Legislation of photography from the air (within and beyond line of sight)?

[tpita]

Hi guys.

I started building RC planes quite a while ago, but I have been very much dealing with it alone without much interacting with fellow builders. I am now interested in aerial photography from airplanes, unmanned beyond-line-of-sight flight (programming is my main occupation) and their combination.

One thing I cannot find a whole lot of information about is the legislature.

I have had quite many questions over the years. I suppose others have as well. So I'm listing most of my critical questions in the hope that it will be beneficial for myself and fellow readers for a long time to come. Even if you know the answers to only some, that would be highly appreciated.

1. Under which legislature do RC planes fall?
2. Which airspace, if any, is off limits to RC enthusiasts? (I have simply taken the safe road thus far)
3. Which are the limits where RC within line of sight planes are allowed to fly in the US, EU and elsewhere (altitude, size and weight of plane, purpose)?
4. What is the legislature for beyond-line-of-sight planes in US? I did research and found there is controversy with FAA over the regulation of UAV's of all types regardless of size.
5. What is the legislature for beyond-line-of-sight planes in the EU? It seems more relaxed, but where exactly does an RC plane end and an UAV start? Different regulation based on altitude, size and weight and purpose?

[dalbert02]

Wow. I am certain you will get many responses on this one.
1) Technically, in the USA the FAA. At an AMA field, AMA rules apply.
2) You can pretty much fly where ever you want, but I would steer clear of restricted military airspace, some national parks, and private property without permission which doesn't leave much except AMA fields. Are you flying a parkflyer or a 1/3 scale size? Let common sense prevail. I'll fly my IFO in the parking lot of my job but my Kadet Senior only flies at the AMA field.
3) AMA field or on your own? AMA field = AMA rules. Your own private property in the middle of no where = who cares.
4) For beyond line of site, you need an FAA COA
5) I'll let Europeans comment on EU airspace. UAV begins anytime you fly beyond line of site or using autopilot systems. It is a gray area. AMA does not seem supportive of FPV flying either.
I'm sure some will agree and others will disagree with this. :rolleyes:
-dave

[macboffin]

Add to the previous list of no-no areas to fly, anywhere near an active airfield, or in full-size aviation airspace generally. (In the UK there are military low flying zones where you can sit on a hill-side and watch fast jets go by UNDERNEATH! Since you say "legislature" and not "law" I presume you are Stateside. Are you very well insured? AMA won't cover you for this activity.
Nor will BMFA.If it's out of sight, it's a UAV. Confucius he say, "Stick out neck, get head chopped off!"

[dalbert02]

Ya know, I was going to put full size aviation airspace but then I thought someone would say, "Well, I was at an RC airshow at an airport". :)
-dave

[Unterhausen]

our AMA club field is an airport. Which is a pain, they don't even let the owner shut it down to full size traffic for the club's annual show

[macboffin]

our AMA club field is an airport. Which is a pain, they don't even let the owner shut it down to full size traffic for the club's annual show Now THAT could get really interesting!