I am waiting for the technology to improve a bit before getting a drone - better resolution cameras and better battery technology (longer flight time).
The Federal Aviation Agency is close to legislating on how, when and where to use drones - public comment is being solicited.
Here is the PDF file from the Federal Register
SUMMARY: The FAA is proposing to amend its regulations to adopt specific rules to allow the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems in the National Airspace System. These changes would address the operation of unmanned aircraft systems, certification of their operators, registration, and display of registration markings. The proposed rule would also find that airworthiness certification is not required for small unmanned aircraft system operations that would be subject to this proposed rule. Lastly, the proposed rule would prohibit model aircraft from endangering the safety of the National Airspace System.
DATES: Send comments on or before April 24, 2015.
WA State is also looking for input:
FAA, WSDOT seek feedback on proposed Unmanned Aircraft Systems requirements
The public has two chances to comment on proposed safety requirements for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operations in the nation’s airspace.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is accepting feedback directly, but the Washington State Department of Transportation also welcomes public comments to help shape its agency response.
The proposed requirements address non-recreation UAS operations, including:
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- Crop monitoring/inspection
- Research and development
- Educational/academic uses
- Power-line/pipeline inspection in hilly or mountainous terrain
- Antenna inspections
- Aiding certain rescue operations such as locating snow avalanche victims
- Bridge inspections
- Aerial photography
- Wildlife nesting area evaluations
The deadline for WA State is April 13. I plan to write both groups - it would be too easy to lose our rights to fly.
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