... I too think it's important to either regulate them somehow (without killing the fun)...

I believe we already have a model regulatory system that can be applied quickly and easily to "drone" systems. It has worked quite well for many years, and has proven to not interfere with use and experimentation.

It is called Amateur Radio. There is no reason not to provide a license to anyone wanting to operate a "drone" system as an amateur, but the licensees need to demonstrate their willingness to follow certain rules. This process has stood the test of time for Amateur Radio. Amateurs went to the FCC with their proposals in the beginning. They didn't wait for the FCC to find a solution.

The only time the "wild west" of radio happened was when the FCC went out on its own to destroy radio with the unlicensed CB radio band. We are now facing that with "drone" systems. No control; no responsibility. Now we have the probability of losing access to our "drone" systems because of typical government overreach.

 

Licensing is a good idea, but how do you require licensing for "drones" without requiring it for all RC aircraft?

 

Licensing is a good idea, but how do you require licensing for "drones" without requiring it for all RC aircraft?

If it happens, it will probably come down to just that.

 

This looks extremely cool:

https://www.newscientist.com/articl...urious-drone-racers-battle-for-air-supremacy/​

 

Anyone hear about the new/upcoming rule for registering UAV's and RC airplanes? Something to do with a weight between 0.5 and 55 pounds.

 

https://reason.com/blog/2015/12/14/the-faas-new-drone-registration-rules-ar

 

http://thefreethoughtproject.com/faa-admits-drone-registrations-personal-information-publicly/

 

https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/

 

Myself, I would worry a lot more about the rules for firing a gun in a residential area then the FCC rules on unlicensed transmitters.

 

http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.co...n-drones-hinder-federal-surveillance-program/

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/fail-register-your-drone-you-could-be-hit-27k-fine-n481856

 

http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.co...s-would-open-the-door-to-armed-police-drones/

 

http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.co...s-would-open-the-door-to-armed-police-drones/

That's a very scary idea

 

That's a very scary idea

I'll have to gather more intel on the drone before shooting it out of the sky.

 

I'll have to gather more intel on the drone before shooting it out of the sky.

And while you're at it... the drone's gonna fire first...

 

And while you're at it... the drone's gonna fire first...

possibly.

 

https://www.rt.com/usa/327411-faa-shuts-down-drone-clubs/

https://www.rt.com/usa/327408-darpa-new-drone-program/

Sky-net is coming.

 

retention bonus of 125k. That's because the civilian drone pilots command about 102k annual salary.

 

Gamers would drive our drones for free.

 

Gamers would drive our drones for free.

True, but is that the kind of mentality you want to arm with a real Hellfire missile?

Sorry. Not a smart thought. That ship has sailed.

 

True, but is that the kind of mentality you want to arm with a real Hellfire missile?

Sorry. Not a smart thought. That ship has sailed.

A long time ago (about 30 years) I read a SciFi story with that plot... in that story, the next WW was going to be fought remotely, and automatically, with drones... it all ended when a bunch of escapees from a psychiatric ward took control of the allied drones and defeated the enemies' ... and that happened because the enemies' AI couldn't figure out a logical strategy from the way it was being attacked by the mentally challenged mob