FAA Grants Arlington Texas Police Department Permission To Fly UAVs 158
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Unknown Lamer
from the coming-for-timothy dept.
from the coming-for-timothy dept.
cylonlover writes with news that another police department has received authorization to start using drones for tasks like "...photographing crime scenes and searching for missing people." From the article: "The police department in Arlington can now use new tools in support of public safety over the Texas urban community — two small helicopter Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The FAA has granted permission for the Arlington police to fly these unmanned aircraft under certain circumstances: they must fly under 400 feet, only in the daytime, be in sight of the operator and a safety observer, and be in contact with the control tower at the nearby Dallas-Fort Worth airport — one of the busiest in the country."
They're using a Leptron Avenger, which "has been designed with military grade features" but don't worry, "police are quick to emphasize that the 4- to 5-foot-long aircraft aren’t the same as military drones."
What's The Difference? (Score:2, Informative)
How are these "new" rules/permissions any different than what have already existed for hobby RC flight?
Under 400 feet. Check.
In sight of operator. Check.
Daytime only. Check.(?)
Being in contact with the control tower is a new requirement that has not been present for hobbyists in the past, that I am aware of.
So, what's new/different about the po po vs prior rules?
Dammit Slashdot Editors!!!! (Score:4, Informative)
R/C aircraft != UAV.
See the 2nd link in the summary. The thing even has a RADIO!!!!!
How many times does it have to be pointed out?????
Military Drone? (Score:2, Informative)
This is an RC helicopter.
The heli referenced in TFA is equivalent to the Align T-Rex 700 [heliproz.com]
Hyperbole much?