Yes I have spent the time to look into a pilots license. But there is no level headed person that can tell me this is necessary when the FAA allows ultralights to fly with out one. Even if it is not for profit. It just speaks to the fact that it's about cutting out the smaller guys so that the bigger companies can charge more profits for their work. The fact that some of those that have met the exception want it to remain in place are proof of that theory. It's more about shrinking the competitive arena under the guise of " public safety" If that's what it is really about than spell that out. I understand that sometimes you have to pay to play. I have not seen one rationale argument for using this standard that makes any sense. The fact that others have done it is not a reason to sway my opinion. Granted, If I had the time and the means to go after my license I would but only because I have to. It is sad to me that we cannot utilize the functions of these awesome machines in a way to make a little extra cash to enjoy our hobby. It seems to be that is the only goal that these regulations have accomplished. Only the responsible pilots are going to follow the rules anyway.
I'm sure there are cheaper routes to go, but $4k is still a hefty chunk of money to achieve something entirely unrelated to the actual task/goal beyond regulatory absurdity. And yea, most people will not complete it in the minimum hours, so the cost will likely be a few grand higher still.
But as I said, this is all because regulations haven't had the time to catch up to the technology. And I'm not criticizing that, you don't want rushed regulations that miss the mark. What we have no isn't ideal by a long shot, but it's a workable stopgap until a more thorough solution comes to pass.
So this is funny. I have a (very pleasant) recurring dream that I can fly, like swim through the sky type of flying. I fly above the trees, land on roof tops, etc. It's great. So last night, I have the dream again, and I kid you not, in the dream I think to myself "Hey, I'm going to mount a gimbal and a GoPro to a bicycle helmet, and then I can get any video I want and the FAA can't restrict me since I'm not "operating" anything but myself. I can go over 400 feet, I can sell my videos, etc.". And then I woke up and it was a double disappointment. Not only can't I really fly... but I'm still restricted in the use of the vehicle I CAN fly!
I would have to agree with this as well. While I have my PPL and met the requirements to date, I think having a PPL requirement for MultiRotors is a little overboard but it's what the FAA has to work with at the moment as requirements for commercial operators are fine tuned. But I do not think it should be easy either. Just having to go online and take a test, and now your an operator is not the answer. But something between that and a PPL will be needed. As opposed to just out flying in the park somewhere, commercial jobs will put you in a lot of different areas with varying situations that is going to require a higher regard for safety and airspace. Demonstrating a dedication to learning certain requirements before testing will weed out some that just bought a cheap MR and thought they would wake up the next day and make money with it. And as will always be the case, many will just ignore any requirements anyway and do as they please. and for those, the rest of us will have to pay. But hopefully, with a little education, commercial operations looking for pilots will require they be licensed and insured. Like hiring a contractor; hire cheap and ignore no license or insurance will eventually bite you in the butt.
I agree with all of these points, I agree with the decision to test, and certify pilots as well. I didn't use to until I understood how much of an increase there has been with RC UAV's interfering with flight operations. But I do believe it is a bit naive to think the FAA's motives is out of the safety of the skies. It's more about control and regulation of the airspace below 500 ft as it had now become a profitable area.
I believe he is referring to the amount of flight time required to certify.
That happened to me back in the 90s. I had already been flying RC Nitro Helis when I go a job in central CA. that required traveling in the state. I first bought a plane. then I only had to pay for the instructor time. I picked up a nice 71' model Cessna 172 with mid time on it for $26k. Got my license in 46hrs, but it also put a crimp on the RC stuff for awhile as flying the real thing was more enjoyable.
