Ya...I just think the rub is the fact that to the IRS, people CAN make MONEY from their hobby but in the case of using a drone for your "hobby" people are getting threatened for even GIVING their images away. That's not cool.
You can take all the pictures you want. Selling them commercially or making or attempting to make money with them is what the Feds have heartburn about.
Street view can get ya, got me pushing a wheel barrow in my front yardGoogle maps images seem to be used everywhere without an issue...aerial photographs.
The FAA has no problem with aerial photography.Google maps images seem to be used everywhere without an issue...aerial photographs.
LOL...I'm afraid you're probably correct. I think this thread veered at one point into (and I think the FAA has this policy), hobbyist/recreational flyers who have registered with the FAA not being allowed to even GIVE away their aerial footage to organizations (schools, scouts, etc.) who wanted some images. There is no way any rational person can misconstrue that as being commercial in any way, yet many posters on here are warning people not to do that, or that they could do it only while looking over their shoulder. I just think that's wrong is all.The FAA has no problem with aerial photography.
That's not their issue.
They are happy to let you photograph to your heart's content ... (recreationally).
They have an issue with commercial flying.
Because they only know how to deal with airplanes they think everything they deal with is an airplane.
They know that a higher standard is required when commercially flying a real plane so in their mind commercial aerial photography with a tot drone will also require a higher standard.
It makes perfect sense to them.
You can give away images or video without worry. Even the FAA isn't that stupid.hobbyist/recreational flyers who have registered with the FAA not being allowed to even GIVE away their aerial footage to organizations (schools, scouts, etc.) who wanted some images. There is no way any rational person can misconstrue that as being commercial in any way, yet many posters on here are warning people not to do that, or that they could do it only while looking over their shoulder.
That's not unusual. You could have a sideline as a hitman for the mob and the IRS wouldn't mind as long as you pay the proper taxes.To summarize, we have the FAA saying you need a 333 to "sell" or do things "commercially" even though the IRS says people can make income off their hobby.
There is no such thing as a "hobbyist income". If you're collecting money, it's a commercial operation. If you decide to do it for free instead, then it would certainly be perceived as a hobby activity.If I take some pictures of a friend's wedding and collect $100 for doing that, it's a hobbyist income and not my profession and therefor is not commercialized.
There is no such thing as a "hobbyist income". If you're collecting money, it's a commercial operation. If you decide to do it for free instead, then it would certainly be perceived as a hobby activity.
I'm lost. What does the IRS and their use of the term "hobby income" have to do with the requirement to obtain a 333 exemption from the FAA in order to collect money when flying a Phantom?Here is a link that shows that even the IRS uses this term ' hobby income
I'm lost. What does the IRS and their use of the term "hobby income" have to do with the requirement to obtain a 333 exemption from the FAA in order to collect money when flying a Phantom?
Well, unfortunately, it doesn't matter what the IRS defines as a hobby. When you fly your Phantom (or any other aircraft) and collect money, the FAA considers that to be a commercial operation.
Since you'd be breaking a US law, it could easily make it to court if the FAA wanted to come after you.My lawyer said this would not even make it to court.
Since you'd be breaking a US law, it could easily make it to court if the FAA wanted to come after you.
I'm not a lawyer either, but I think you should find another lawyer
You're preaching to the choir on that oneI am merely pointing out how F'd up this is with the FAA making it's own laws