I know I will have to register at some point but I still think it’s a load of, if you’ll pardon my Latin, Bollox.
Like a few on here I’m a member of BMFA so I have a month or two before I commit but I still feel as though we’ve been forcibly implicated in a farcical publicity stunt.
The whole health and safety argument falls flat on its face when you consider that hobbyists have been flying SUAV’s, in one shape or another, for a 100yrs or more without any incidents. And if one of my non-drone colleagues bring up Gatwick once more I swear I won’t be responsible for my actions.
If unlicensed flying things pose such a risk then why are hangliders and Paramotors not subject to these same requirements unless they are fitted with wheels? These full scale flying machines have been responsible for many serious injuries, fatalities, and incursions into restricted airspace. Remember the demonstrator who flew in front of Trump in Scotland in an area that had been locked down to any flying craft?
Another reason why I know this is just a knee jerk reaction to a problem that doesn’t exist, apart from working in the Civil Service for 25yrs, is that come June 2020 the new EASA regulations concerning SUAS will come into force. This will affect the Mavic Mini owners whom believe they’ve circumvented registration as all SUAV’s, irrespective of AUW, will need to be registered if they have any data collecting equipment fitted eg a camera. Another EASA proposal I’m keeping an eye on is the requirement to carry electronic identification, such as ADS-B. The only devices I’ve so far come across suitable for a SUAV are in the £2000 price bracket. Some maybe surprised to know that for General Aviation this isn’t a legal requirement and many small manned aircraft don’t carry this type of device.
I’m sorry for the ranty post. I’ve just had an unhappy love affair, so I don’t see why anyone else should have a good time. ?
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Nidge.