Looks like every UAV pilot will have to take the part 107 test soon (and retest every two years)(initial testing runs $150.00, unknown if retesting will be the same). Yes that means you....if you live in the USA or one of her territories that is....

The Bill passed in the House overwhelmingly, and is believed it will pass in the Senate as well. Unknown when the Bill would become law, but this is bad news and brought about by many factors, too include big business, and morons that fly illegally and irresponsibly. Interesting the likes of DJI is in support of the change.

One of the good things according to my buddy in the FAA is, this is the first step to do away with the LOS requirement, making FPV at great distances legal.

So get out your checkbook and study guides.

Bad news

EDIT: NOT TOO LATE TO CALL YOUR SENATORS.....better late than never......

Here is a video that sheds more light on what is happening, and it doesn't sound as bad as the article I just posted.

Here is the text of the Bill.  The section that affects us hobbyists is in Sec 344.  You can read the bill for your own entertainment.  There are other sections for UAS operations, but those appear to apply to other than hobbyists.  I'm still digesting it all myself.   If you're having trouble sleeping, I have found your relief in reading this Bill.  

2018 FAA re-authorization Bill

As Amazon and the like will be taking over the airspace up to the 400' mark, we are losing our hobbyist flying space anyway. Once we are 107 compliant, we are free to make money with our machines. I have had large groups offer to pay me well over $150 to film their events and such, but due to not having the proper certification, I have to decline as I knowingly would be producing material "for profit" which has led me to consider getting 107 cert'd anyway. I could make a few thousand a year doing something I love!

Not sure this is going to stop the backyard flyer with the 2" rocket from ripping around their yard anyway, but it will likely destroy the sanctioned events for the up and coming pilots. GP events? Nope, gone. All of the businesses that sell to us now will likely go under, but with the Chinese willingly flooding the market with zero regard for stupid US law parts will remain plentiful. Like everything else that the gov attempts to stop through regulation, it will just drive it into "guerilla" status is all.

Clearly there are competing interests in the "drone" world.  And corporations have the money to sway congressmen their way.  It's just the way it is.  Also, it doesn't help there's a fairly large group of morons doing stuff that tarnishes the hobby.  

After watching this process take place, I'm convinced the AMA is completely impotent in D.C.  They had little or no effect on Congress.  Nearly all House members voted for the change, with only like 23 voting no.  And it's believed the Senate will sign off as well.

I doubt this will be the last attack on our hobby.  And each time our freedom to fly as we want will be eroded.  

I really think legal hobby rc flying will end once Amazon, who already has the airspace approval, puts their first delivery drone in to the air. They will have what amounts to effective ownership of airspace from 0 to 400 feet agl blanketing the entire US at least. FAA waivers spaces will be small and tightly restricted. All so someone can receive their knick-knack or doo-hike in their driveway quicker.

RC hobbyists comprise nearly nearly nothing of a percent of the country's population, so no-one is worried about stepping on our toes.

(03-Oct-2018, 03:02 PM)kaitylynn Wrote: I really think legal hobby rc flying will end once Amazon, who already has the airspace approval, puts their first delivery drone in to the air. They will have what amounts to effective ownership of airspace from 0 to 400 feet agl blanketing the entire US at least. FAA waivers spaces will be small and tightly restricted. All so someone can receive their knick-knack or doo-hike in their driveway quicker.

RC hobbyists comprise nearly nearly nothing of a percent of the country's population, so no-one is worried about stepping on our toes.

When it comes to the government, the voice with the deepest pockets tend to win. Our pockets aren't very deep.

I've watched over the years as people became more and more needy where it comes to delivery times for purchases. "I ordered it 10 minutes ago and I still don't have a shipped notification!" "I ordered it 22 hours ago and it isn't here yet. It only has to ship from Washington state to Florida. I could have driven up there and gotten it in less time! This company sucks! "

is there a weight limit of 250g?

(04-Oct-2018, 12:00 PM)Oscar Wrote: is there a weight limit of 250g?

I don't see that stipulation in the Bill.....the only weight requirement that I saw was in section 343 limiting total weight to less than 55 pounds. Looks like the former low end weight rule is gone, so ALL UAVs will have to meet the requirements, even toy UAVs.

That could change as the Senate hasn't voted yet and they may modify the Bill.

And looks like once they figure out how, UAVs will have to have a transponder or some sort.

Also, the door looks open to no more LOS requirement, but it falls back on the AMA to create language on how full FPV is done.  I have little hope that the AMA will go for non-LOS flight as it is ran by a bunch of curmudgeons.  Once we get a bunch of millennials in there, we will be ripping everywhere, FTW....

Also, I believe that TBS and now FrSky have erred on the choice of frequency of their 900Mhz system.  For the USA at least, they should have worked with the HAM community and got a section of the 33 centimeter band already allotted to Amateur Radio.  The FCC has to work with the HAM community anytime they want to make adjustments to the band plan.  And unlike the AMA, the HAM community actually has some power when up against the FCC.  Currently, if the FCC decides to mark the 915Mhz band for something else, they can do so immediately and with no due process.  Once that happens if you fly with your 900Mhz radio, you are committing a federal felony.  Penalties for violation of bands are harsh. (many believe they are civil infractions, only carrying a fine, but they are crimes and can carry jail/prison time, even though only fines are typical)  The HAM bands in the 33 centimeter range (900Mhz) are Transmit: 896 - 902 MHz and 935 - 941 MHz    Receive: 935 - 941 MHz.  

How Amateur Radio works in other countries I'm unfamiliar, but it likely would be a better marriage there as well.

Of course this would require you to have a HAM license to fly in the 33 centimeter band.  And likely many of you are already unconvicted felons for the channel you operate your VTX on.

And then they wonder why we have the dumb ass issues we have in the US.

The almighty AMA speaks.....

Seems like I'm talking to myself in this thread....  They say that's either a sign of intelligence or mental illness.....I know what those that know me best would pick....

This section the AMA feels is the most significant in the Bill.  I believe you should read from Sec. 343-349....but here is just Sec 349.....start studying...you WILL be testing soon.

Sec 349

And in closing and until the law comes into effect, I will finish with one of my favorite quotes.....

"In times of tyranny and injustice, when law oppresses the people, the outlaw takes his place in history."