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Mr. Luddite

On 2/16/2015 11:31 PM, wrote:
On Mon, 16 Feb 2015 18:49:05 -0800 (PST), True North
wrote:

Mr. Luddite
- show quoted text -

Snip...
"Heard something on the new the other day about proposed regulations
governing RC and drone flying. One was an FAA Certificate which, I
assume, means a demonstration of basic proficiency."

Oh oh...there goes Johnny's short career.

The proposed rule would only apply to commercial operators and this is
about drones, not conventional RC aircraft.

Depends on how you interpret the wording ... and it certainly appears to
apply to recreational flying as well as commercial. Summary:

The Federal Aviation Administration today is publishing new proposed
rules for "small unmanned aircraft systems" — commonly (but not entirely
accurately) referred to as "drones" — that would require an operator
certificate and the user to be at least 17 years old. The proposed rules
also would dictate when and where and how such "unmanned aerial
systems," such as (but not limited to) the type controlled by
smartphones and tablets could be flown.

The broad strokes for platforms weighing less than 4 pounds:

Be older than 17 and pass a written test every two years.
The operator must be in visual contact with the aircraft without using
cameras or binoculars.
No flying over people, unless they're the ones controlling the aircraft.
A 500-foot altitude limit.
Aircraft can't fly faster than 100 mph.
Other obvious rules such as not straying into airport flight paths or
restricted airspace, or posing "a hazard to other aircraft, people or
property."

"small unmanned aircraft systems" .... "unmanned aerial systems" ....
"aircraft" .... that would seem to include more than just "drones".