FWIW I contacted my reptesentitve regarding a unique to me situation that could effect all of us.
Dear Congresswoman Rice,
I hope this message finds you well in the new year. I am a constitute who is an avid remote controlled aircraft pilot and photographer. Over the past few years I have been lucky enough to be able to meld these two hobbies together using a quadcopter ( also known as a drone or UAV). In 2014 I was fortunate enough to learn of the Museum of American Armor, a military history museum focusing on the armored vehicles of world war two in Old Bethpage, NY. I became friends with Mr. Gary Lewi who is a trustee of this institution. I explained to Gary the capabilities that I have with my quadcopter, and how amazing it would be to capture images and video of the events the museum hosts. He agreed and I began on an incredible journey as a volunteer photographer for the museum.
The museum hosts a variety of events throughout a calendar year, including but not limited to reenactments, public displays and holiday celebrations. During these events, I dress in a period correct WW 2 uniform (as a combat photographer) and fly my quadcopter, safely, capturing photos and videos for use by the museum.
My problem is that the federal aviation administration has told me that this useage of a quadcopter would be considered commercial under their current rules and in order for me to comply with these laws, I would have to apply for a 333 exemption (forcing me to become a corporation in the process) and either become a fully licensed pilot (full size aircraft) or hire a licensed pilot to fly my device for me. This requirement is prohibitively expensive. My research shows that the pilots licence alone would cost me upwards of $5000.00. The absurd part of this is the fact that the minimum requirement the FAA requires is for a licence to operate a lighter than air craft, otherwise known as a hot air balloon. That is correct, for me to legally fly what basically is a remote controlled toy, I need a licence to fly an aircraft that has no other controls other than up or down. The two devices could not be any more different than these two are.
I have hundreds of hours of experience flying and operating remote controlled vehicles. I have voluntarily become versed in the airspace rules set forth by the FAA. My device is on the cutting edge of technology as it includes firmware that uses GPS location and the internet to either allow or disallow flight in any place in the United States, and worldwide, based on up to the minute guidance issued directly from the FAA. My work for the museum is completely voluntary. I receive no compensation for my efforts, in fact it is an expense to do this.
My images and videos have been used by the museum to educate the visitors about the history of our great Nation.
To restrict my ability to volunteer my services to an institution such as this is a disservice to the public.
Please look into this matter with the FAA on my behalf. I can provide correspondence to and from the FAA regarding this matter to your office upon request, as well as samples of my work if needed.
I would like to be able to continue volunteering for the museum in this capacity, without the horrific financial burden of becoming a corporation and licensed hot air balloon pilot.
Thank you in advance for your help in this situation.
Yours truly,
Charles Nolan
Please provide input and suggestions...
Thanks Charlie Nolan
Dear Congresswoman Rice,
I hope this message finds you well in the new year. I am a constitute who is an avid remote controlled aircraft pilot and photographer. Over the past few years I have been lucky enough to be able to meld these two hobbies together using a quadcopter ( also known as a drone or UAV). In 2014 I was fortunate enough to learn of the Museum of American Armor, a military history museum focusing on the armored vehicles of world war two in Old Bethpage, NY. I became friends with Mr. Gary Lewi who is a trustee of this institution. I explained to Gary the capabilities that I have with my quadcopter, and how amazing it would be to capture images and video of the events the museum hosts. He agreed and I began on an incredible journey as a volunteer photographer for the museum.
The museum hosts a variety of events throughout a calendar year, including but not limited to reenactments, public displays and holiday celebrations. During these events, I dress in a period correct WW 2 uniform (as a combat photographer) and fly my quadcopter, safely, capturing photos and videos for use by the museum.
My problem is that the federal aviation administration has told me that this useage of a quadcopter would be considered commercial under their current rules and in order for me to comply with these laws, I would have to apply for a 333 exemption (forcing me to become a corporation in the process) and either become a fully licensed pilot (full size aircraft) or hire a licensed pilot to fly my device for me. This requirement is prohibitively expensive. My research shows that the pilots licence alone would cost me upwards of $5000.00. The absurd part of this is the fact that the minimum requirement the FAA requires is for a licence to operate a lighter than air craft, otherwise known as a hot air balloon. That is correct, for me to legally fly what basically is a remote controlled toy, I need a licence to fly an aircraft that has no other controls other than up or down. The two devices could not be any more different than these two are.
I have hundreds of hours of experience flying and operating remote controlled vehicles. I have voluntarily become versed in the airspace rules set forth by the FAA. My device is on the cutting edge of technology as it includes firmware that uses GPS location and the internet to either allow or disallow flight in any place in the United States, and worldwide, based on up to the minute guidance issued directly from the FAA. My work for the museum is completely voluntary. I receive no compensation for my efforts, in fact it is an expense to do this.
My images and videos have been used by the museum to educate the visitors about the history of our great Nation.
To restrict my ability to volunteer my services to an institution such as this is a disservice to the public.
Please look into this matter with the FAA on my behalf. I can provide correspondence to and from the FAA regarding this matter to your office upon request, as well as samples of my work if needed.
I would like to be able to continue volunteering for the museum in this capacity, without the horrific financial burden of becoming a corporation and licensed hot air balloon pilot.
Thank you in advance for your help in this situation.
Yours truly,
Charles Nolan
Please provide input and suggestions...
Thanks Charlie Nolan
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