Comment Re:The Goggles! (Score 2) 268
Also, they are giving their interpretation that anything involving money removes the operator from the "hobby and recreational" exemption that congress granted. A pilot that gives a demonstration of advanced aerobatics and receives a payment is now not flying for hobby or recreational purposes. This is equivalent to saying a fly fisherman that demonstrates casting techniques and receives a payment is no longer a recreational fisher and now must be a commercial fisherman.
They also say if you take any pictures or video while flying, they have the right to decide what you do with the pictures or video can also change you from a hobbyist. Take a picture of you own [hobby only] garden to see where it needs watering, OK. Take a picture of your neighbor's garden and show him where it needs watering, commercial use. Take a picture of any commercial enterprise and post it online, commercial use.
Many of these changes are being published now because in March a federal judge ruled that the FAA has never published its restrictions of commercial use of hobby aircraft. [See FAA vs Pirker]. The FAA had previously issued "policy guidelines", but that was not enough to fine Pirker the $10,000 they wanted for commercial use of a hobby aircraft. http://motherboard.vice.com/re...
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