The best way to deal with this issue is to have each drone fitted with a transponder device like commercial airlines that would identify to air traffic control the location and, most important, the owner/operator.
So you want the FAA/Air Traffic Control to follow 500,000 drones with a transponder in addition to the thousands of Commercial & Private aircraft. Wouldn’t that take several thousand more government employees to do that?
Seriously – what data re you using to figure this is a “best way”? The drone registry requires registration for drones weighing over 250 grams. None of these will fly over 400 ft. FAA Class G airspace planes (below 1200 ft) DO NOT REQUIRE TRANSPONDERS.
A typical transponder unit such as a Bendix KT76 (without wiring or antenna) weighs in at 3 pounds (or 1361 grams. It also draws 1.2A at 14V. There may be lighter units out there
Almost all of the drones intended for coverage by this statute are not allowed (or indeed capable)to fly high enough or could not possibly lift the transponder equipment or even provide enough power!
Really, Considering the weight of a transponder is more than most hobby drone total weight. Not to mention the battery and antenna requirements. Don’t be a fool, this whole thing is just another revenue stream scam.
I am a drone user, with 5 models. Have been flying for over 3 years. This requirement for registration of the hobby drones is absurd. These models typically have a flight time of under 10 min, the faster you attempt to go, the shorter flight time. Flight distances typically very short, supposed to be within line of site, weight is typically 3-7 pounds (about the size of a small-medium bird).
The average fixed wing model weighs in around 4-7 lbs. (Beginner models) The sustained speeds for these miniature fixed wing models is 20-60 mph. They can stay up much longer, and can fly much further.
Do a little searching on the internet; compare the size / weight / speed of the various hobby drones vs that of the hobby fixed wing market. You don’t have to look far to find fixed wing models that operate on small jet engines and reach speeds in excess of 100 mph. Fixed wing weights get absurdly heavy.
Let’s be truthful. If the concern is the increase of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operation, If the registry is to make the national air space ‘safe’, WHY do we not register ALL remote control aircraft?.
Edward, where do you fly your 5 models of drones? If you fly them over other peoples property and they think they are being spied on, they may just shoot them down. Hopefully, you are flying in open fields or hobby lots etc.
i’m on my 3rd drone right now, though it’s just the Air Hogs Millennium Falcon. Lots of fun, decent flying time, and pretty easy for beginners. Yeah, I’m 39, but that thing is COOL.
The best way to deal with this issue is to have each drone fitted with a transponder device like commercial airlines that would identify to air traffic control the location and, most important, the owner/operator.
So you want the FAA/Air Traffic Control to follow 500,000 drones with a transponder in addition to the thousands of Commercial & Private aircraft. Wouldn’t that take several thousand more government employees to do that?
Yup… more jobs for the economy, lol.
I believe private sector jobs will add more to the economy than government jobs which just adds to the deficit and causes higher tax rates.
Seriously – what data re you using to figure this is a “best way”? The drone registry requires registration for drones weighing over 250 grams. None of these will fly over 400 ft. FAA Class G airspace planes (below 1200 ft) DO NOT REQUIRE TRANSPONDERS.
A typical transponder unit such as a Bendix KT76 (without wiring or antenna) weighs in at 3 pounds (or 1361 grams. It also draws 1.2A at 14V. There may be lighter units out there
Almost all of the drones intended for coverage by this statute are not allowed (or indeed capable)to fly high enough or could not possibly lift the transponder equipment or even provide enough power!
Really, Considering the weight of a transponder is more than most hobby drone total weight. Not to mention the battery and antenna requirements. Don’t be a fool, this whole thing is just another revenue stream scam.
I am a drone user, with 5 models. Have been flying for over 3 years. This requirement for registration of the hobby drones is absurd. These models typically have a flight time of under 10 min, the faster you attempt to go, the shorter flight time. Flight distances typically very short, supposed to be within line of site, weight is typically 3-7 pounds (about the size of a small-medium bird).
The average fixed wing model weighs in around 4-7 lbs. (Beginner models) The sustained speeds for these miniature fixed wing models is 20-60 mph. They can stay up much longer, and can fly much further.
Do a little searching on the internet; compare the size / weight / speed of the various hobby drones vs that of the hobby fixed wing market. You don’t have to look far to find fixed wing models that operate on small jet engines and reach speeds in excess of 100 mph. Fixed wing weights get absurdly heavy.
Let’s be truthful. If the concern is the increase of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) operation, If the registry is to make the national air space ‘safe’, WHY do we not register ALL remote control aircraft?.
Edward, where do you fly your 5 models of drones? If you fly them over other peoples property and they think they are being spied on, they may just shoot them down. Hopefully, you are flying in open fields or hobby lots etc.
i’m on my 3rd drone right now, though it’s just the Air Hogs Millennium Falcon. Lots of fun, decent flying time, and pretty easy for beginners. Yeah, I’m 39, but that thing is COOL.