RC Multi Rotor airborne video

[KerryG]

Its a safety issue. They are treated like RC Airplanes and can only be flown in specific places and under certain heights. As soon as you start making money with it it becomes commercial and falls under a whole separate set of regulations. The AMA is working with the FAA to come up with new rules that will let us fly them for our work but that is at least a year away.

[UgashikBob]

Kerry:
Thanks for the info. I had no clue. I have no commercial intentions with mine but will still check with the FAA. We live in a very remote area.

[stef@apl]

I was just going to post the same thing. KerryG is absolutely correct. I can give you the relevant FAA info if you want.

I was also looking into getting a tethered blimp system or pole to do it legally on a commercial basis. Anything unmanned and flying without a tether is not legal, and I've heard of fines of $10,000/incident once the FAA notifies you.

As a hobbiest, it's no problem. Just keep it a good distance from any airports (I remember 5 miles, but not certain), or below rooftops if near an airport. And it must remain in sight.

[UgashikBob]

Stef:
Do you have any links to the FAA info?
Mine will be strictly hobbyist and we are at least 30 miles from about anything but it would still be nice to know. Still waiting on my flight simulator to keep breakage to a minimum. Watched some video's of training sessions in a gym with wrestling pads on the floor and I thought that would be ideal.

[stef@apl]

Originally Posted by UgashikBob

Stef:
Do you have any links to the FAA info?

Yep.

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
Unmanned Aircraft (UAS) - Questions and Answers

There are a couple acronyms you need to know. UAS is unmanned aircraft system. COA is Certificate of Authorization (waiver). COAs are only issued to governments (no limits) and universities/businesses for experimental aircraft (limited to certain places/times). All are restricted from commercial use.

[UgashikBob]

Stef
Seems very definitive. Commercial use seems very regulated but non commercial looks like 400' AGL and three miles from a airport and common sense. Thanks for the links.

[SSScottSS]

Originally Posted by UgashikBob

Just received one of these as a birthday present from a friend and wondering if anyone else has experience with them.

Do you happen to have a link to what you got? I have a Gopro HD 2, and would love to play around with something like this if it could be done for a reasonable cost.

[UgashikBob]

Aerial Media Pros

[SSScottSS]

Thank you for the link. I must admit, I had some serious sticker shock I used to fly RC Airplanes and I was hoping the cost would be in line with what the planes cost.

They sure look like fun though You have one heck of a friend to hook you up like that!