Aerial Drones

     The Federal Aviation Administration have been in the midst of a number of lawsuits because for a while, the FAA have been trying to limit the use of aerial drones. While model planes and helicopters are free to roam the skies of the United States, aerial drones have faced various criticisms. Aerial drones have been steadily increasing in popularity the past couple of months. They are easy to get a hold of and fun to fly. 

     As of right now, the FAA's stance on Unmanned Aircraft System (drones) is as follows: model recreational aircraft must fly below 400 feet, away from airports and air traffic, and within the sight of the operator. No licenses are needed to fly a drone. However, the FAA reserves the right to take enforcement action against model operators who operate their aircraft in a manner that endangers the safety of the national airspace system.  Many hobbyists can stream the drones camera feed to a smartphone and even attach an antenna that extends 

     To some, drones are used to capture nature's beauty and publicize these images for everyone to see while on the other hand, some use it maliciously. Raphael Pirker, a drone pilot and photographer, was fined $10,000 by the FAA for flying a drone weighing two pounds around the University of Virginia campus. The video was available on YouTube and was a stunning display of a drones capability to maneuver and capture the scenery on campus. The FAA however was not a fan of this video. Pirker took the FAA to court and won the ruling. Federal judge Patrick Geraghty dismissed the case for the FAA failed to supply an enforceable rule governing drone operation. 

     Judge Geraghty's ruling is a major success not just for photographers, but for everyone. The FAA has vowed to fight this ruling and limit drone use but for now, anyone can use a drone as long as they don't violate the FAA's regulations. Many top US companies are already coming up with smart ways to utilize drones. Amazon.com has already proposed a plan to use drones to deliver packages to customers 30 minutes after they order. Another industry that may soon be completely taken over by drones is crop dusting. In the long run, crop dusting by using drones will save farmers both time and money. 

     In my opinion, the FAA should drop their pursuit to limit the use of drones. Drones aren't a threat to anyone as long as they are properly used and that the regulations are in place. Instead of prosecuting those who are caught flying drones notoriously, the FAA should offer training sessions that promote safe use of drones. If you have ever seen a video produced by a drone, then you should know the things that drones are capable of doing.