I received an e-mail solicitation from a local distributor for the sales of an UAV.
I replied with the question of FAA compliance.
They replied with something that does not sit well. They will sell the UAV, but you have to sign a document stating that you understand the rules (ie, these are not permitted for commercial work) and that you hold the distributor harmless if the FAA goes after you.
Apparently there have been many sales in the midwest (aka the wild west).
They asked if I want a demo. I responded that I do not for the same reason I do not go to gentlemen's clubs: I do not want to be teased. They can call me when the FAA creates their rules and I can legitimately use and operate a drone.
Unbelievable. Trimble not only won't sell a UX5 to anyone who doesn't have a COA, they don't even list a distribution partner in the US for it.
I know a few people that are using them commercially and even advertise online but none are in the surveying business.
> I know a few people that are using them commercially and even advertise online but none are in the surveying business.
When one joins the ranks of a quasi-legal profession it behooves them to, in layman's terms, "obey the f^&%ing law" whether convenient or not.
> They replied with something that does not sit well.
That right there would put up at least a caution flag for me. "does not sit well" says to me your caution flag is up already.
All this talk of copters really has me "jonesing" for some flight time. There is some dam cool stuff out there these days.
It reminds me of the fireworks laws in Florida. They are illegal to use, but they are sold all over the place around here. You have to sign a paper saying you "(A) have a city permit to shoot off fireworks for the public to enjoy; (B) will use the explosives to scare off birds from a farm or fish hatchery; or (C) you work on a railroad and need to light or clear a path for your train."
Needless to say, there are a lot fish hatchery owners and train engineers around 4th of July.
I wonder how many drone owner/operators are really "peeping toms".
There are a lot better tools (high powered cameras and binoculars) than an uav for "peeping toms". (Not that I would know ALL the tools for peeping toms! 😀 )
Thad
