Just received this email from the FAA

[Multicoptertec]

Minutes ago...

KEEP YOUR DRONE AWAY FROM WILDFIRES

There are lots of great places to fly your drones, but over or near a wildfire isn’t one of them. In fact, drone operators who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts are subject to civil penalties of up to $27,500 and possible criminal prosecution.

Here’s why it’s important: Aerial firefighting aircraft, such as airtankers and helicopters, fly at very low altitudes, just a couple hundred feet above the ground and in the same airspace as hobby and recreational drones. This creates the potential for a mid-air collision that could seriously injure or kill wildland firefighters in the air or on the ground.

As a result of unlawful drone operations near fires this year, fire managers have temporarily grounded all aerial firefighting aircraft on several occasions for safety reasons. Shutting down firefighting operations could cause wildfires to become larger and can threaten lives, property, and valuable natural and cultural resources.

The bottom line is “If You Fly, We Can’t."

Please fly responsibly – keep your drone away from wildfires.

 

[N017RW]

Yup, everyone who is registered will too.

 

[nemoishouse]

Yep just got it. Makes sense


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[N017RW]

Times are a changin'.

Those who wanted the FAA to 'get going' on various things over the last year or so will now have their wish.

 

[tcope]

Can't blame the FAA for using our email addresses for this but I think it's more clear now the reason for the registration. I think most will agree that it does nothing to stop people from flying where they should not be. It's more of a tool for the FAA to obtain people's information and notify them of warnings.

 

[N017RW]

The registration reasons and goals were stated at the time of implementation.
Education and accountability were among them.

There was a great deal of ignorance and now there's a little less.

Not everyone who emerges from ignorance maintains their current behavior.

 

[MapMaker53]

I just proves that you were warned not to when they levy a fine for doing so.

 

[jcommisso]

Although I don't think that we should have to pay to register our drones (even though it's $5 now, watch it go up soon), I do have to agree with most of the FAA rules. They are mostly for the safety of people and other aircrafts. Flying by fires does result in interesting footage, but it's not worth the risk.

 

[SteveN76]

I think it's a good thing. There are people that don't use common sense not to be mean. But anything that prevents accidents and more restrictions for the hobby is a good thing.


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[Timtro]

Can't blame the FAA for using our email addresses for this but I think it's more clear now the reason for the registration. I think most will agree that it does nothing to stop people from flying where they should not be. It's more of a tool for the FAA to obtain people's information and notify them of warnings.

The acknowledged reason is to be able to provide timely safety information to operators, and you just saw an example of exactly that. The AMA made sure the FAA can't actually prevent hobby flyers from being dumb, so this is a stop-gap alternative.

 

[Wolfiesden]

Although I don't think that we should have to pay to register our drones (even though it's $5 now, watch it go up soon), I do have to agree with most of the FAA rules. They are mostly for the safety of people and other aircrafts. Flying by fires does result in interesting footage, but it's not worth the risk.

Minor correction. You register YOU, not your drone. You are registering as a pilot and/or owner of a drone. They don't issue specific numbers for each drone. They do issue specific numbers for each pilot. At least in the hobby sphere. I haven't looked at the new regs for commercial stuff because I don't do commercial stuff.

I agree with most of your sentiment though. If, by flying, you endanger person or property, stop it. Whether its a wild fire or preventing Flight for Life from getting to an auto accident to coast guard choppers at a marine incident. If you are interfering with manned aircraft, back off, get out of the sky. Its the responsible thing to do, FAA rules/guidelines be dammed, especially when lives are in jeopardy.