but to be handled with care
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) Joseph Hupy knows drones.
As a geography professor at UW Eau Claire, he uses drones to help with mapping terrain, but says the legal terrain surrounding personal drones is a bit murky.
"We have nothing right now," Hupy said to WEAU 13 News on Wednesday. "And the Federal government’s inadequacy to establish that is creating a Wild West atmosphere to where the majority of users don’t want that."
The Federal Aviation Administration has recently issued an advisory, <a href="http://www.cheapjerseys11.com/">http://www.cheapjerseys11.com/</a> which provides guidelines for personal drone users. FAA Advisory Circular 91 57A states:
The aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use; The aircraft operates in accordance with a community based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community based organization (CBO); The aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds, unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program administered by a CBO; The aircraft operates in a manner that does not interfere with, and gives way to, any manned aircraft; and When flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the model aircraft provides the airport operator or the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation. Model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport).
Peter Menet, founder of Menet Aero, Inc. a Milwaukee based company which provides commercial drone services said, despite the advisory, it remains just that.
"In the eyes of the FAA, an aircraft is an aircraft," he said to WEAU 13 News on Wednesday. "There’s no difference between a 747 and a little DGI Phantom a 4 pound drone and I guess that’s the position they’re forced to take right now."
While drones may sound great as a gift this holiday season, Hupy says there are a few things you should remember before you run out and purchase a drone.
"Buy that cheap Styrofoam airplane that’s under $50 and just focus on learning that you will crash it. It’s going to happen," he said. "If you’re looking at buying something a little more expensive than that, consider buying a flight simulator for about 100 dollars."
Being smart when purchasing a drone is important to Hupy. Otherwise
"The glow in that child’s eyes on Christmas morning when they open up that DGI Phantom is going to turn into horror when they try to fly that thing indoors and they take out the Christmas tree or worse."
In the end, the holidays are about being safe while still having fun.
"ATVs are <a href="http://www.cheapjerseys11.com/">cheap jerseys</a> fun, but there’s implications," Hupy said. "Race cars are fun. All of these things are fun, but you got to keep it in balance with the bigger picture."
The Federal Aviation Administration has developed a "Know Before You Fly" campaign to help consumers who purchase drones.
Among the tips they offer personal drone users:
Follow community based safety guidelines, as developed by organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).
Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.
Keep your sUAS in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if needed.
Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.
Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.
Contact the airport or control tower before flying within five miles of an airport.
Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility.
Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the sUAS.
Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled roadways, government facilities, etc.
Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property.
Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual permission.
For more information from the FAA,
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