Hobbyist Archives - Public Safety Flight

Why Flying a Drone as a Hobbyist is Currently a Mine Field for Public Safety Agencies

October 24, 2014 by Steve Rhode

I’ve seen more and more news stories pop up where some police of fire department is quoted as they are flying their UAS as hobbyists and not FAA approved agency or pilot. This is a mine field. I understand the hobbyist exemption very well and it is not just a causal wide loophole for people … Read more

Drone Strikes Helicopter Over NC June 23, 2022
Only the earliest data is available on this accident. The FAA is reporting Schweizer 269 helicopter was struck by a drone near Booneville, North Carolina on June 23, 2002, at 10:59 AM. The aircraft collided near the intersection of Dobbins Road and Route 601. Here is the street view link.Continue Reading
UK UAS Accident Data Shows Safety Issue Most Pilots Are in Denial About
The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch just published their 2021 accident review for UAS incidents. “Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) occurrences accounted for a quarter of the notifications received by the AAIB in 2021 and the increased levels of reporting from this sector is welcomed. The AAIB has been investigating selected UAS accidents since 2015 and ... Read more
DJI Mini 2 Flyaway and Crash Video
I stumbled across this video of a DJI Mini 2 pilot that lost control of his aircraft despite having 20+ satellites, no wind, and full signal. The pilot said, “I went up to 120 meters and then it starts flying sideways. Warning saying Max power load reached. Code 30168.” Lesson Learned: Your drone can operate ... Read more
Fixed-Wing UAS Pilots Need to Read This. Most Flight Outside Regulations.
I was recently asked about a fixed-wing UAS, the FlightWave Edge 130. In taking a look at the UAS, I noticed the following statement on the FlightWave sight, “The Edge 130 VTOL tricopter is a consumer-priced, military-grade UAS designed for long-range, long-endurance missions.” – Source It was the words Long-Range that caught my eye, given ... Read more
Pilots Record Database FAQ for COA Departments Flying Part 107 and Public Aircraft Operations
The subject of the Pilots Record Database and its applicability for both Part 107 and COA pilots has created a thirst for more clarity. These FAQs below are a combination of information distributed by the FAA, and some are from the info I published here. With the liability and complexity of yet another COA admin ... Read more