avoid flight and welcome in the NAS. They are not model airplanes.
It is the uninformed general public and our ignorant media that demand “FAA do someting”. That something is a NPRM. When it is finally published WE MUST read it thoroughly and be prepared to comment, both directly and through our AMA.
Meanwhile, let’s get informed ourselves. There is much more out there than our model airplane.
Glad to see NASA doing projects like this. We have lost too much ambition and pride. Flight and space is an intricate part of our future. We are focusing too much on purely financial motivations without a goal in mind.
Slowly our own government has been clipping the wings of dreamers and inventors. Badly written laws make things increasingly difficult. Ultimately, anyone still intent on using anything illegally will do it anyhow, regardless of what laws on are books.
I can only pray that the AMA’s efforts will pay off and preserve a hobby that brings aviation within the grasps of the masses.
I sure hope someone is there selling depron. the foam guy used to come but he no longer has a booth. Sure wish some vendor would realize that not everyone buys kits. I usually stock up for a whole year!
RE FAA
They need to mind their own business and stay out of model airplane managment….
This is the same organization the refused to mandate the locking of cockpit doors leading to the horrible events of 911.