I just found out about this incident
 

Read the article in the link, which includes at the bottom, a copy of the actual letter sent out by the FAA. It's getting a little silly IMHO.

The FAA Says You Can't Post Drone Videos on YouTube | Motherboard

Thoughts?

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Re: I just found out about this incident
 

It is nothing short of troubling and over-reaching by the FAA. In this case, a government agency is holding an industry back. Elements of this industry could easily assist national security if given a chance. I think you should all march on Washington and give me a chance to do another protest video!

Re: I just found out about this incident
 

Give the FAA a break. They just found out about the YouTube which runs on this thing called the internets. I'm curious how they are able to watch it on their ASCII terminals.

Re: I just found out about this incident
 

FAA isn't saying don't post to YouTube. This guy monetized his channel, which means his flying might qualify as 'for commercial purposes' and he doesn't have a waiver to operate commcercially.

Reading the article, his defense is that he hasn't made any real money from YouTube ads, which is a terrible defense.

Re: I just found out about this incident
 

Actually, I think it is a pretty good defense. It costs considerably more to produce the majority of the products we place on youtube for monetization than anyone makes. While the tiny youtube payouts may help defray the expense of making these things, very few people are making a "profit" and therefore even the I.R.S. may not allow them to categorize themselves as a business.

Give the FAA no breaks. They have legitimate concerns over air traffic safety and drones, but beyond that, creating this huge governmental body to govern "drone pilots" has gone way too far, and restricts the industry unreasonably.

Re: I just found out about this incident
 

I tend to think keeping certain ideas from becoming self sustainable based on their ability to make money can be a good idea. Did you first get into making video because you wanted to generate money, or because you wanted to make something pretty to look at? :)

And Robert, his defense is terrible. The tactic of "technically" making a deal a "purchase" by selling something for 1 cent is much too common.

Paul

Re: I just found out about this incident
 

Its almost more embarrassing. His excuse is that he tried to make money via his videos (ads on YouTube), but was bad at it, and so it... shouldn't count?

Re: I just found out about this incident
 

Haha...

"Attempted Crimes" in California Criminal Law | Penal Code 21a & 664

Here is an official update that addresses incidents such as the topic of this thread
 

From the FAA...

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/...N_8900.292.pdf