B4UFLY "Good to go!" vs FAA rule 14 C.F.R. § 107.41

He said the people in the boats were his friends, so if they agreed to being part of the operation then that would put him in the clear.

Negative! Even if they sign waivers, releases, IOU’s they can’t “allow Fed Regs to be violated.

As stated above only members (who are trained and briefed) of the flight crew are allowed to be flown over.
 
Based on the description of the guy flying over boats with friends onboard, it sounds like more recreational flights vs. commercial. Did he attempt to monetize the flights? How does the FAA distinguish just by viewing YouTube videos whether to invoke Part 107 vs. recreational rules? Not sure these days there's much difference, but there was a huge difference prior to May 2019. You state the flights were more than a year old, so that could have some play here. As I understand it, even a Part 107 certified pilot can still fly under recreational rules.
 
Based on the description of the guy flying over boats with friends onboard, it sounds like more recreational flights vs. commercial. Did he attempt to monetize the flights? How does the FAA distinguish just by viewing YouTube videos whether to invoke Part 107 vs. recreational rules? Not sure these days there's much difference, but there was a huge difference prior to May 2019. You state the flights were more than a year old, so that could have some play here. As I understand it, even a Part 107 certified pilot can still fly under recreational rules.

IMG_9815.jpg
 
I was more addressing the alleged airspace violations, even though the FAA seems flawed here. Prior to the rule changes, recreational flyers had vastly different protocols than Part 107 pilots. Back in those days, any time I called a tower it was pretty informal, and I doubt much documentation was made that I had indeed talked to them. Regardless, I'd be interested to know how the FAA decided 107 applies here.
 
I was more addressing the alleged airspace violations, even though the FAA seems flawed here. Prior to the rule changes, recreational flyers had vastly different protocols than Part 107 pilots. Back in those days, any time I called a tower it was pretty informal, and I doubt much documentation was made that I had indeed talked to them. Regardless, I'd be interested to know how the FAA decided 107 applies here.

I don’t know how the FAA determined 107 vs hobbyists, but the AMA rules were here long before part 107 and the FAA is the controlling agency in the NAS.
 
As the OP stated in another post "Well, the FAA has been caring about finding and fining folks around here. For flights that are over a year ago." Let's face it, FAA has stepped up its public awareness around drone safety and regulation enforcement greatly over the past year, and that's a good thing. I'm not aware of many $17,000 fines being slapped on recreational flyers from around 2018 for flying over a group at a picnic - the incidents that got publicity back then were for flying over a stadium full of people or some other truly egregious violation. Today is of course different, and the awareness campaigns the FAA has launched should have people convinced that they can't fly over people.

It's the part about ferreting out historic flights that worries me. Here's an example: shortly after I got my drone, I wanted to undertake a flight well within the 5-mile radius of an airport (remember, recreational flyers back then were regulated not by airspace, but by distance from airport). I called the tower as required, and the guy I talked to seemed confused as to why I was calling, and gave me the OK for the flight. It's highly doubtful he entered my request into any database, and today, with LAANC, I see that area is in a 0' grid - I'd never be approved for a flight there now. An FAA inspector viewing my video would rightfully be concerned about such a flight, but I only hope they would take into account the standards of the day vs. current standards. At the time I undertook the flight, I was following all regulations. By today's standards, I would have made a serious violation.
 
The op’s friend also got fined for flying in controlled airspace although from point on map of flight area he was not in controlled airspace. And even if he was in controlled airspace how can FAA prove he didn’t get authorization from ATC if calls were not recorded.
Those who fly over people and vehicles (automobiles, boats, trains, etc) and post on line are giving FAA all the evidence they need to fine them and encouraging others to do the same.
 
As the OP stated in another post "Well, the FAA has been caring about finding and fining folks around here. For flights that are over a year ago." Let's face it, FAA has stepped up its public awareness around drone safety and regulation enforcement greatly over the past year, and that's a good thing. I'm not aware of many $17,000 fines being slapped on recreational flyers from around 2018 for flying over a group at a picnic - the incidents that got publicity back then were for flying over a stadium full of people or some other truly egregious violation. Today is of course different, and the awareness campaigns the FAA has launched should have people convinced that they can't fly over people.

It's the part about ferreting out historic flights that worries me. Here's an example: shortly after I got my drone, I wanted to undertake a flight well within the 5-mile radius of an airport (remember, recreational flyers back then were regulated not by airspace, but by distance from airport). I called the tower as required, and the guy I talked to seemed confused as to why I was calling, and gave me the OK for the flight. It's highly doubtful he entered my request into any database, and today, with LAANC, I see that area is in a 0' grid - I'd never be approved for a flight there now. An FAA inspector viewing my video would rightfully be concerned about such a flight, but I only hope they would take into account the standards of the day vs. current standards. At the time I undertook the flight, I was following all regulations. By today's standards, I would have made a serious violation.
Phone records showing you called the tower is the only proof you would have most likely
 

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