Sorry about the somewhat lengthy narrative.....had to get some things off my chest.
During a recent fpv outing at a large park in the outskirts of my hometown I attracted the attention of a couple very interested young men. Kids really, all of 12-14yrs old and full of questions. I did my best to answer all the typical questions such as "how far?", "how fast?" plus the more technical "hows that work?" and "whats this do?" in reference to my ground station. Answering questions is something I never mind doing so long as my plane is safely on the ground during Q & A and I can get back to the quiet solitude of fpv flight within a reasonable time frame. The young men were respectful and polite enough so I gave them an opportunity to watch my monitor as I launched one last time prior to sunset staying well within vlos just so they could get a idea of what it is to fly fpv. I had to show off a bit, flying vlos I am far more comfortable flying "on the edge" so to speak. Once landed, after all the oohs and awes I began packing up at which point one young man asked a very pointed question considering his age. "Is all this legal, what about other planes....what if you crashed into someone's house?" I was struck by how well this little guy grasped the potential implications of flying a few pieces of foam slapped together with glue and tape, controlled by hobby grade technology miles away over possibly populated areas and sometimes to altitudes trafficked by the "real deals". I did my best to answer his question, referencing AMA doc 550 (when it is and isn't applicable), the FAA stance on fpv/uav flight and HAM license requirements.....but ultimately failed miserably answering his question as it all went over his head. We as fpv enthusiasts have the peculiar classification of being part of the fastest growing and by now mostly likely largest market for rc products whilst at the same time being considered "fringe", "rebels" and "reckless" by many. A unregistered and unregulated mass of flying idiots....in so many words. Unfortunately this perception is only aided by a misinformed/uneducated populous and a few less than savvy fpv(ers) without any common sense or respect. I offer two examples of case and point.
Early last year here in DFW a fpv(er) unintentionally caught imagery of a meat packing plant in Dallas dumping blood and other waste into a tributary of the Trinity River (sorry Houston lol). He gave an anonymous tip to the authorities which lead to the uncovering of major contamination violations. Although the story references a "drone" (negative connotations) I highly doubt this guy was doing anything much different than the typical fpv flyer....a gopro strapped to a Bixler. This guy was well within the law, under 400ft, vlos and appropriate HAM licensing apparently. The noteworthy thing about the story was the general uneducated public was for the most part far more concerned about privately owned "drones" filling the skies and the privacy issues at stake. A prime example of perception vs. reality.
Take a bit of cutting edge autonomous tech, add in some expensive "big boy" toys with a twist of rebel persona and the fpv community has has a tendency to attract a few of those with less than sound judgement (have had my own lapses in judgement). In this case all one must do is watch a few youtube videos to see what I am talking about. The attitude of "I will fly like a bat outta hell, wherever and whenever I want no matter the consequences" will only lead to a dead end for the future of fpv. The youtube link attached is a prime and very disappointing example of how our image is being shaped by absolute morons. 1+1 will always equal 2 but not as is if we have to document it and post it for all the world to see. Why add fodder to the fears and concerns of the general public? Political affiliation aside, fact of the matter is here in the U.S. we are looking at 4 more years of one of the most proactive pro-regulation administrations we have ever had, best we stay off their radar.
The end game is this, either we begin policing ourselves as a community or Uncle Sam does it for us. The burgeoning fpv hobby is already under scrutiny from the FAA and although recently incorporated in AMA regs we are still considered dangerous to the rc hobby at large. I would suggest this, maintain a code of conduct so to speak on a individual level and do what you can to promote a positive image. To those experienced fpv flyers who frequent the forums, perhaps instead of giving a total noob a shopping list so that they can fly 5+miles on their maiden fpv flight, inform them of the implications and responsibilities there in. Educate Educate Educate.....proud to be a rebel but not without a cause.
Regards
lonewolf7717
The trigger for an IED is a cell phone. That being said can we outlaw cell phones? A murderous person or group of people will use whatever necessary to kill. Will they someday use a multi-copter or plane to kill? Well, we already do.
And sadly the freedom this country has, I contributed to. This guy has the freedom to make videos that will give people bad ideas. I often wish I had the ten years I gave this country back.
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I completely support you, but the video get the opposite message for those who don't read. And I wont be surprised if these groups are the same ( the non readers and the reckless).
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Yes there will be the people out there that are going to do bad things or dumb things. This is something we cannot stop but, if we show we are a community that is professional and can use this tech correctly. We will have the government on our side.
Last note, educated yourself. Get familiar with the rules of the sky. It doesn't hurt to explain what you are trying to do and ask if you are going to violate any regulations. Example: Model rocketeers get FAA clearance when they shoot off the big models. What goes into it I don't know but, would you rather be dealing with a little red tape or not flying at all? This is a great hobby to be in lets do our part to keep it.
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