This makes sense to me - the FAA being concerned with, well, basically commerically-oriented UAV flights and using their authority to establish parameters. Hopefully this is a helpful step to start integrating more flights and more interest in the field with trying to minimize ignorance that could be somewhat dangerous.
>The new regulations also address height and speed restrictions and other operational limits, such as prohibiting flights over unprotected people on the ground who aren’t directly participating in the UAS operation.
Sounds like this could get a waiver if the group is established and has the right safety record / resources. That's pretty neat. As a concert / festival / event attendee the last thing I'd want as a souvenir is a mangled noggin or appendage from an improperly or irresponsibly piloted UAV with a camera on it coming down on me.
Also, while the licensing parameters might seem a bit overbearing to some, I kind of think they rather reflect just how utterly terrible the testing and credentialing process is for automobile drivers in the US.
>Under the final rule, the person actually flying a drone must be at least 16 years old and have a remote pilot certificate with a small UAS rating, or be directly supervised by someone with such a certificate. To qualify for a remote pilot certificate, an individual must either pass an initial aeronautical knowledge test at an FAA-approved knowledge testing center or have an existing non-student Part 61 pilot certificate. If qualifying under the latter provision, a pilot must have completed a flight review in the previous 24 months and must take a UAS online training course provided by the FAA. The TSA will conduct a security background check of all remote pilot applications prior to issuance of a certificate.
To me it's not that the UAV license is too much, but that consumers in the US are a bit too fast and loose "entitled" when it comes to being able to play with big machines.