I am copying this from a posting in the "licensed pilots thread"
I believe that the FAA might get creative in their approach to drones and I hope it is similar to how they see ultralights. In the ultralight world the FAA says "...it should be emphasized that the individual ultralight operator's support and compliance with national self-regulation programs is essential to the FAA's continued policy of allowing industry self-regulation in these areas." There are minimal regulations regarding ultralight vehicles or ultralight vehicle pilots. (different than ultralight aircraft) The definition of ultralight is the key. (weight, engine size, load capacity) A 2,000 pound drone carrying a payload of 200lbs is a bit different than a Phantom. Being smart in flying and having a self regulating industry is huge.
Regarding altitude
The model rocket industry might be a guide. Model rockets can travel into controlled airspace. The FAA gets a bit concerned when this happens. Flying drones very high could end up with similar guidelines. Probably not where we want to go. Here is more info.
Waivers from the FAA are required to fly High Power Rockets weighing more than 3.3lbs and/or flying or greater than 4.4 ounces of propellant. While anyone may apply to the FAA for a waiver, this process is normally handled by a rocketry club officer, often the Launch Director. When granting waivers, the FAA reviews the normal use of the airspace for which a waiver has been requested to determine the feasibility of rerouting airplanes while launches are being held. Waivers to high altitudes are most readily granted for airspace that is not heavily used therefore, launch sites with high waivers are often many miles from large cities and airline traffic patterns. Waivers are granted in MSL or altitude above mean sea level.
I believe that the FAA might get creative in their approach to drones and I hope it is similar to how they see ultralights. In the ultralight world the FAA says "...it should be emphasized that the individual ultralight operator's support and compliance with national self-regulation programs is essential to the FAA's continued policy of allowing industry self-regulation in these areas." There are minimal regulations regarding ultralight vehicles or ultralight vehicle pilots. (different than ultralight aircraft) The definition of ultralight is the key. (weight, engine size, load capacity) A 2,000 pound drone carrying a payload of 200lbs is a bit different than a Phantom. Being smart in flying and having a self regulating industry is huge.
Regarding altitude
The model rocket industry might be a guide. Model rockets can travel into controlled airspace. The FAA gets a bit concerned when this happens. Flying drones very high could end up with similar guidelines. Probably not where we want to go. Here is more info.
Waivers from the FAA are required to fly High Power Rockets weighing more than 3.3lbs and/or flying or greater than 4.4 ounces of propellant. While anyone may apply to the FAA for a waiver, this process is normally handled by a rocketry club officer, often the Launch Director. When granting waivers, the FAA reviews the normal use of the airspace for which a waiver has been requested to determine the feasibility of rerouting airplanes while launches are being held. Waivers to high altitudes are most readily granted for airspace that is not heavily used therefore, launch sites with high waivers are often many miles from large cities and airline traffic patterns. Waivers are granted in MSL or altitude above mean sea level.
