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This is cooler than a frozen lake in MN

I'm not getting that at all. The FAA doesn't have any regulatory authority over drones that I know of. If they can't regulate R/C aircraft, that fly a lot higher than those drones, or model rocketry, which fly much higher, what grants them the authority to shut this guy down? They don't own the airspace, and unless that can show there's a conflict that prevents the safe operation of aircraft in the area, they can't do anything.

That dude should have told them to piss off.
 
Once again, it's all about money. And the gooberment want more.
 
I see it as being more about control than money. The FAA is responsible for regulating and controlling the airspace, but that control is not absolute and not without limits. Yes, the FAA can regulate everything in the air within a Terminal Control Area (TCA) where anything, at any altitude, could pose a hazard to the safe operation of aircraft. They can also regulate anything in designated warning areas where you don't want any airborne item to be a threat, but that's the extent of their control over low-level flight. Now it seems like they're seeing they need to control everything in the air, and that's outside their scope.
 
Being a private pilot, I agree with the FAA 110%. I sure in the hell wouldn't want a drone and a 12 pack busting up my prop or windscreen over some dude down at the fishing hole wanting beer, but too lazy to go get some. Just trying to comprehend and then navigate the national airspace system is intense. Yes, there is uncontrolled airspace (class G) and in some cases class E, but there is also a lot of controlled airspace that goes right to the ground or stacked in multi layered and sized shelves. TCA's are designated just around very large busy airports, there is a lot bigger and more controlled airspaces besides them. So, what is this beer delivery service going to do? Hire actual pilots, that can navigate all airspaces and know all the IFR departure, landing and hold charts for every airport or general VFR flight paths and which way the pilots plan on landing vs. the wind direction? Also know all of the special airspaces like restricted, warning, alert, TFR's..ect...ect.., and when they're active or not and who is the controlling agency? Are they going to run transponders like some airspaces require for aircraft? A big one would be clearance from ATC to even enter some airspaces.. How would they do that? How about weather requirements? What kind of visibility and ceiling is required for beer copters? On top of that, I would hate to see what just a little up or downdraft, thermal or wind shear would do to that little toy. If they want to play in the air like everyone else, by all means they should require the same equipment and follow the same regulations. They're all there to make safe flight for everyone. I don't think the FAA is puffing it's chest, just to be the high and mighty government authority. I think they're taking a look how possibly dangerous this could be to folks in the air and on the ground, and reasonably thinking that there's now way this beer delivery service has the training, knowledge, and equipment to do it by the book and safely.


I'm sure another factor is a malfunctioning drone. A 12 pack of beer falling from a few hundred feet could easily snap your neck, or cause some serious damage on the ground. For beer? Do they have advanced R&D and experience to prove safe flight hours and performance variables like other aircraft? I don't think so. I don't want some Chinese concoction of little servo's, electric motors and cheap plastic parts, piloted by god knows who, flying over me and mine. These are not some USAF highly advanced drones piloted by actual experienced USAF pilots. They're some hobby store junk carrying 10lb projectiles that could easily kill you. Another thing, medical and news choppers fly a lot under controlled airspace, so should they have to deal with them as well...No! Again, coming in on final approach, flaps down, heavy crosswind, rough air, short icy runway, sun in your eyes and here comes a drone in your uncontrolled airspace, and you go down in flames cause someone wanted a 12 pack. I see the guys good times theory...but realistically it's stupid idea! I'm glad they said no.
 
I see your point Prop, but you gotta admit that is once clever idea.

I also see the argument of RC aircraft. Only difference is the RC stuff is usually in a designated area (I think). These drones I suppose can be anywhere. Like when people say they want small aircraft to commute in. Where's my Jetson's flying car they ask??!! To that I say: Do I really want that same bitch in a flying car texting and putting on makeup? We have enough problems in a two dimensional space called roads.
 
Meep-Meep said:
I see your point Prop, but you gotta admit that is once clever idea.

I also see the argument of RC aircraft. Only difference is the RC stuff is usually in a designated area (I think). These drones I suppose can be anywhere. Like when people say they want small aircraft to commute in. Where's my Jetson's flying car they ask??!! To that I say: Do I really want that same bitch in a flying car texting and putting on makeup? We have enough problems in a two dimensional space called roads.
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Oh I agree Meep...It is a clever idea, just not realistic. As far as RC aircraft (fly them as well), you are right, most are flown in designated areas and usually at least 5 miles if not more from any air traffic utilizing an air strip. Being isolated to designated areas is a big difference vs. beer drones. Also, the pilot having direct 360* line-of-site with the aircraft is another big difference. I do think some R/C acft could do some damage (depending on size), but a majority of them are balsa wood, plastic film coated flimsy little things....not a 10-15lb flying brick.

I hear you on the flying cars....really scary thought!
 
it's a buzz kill for both sides
 
It looked like it was a short flight at best to me.I have a 3d chopper and its built out of carbon fiber and aluminum (not to cheap) it takes considerably skill to fly at these levels and yes you can kill yourself in 3 seconds flat or someone else that might be watching the show.I agree this is not to be taken lighty to say the least and shouldn't be done but nonetheless it was pretty cool.
 
You're right Michael, those R/C helicopters are really tough to fly. Expensive too! Hat's off to you. I tried once and good thing there was a trainer cord hooked up to my radio.....Otherwise there would have been a smoking pile of parts and me running for my life.
 
definitely a dangerous hobby.

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-killed-by-remote-control-helicopter-in-nyc-park/

Michael789 said:
It looked like it was a short flight at best to me.I have a 3d chopper and its built out of carbon fiber and aluminum (not to cheap) it takes considerably skill to fly at these levels and yes you can kill yourself in 3 seconds flat or someone else that might be watching the show.I agree this is not to be taken lighty to say the least and shouldn't be done but nonetheless it was pretty cool.
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Why don't they just use an R/C pickup?
 
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