Today I called a nearby tower as usual and notified them of my intentions.
But this time, the controller asked for my name and phone number. (They haven't before)
So then I was thinking.....the tower has MY name and MY phone number and that I notified them I was going to be flying in their airspace. I would imagine they aren't getting very many of these calls (yet).
What if some irresponsible nut job flying a Phantom decided to do an airport flyover or enter the traffic pattern without any notification at all or even collided with a plane? I would think there's a chance that the first knee-jerk reaction might be to "assume" it was that guy who called a while ago. With my phone number it's easy for them to get my address.
If someone over-reacts and gives the authorities erroneous information, followed up by overzealous officers, it could make for a not so pleasant experience for me. Late night swatting for example....dog shot dead...
I hope the FAA thinks things out thoroughly. Chances are if someone called and gave them notification, then THAT person is probably following the rules and doing the best they can to keep the airspace safe.
But the thought did occur to me since at this time, the majority of new UAV owners probably still have no idea they need to notify the tower OR that it's illegal to fly in controlled airspace without following some procedures.
Something to think about?
YMMV
But this time, the controller asked for my name and phone number. (They haven't before)
So then I was thinking.....the tower has MY name and MY phone number and that I notified them I was going to be flying in their airspace. I would imagine they aren't getting very many of these calls (yet).
What if some irresponsible nut job flying a Phantom decided to do an airport flyover or enter the traffic pattern without any notification at all or even collided with a plane? I would think there's a chance that the first knee-jerk reaction might be to "assume" it was that guy who called a while ago. With my phone number it's easy for them to get my address.
If someone over-reacts and gives the authorities erroneous information, followed up by overzealous officers, it could make for a not so pleasant experience for me. Late night swatting for example....dog shot dead...
I hope the FAA thinks things out thoroughly. Chances are if someone called and gave them notification, then THAT person is probably following the rules and doing the best they can to keep the airspace safe.
But the thought did occur to me since at this time, the majority of new UAV owners probably still have no idea they need to notify the tower OR that it's illegal to fly in controlled airspace without following some procedures.
Something to think about?
YMMV