On Mon, 09 Nov 2015 21:31:49 -0500, wrote:

On Mon, 9 Nov 2015 18:12:25 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:


Not really, based on what I've read. There are new FAA regulations (not
laws) governing quadcopters or "drones" but there is much left to
interpretation.


This is the notice of proposed regulations

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015...2015-26874.htm

BTW ... you guys were discussing dangers of bodily harm as a result of
flying quadcopters (or multi-rotor copters). I think Greg cited a
"Myth Busters" episode that debunked the notion that they can be
dangerous. I wonder if the Myth Buster guys have seen this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji3Hii_LZOc


I don't seem to be old enough to see that ;-)
The MB guys did say a big commercial drone with carbon fiber blades
was basically a food processor but the original "myth" was the toys
FCC wants to exempt. They have flexible plastic blades that tolerate
crashes better. Henk was carrying one around unprotected in a small
tote bag.

Many are made to be flown indoors. They have very soft blades and will not even
scratch the paint on the wall. The bigger they get, the bigger and stronger the
blades. The one in Luddite's video was about the same size as the one in the MB
video, and therefore a 'toy'.

'Indoors' versus 'outdoors' may be a first step at classifying the damn things. I
have a helicopter that's made for indoor flying. It will not fly outdoors if there is
even a slight breeze. The blades flex and the helicopter goes out of control.

It's not registered either.
--

Ban idiots, not guns!