As the subtle tension lingers between drone enthusiasts and federal government policymakers, there is much speculation as to just how much each side should be limited.  As it stands, neither side has been relegated to “keep a distance”. 

This relatively new recreation isn’t likely to go unregulated for long, however, as more and more hobbyists test their boundaries.  It is becoming common to hear stories about drones flying near city high rises, and more dangerously, alongside commercial airplanes, and even into prison complexes.  For the average person, flying a drone into these environments probably wouldn’t be a first choice, but for the more bold operators (and there are plenty), this could only be the start. 

Aside from the lighthearted uses, such as the Burrito Bomber, there is the looming possibility of more hazardous uses of drones.  In the wrong hands, they could be used to stalk civilians or government/military personnel, deliver drugs and weapons, record sensitive information, or drop off deadly explosives just about anywhere.  This is the concern for government officials and civilians alike.

                In the eyes of the public, there is an increasing debate about the freedoms one should be allowed to exercise when using this sort of technology.  The FAA had a mild scuffle with Raphael Pirker, which has caused the flight regulation authority to reconsider the way they define “model aircrafts”. 

                Whichever side of the argument one falls into, one thing is certain: this issue will not go away.  There will be more Raphael Pirkers, and more resistance from the FAA and other agencies, as we navigate the rough drone-filled skies.

                Should you encounter problems with law enforcement over the flying of a drone, contact Michael Berg, a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, an attorney that handles drone-related legal issues.

Happy flying.       

 

 

 

Sources:

 

DarwinAerospace.com - http://www.darwinaerospace.com/burritobomber

The Wall Street Journal - http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-federal-aviation-administration-settles-with-videographer-over-drone...