On 6/27/2014 8:58 PM, Earl wrote:
KC wrote:
in my community over rc planes and choppers. Yesterday there was an
amateur pilot with a quad flying over the track filming his kids. Here
is the letter I put up on FB to get feedback from my friends...

snip
Just wondering what you all think of Quads and Choppers with Cameras
over the track? Yesterday we encountered this for the first time and
although my rider decided it wasn't going to be an issue, I have to
wonder where it's going. I can see two or three amateur even first
time pilots hovering these things around the front parking lot jump,
all trying to get a shot, eventually there will be an issue...
Personally, I think they are great, I even have one but I think tracks
should make strict rules right here and now that these things are to
remain and film from spectator areas and not be within the confines of
the track itself... I don't mind you risking your own kids, but I
don't know your pilot and don't want my rider being part of your
learning curve... Like I said, *I have one of theses things so don't
get all weird on me*, but I am not pulling it out till I learn to fly
it better, and make sure it's not going to effect any other riders or
families on the track... Just my .02 wonder how you all feel. Please
post a note, I may pass it along to some track owners if I start to
see similar attitudes among my track friends... Just a note, I would
have a provision for proven professionals who fly, but it would be a
sign in and sign a release kind of thing.... Thanks for listening, RMR
/snip


Just wonder how you all feel about this stuff.... I think it's
probably illegal to fly over the track anyway, but I am not sure.. One
thing I know, it's gonna' cause a fuss because all the kids who have
these things are um, let's just say they come from families who are
uses to having their own way...
Regulation is sparse unless they fly over 1000 feet, IIRC, when the FAA
can jump in. I doubt any current laws prevent their use over your
track. There are a lot of governmental bodies reviewing the regulation
of these drones but I haven't read about any significant restrictions.

The type I have seen are relativity harmless to spectators. Unless
someone is hit in the eye they can't inflict any serious injuries.

The one flying yesterday would not be harmless to spectators, or their
property, remember we are camped and packed tight as sardines in these
areas. The one flying the other day could kill my rider if she hit it
coming off a big jump because it caught a gust of wind... 4 1/2 pounds
of camera, kevlar, and aluminum hitting you in the face at 60 mph.. Not
harmless in any scenario... That is why even the pros fly them aside the
track over access roads and never in the path of the rider. Pro MX
doesn't even use them, they use cable cams or hand held... Ever wonder
why network sports aren't really using them, too much liability, too
many variables....