TexasCHLforum.com

Robert*PPS wrote: ↑Fri Aug 09, 2019 10:44 am I'm wondering how the FAA would handle one drone accidentally crashing into another....call out the NTSB?

For commercial operations it depends on a two factors (Per § 107.9):
1. Did anyone lose consciousness or receive any serious Injuries?
2. Was there damage to property other than the sUAS that was equal to or greater than $500?

For a forum where the members are among the most law abiding in the country I find it interesting that there are this many post where people are going to such great lengths to try and find a way to commit a federal felony without getting caught.

A drone is an aircraft regulated under part 107 of the FAA rules, not part 91.

First off it's a federal law that makes damaging or destroying an aircraft a felony, and FAA Rules/regulations that makes drones (Unmanned Aircraft) qualify as aircraft. For those who think all aircraft have to remain above 500 feet at all times I suggest you rethink that position, especially where rotary wing aircraft are concerned.

My advice is document the sUAS operating in violation of Government code 423. I would recommend that make sure that you get photos or videos from two separate incidents, this will support the claim that he is conducting surveillance of your wife and/or property. Once you have the ability to document the problem then contact your local PD, report the incidents and provide the evidence along with a printed copy of TGC423 so that the officers know what they are dealing with.

One of the biggest problems with TGC423 is that it does not define the word surveillance, and as a result we have to turn to what the common use of the word is. By providing proof of multiple incidents you are helping prove the remote pilot is meeting the requirements for conducting surveillance and showing that he is a repeat offender. If the local law enforcement won't act once you do this provide the same details to the media, they love bad drone operator stories almost as much as they like gun control stories.

Also the FAA does not do any criminal enforcement, they are a civil agency and only work within the limits of the regulations they write. For criminal matters they turn everything over to the DOJ which then decides who and how to prosecute.

Grumpy1993 wrote: ↑Mon Jun 24, 2019 10:04 am

G.A. Heath wrote: ↑Mon Jun 24, 2019 6:10 am The FAA regulates drones as aircraft and you should know that even threatening to intentionally damage or destroy an aircraft is a federal felony. Actually doing so is also a federal felony. The feds have yet to prosecute someone for doing so yet, however there is word that the FAA is working with the parties in the DOJ to change that number from zero.

My advice is contact your local LEOs and file a complaint citing Texas Government Code 423. The same statute also gives you Civil remedies as well and I am certain there is at least one attorney in Texas willing to establish themselves as the "Drone Lawyer" or some such.

Edit to add: Location is important too, if you live near an airport determine what class airspace you are in and you might find the remote pilot is flying illegally, especially if they are operating as a hobbyist. Drone regulations are very fluid right now, especially for hobbyist pilots.

For the record I am an FAA part 107 certified remote pilot.

First, as suggested above, you should contact your local LEOs and file a complaint citing Texas Government Code 423.

Second, every time your wife sees the drone, she should call 911 to report a "Peeping Tom" spying on her sunbathing inside her privacy fence. Texas Penal Code § 21.17

Third, if "FAA regulates drones as aircraft" then you should contact the FAA whenever your neighbor flies his aircraft within 500 feet of you, your wife, or your home. Tell them an aircraft is not maintaining safe distance and you want to report a violation of Federal Aviation Regulation § 91.119, to wit: "the aircraft may not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel, vehicle, or structure"

Unmanned Aircraft have to operate BELOW 400 feet under hobbyist and part 107 rules per the FAA. They also have to operate within visual line of site and a host of other requirements.

The FAA regulates drones as aircraft and you should know that even threatening to intentionally damage or destroy an aircraft is a federal felony. Actually doing so is also a federal felony. The feds have yet to prosecute someone for doing so yet, however there is word that the FAA is working with the parties in the DOJ to change that number from zero.

My advice is contact your local LEOs and file a complaint citing Texas Government Code 423. The same statute also gives you Civil remedies as well and I am certain there is at least one attorney in Texas willing to establish themselves as the "Drone Lawyer" or some such.

Edit to add: Location is important too, if you live near an airport determine what class airspace you are in and you might find the remote pilot is flying illegally, especially if they are operating as a hobbyist. Drone regulations are very fluid right now, especially for hobbyist pilots.

For the record I am an FAA part 107 certified remote pilot.