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- Aug 23, 2015
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Why is it that whenever I bump max altitude the Solo automatically goes into RTH? This is really annoying
Altitude limits are Above Ground Level, or AGL. and is based on the distance from the aircraft to the ground immediately below it and has nothing to do with where 'you' are standing.Honestly I'm not even sure how they can measure or prove our exact altitude to tell if it's above or below 400 feet, technically I can go up or down the steep hills around here and be told by solo I'm quite a bit higher or lower if I take off from the top or bottom.
Anybody know a baseline or how that's best judged?
Well, first of all 'Police' do not have jurisdiction unless the city/county have a local law written regarding RC aircraft. At that point, it will be a question of whether you are flying or not, and not the actual altitude. As a law enforcement officer my self, I will tell you that any local law enforcement officer will need an actual written state/city law to enforce, and can not enforce Federal Law. 2nd, the 400' limit as proposed by the FAA is a recommendation at this point and not an actual 'law'. But it is one that I would encourage all to follow until the new regulations are passed.Well not standing I know that has nothing to do with it but where you take off is what's measured by solo, so if that's at the top or bottom of a hill or mountain obviously it moves a lot. Then as soon as you move the aircraft it's going to change dramatically and constantly so I'm sure there will be plenty of arguments to be made when it's in question. So sadly that leaves it up to the public both on our part and enforcement wise and in both cases that's going to cause issues I'm sure. First police not all but a lot are already on a power trip and whether picked on young or little man syndrome or whatever will surely think their words law and if they believe your at this altitude it's true. On the other hand idiot pilots like those causing these issues will be quick to see the highest point and say I'm not 400 feet above it. So what is our best bet now that this issue could make or break the hobby with all these stories I just don't want to be grounded is all.
I knew there was a good reason people are concerned!!!These stories latley about the terrible, privacy stealing, kitten killing, baby stealing drones are going to get us all restricted or banned if we're not careful.
Well, first of all 'Police' do not have jurisdiction unless the city/county have a local law written regarding RC aircraft. At that point, it will be a question of whether you are flying or not, and not the actual altitude. As a law enforcement officer my self, I will tell you that any local law enforcement officer will need an actual written state/city law to enforce, and can not enforce Federal Law. 2nd, the 400' limit as proposed by the FAA is a recommendation at this point and not an actual 'law'. But it is one that I would encourage all to follow until the new regulations are passed.
If going slow you'll hit the fence but if your going fast Rth will trigger. Really it's their only option or solo could be automatically flying illegally I'd think. If your max is 400 than its dangerously close to or past being illegal so it makes sense for it to drop some and Rth is the only easy way for that to happen really. Depending on where your at compared to the ground your likley either above or below that 400 unless your field is level since its measuring from your home spot. I try to keep about 20 feet or better below my fence just to avoid any more of these bad press "drone" stories or any legal issues even if their unlikely for now. Not trying to preach or anything I'm actually curious myself.
Honestly I'm not even sure how they can measure or prove our exact altitude to tell if it's above or below 400 feet, technically I can go up or down the steep hills around here and be told by solo I'm quite a bit higher or lower if I take off from the top or bottom.
Anybody know a baseline or how that's best judged?
I mean from the top of my hill 400 feet is much different and I know the police copter that flies past my place every night would hit me they are probably only up a couple hundred feet anyway it goes usually.
I understand what ya mean by it being annoying and I'm not trying to be preachy at all but please try to avoid being higher than 400 for everybody here's sake. These stories latley about the terrible, privacy stealing, kitten killing, baby stealing drones are going to get us all restricted or banned if we're not careful.lol
Thanks
Safe flying and welcome to the forum there's tons of experienced folks with a lot of good info here.
I think the smart thing to do is to set your max alt. at a height that's less than the ceiling.
I thought it was a pretty good response. I respect strong opinions as long as they aren't personal attacks- which yours wasn't (if I'm thinking of the same one).Self Deleted .. I'm a much bigger person than my response demonstrated.
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