Technology, you have to love it.

Today was a calm and sunny day, so I went to the local golf course to photograph my drone in flight. When I returned home and was putting the drone away, I found that while I was photographing the drone, the drone was photographing me.

 

You just don't know who's watching you these days Hydrogardener.

 

That's higher than the 60m maximum height for kite flying (I've got a reel with 1,000 feet of line on it, but have only used most of it at events with special clearance from the CAA.

 

We have more guidelines than laws; max altitude 400 feet, five miles from an airport. Talk of registration, but not of fees. I will be surprised if they do not attempt to charge a fee. Enforcement is going to be a major problem, as there are so many already out there. There will be many more after the holidays, as they are for sale all over.

There is a new site dedicated to drone photos that was featured on CNN:

http://www.dronestagr.am/

 

Four hundred feet is plenty high enough for me. As I looked at the photos taken at the golf course I had to wonder: Who the heck raked all the leaves? I sure would not want that job.

 

Great picture. They must have machinery for the leaves, I can't see anyone raking that expanse or using nets on the lake which looks clear too.

 

I took my granddaughter there for a walk this afternoon. There was one person running a large blower, which made a pile of leaves. Another man on a large mower was going alongside mulching the leaves. Nice to see recycling at work. I just noticed that if you look above the lake, slightly to the right of center, there are three white lines. They are a large waterfall in the city of Cohoes, New York. At one time in the 19 century they were an attraction in this area.

 

I read this today concerning registration in the US. It may be released next week.

They said the recommendations would require drone operators to register on a website or via a phone app, if they own UAS weighing as little as 8.8 ounces, and attach their registration number to their drones. Two sources told Reuters the drone registry could ultimately provide an alternative to the more laborious, paper-based process for registering manned aircraft for both recreational and commercial drone users.

 

'ere shiney, when watching one of the countless police programmes (not spelling) and the miscreant objects to being filmed usually from feet away the police just say "It is allowed as this is a public place"? Cheers, Tony.

 

Well, I registered my drone today with the FAA. It was quick, easy, and free, for those who register within the next 60 days. The registration is good for three years and then will be five dollars for each three year period. The government says the fee is for maintenance on the registration system, and applies whether you register your drone or an Airbus 320.
We all know it is just another form of taxation. I am in fact glad to see it happen, as a local county wanted to pass legislation that would prohibit drones, and all other model aircraft, from being flown in the county. Now that the drone is registered with the Federal Government, and they have jurisdiction over its operation, the county is up the creek with their legislation.

The FAA issued a number, which must be on the drone, and a certificate of registration which must be with you when flying. It can be a paper copy, or electronic version. You may not operate your drone on overcast days, or out of your sight unaided by anything other than corrective lenses, or at night.

Here are the some of the rules you must follow:

• Don't be careless or reckless with your UAS
• Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of obstacles
• Stay away from other aircraft at all times
• Keep your UAS within your sight
• Don't fly near airports, stadiums, or other people
• Don't fly under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Keep away from emergency responders