rdale
EF5
Has anyone used a sub-$1000 quadcopter for any sort of damage surveying? I don't think I can get one that streams live video at that price point, but I know there are models which will record it on SD card and that's good enough for us.
Quadcopter for Damage Survey?
- Thread starter rdale
- Start date
Brian Davidson
EF2
FYI: Using quads for commercial use is ILLEGAL. This means you can NOT sell or stream the video. If you have any questions please PM me. I have spoken to the FAA directly and my lawyer. Its illegal right now =(
Scott Olson
EF5
Damage Surveying would likely not be considered commercial use. Everyone and their dog is doing quad footage onto YouTube right now, I've seen lots of aerial drone footage even on Television.
rdale
EF5
Scott - YouTube probably is not considered selling video?
KrissyHeishman
Enthusiast
Coincidentally, I saw a news station using their quad footage to show damage from the recent tornadoes in Arkansas. They announced they used a quad and everything. I guess somehow that still does not qualify as commercial use?
rdale
EF5
It does. The FAA is investigating.
Zac Flamig
EF1
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2006
- Messages
- 95
Its worth noting the FAA lost a legal battle similar to this one recently: http://www.politico.com/story/2014/03/faa-small-drones-ban-104393.html
And more so the cats out of the bag with these quadcopters, they're going to have a tough time putting it back in.
And more so the cats out of the bag with these quadcopters, they're going to have a tough time putting it back in.
Taylor Campbell
When if I chose to upload videos on YouTube and earned ad revenue. Do you think they'd consider that commercial use?
Last edited by a moderator:
rdale
EF5
Absolutely. Making money means it isn't a hobby.
Dan Robinson
EF5
I did some deep digging on this last month and technically yes, Youtube ad revenue on a UAV video counts as commercial use. Even other supposed loopholes like making drone video a 'free bonus add-on' to a purchase of non-UAV photo/video isn't exempt. The way it's determined is if money is changing hands as a direct or indirect result of the video captured by the UAV, or if the UAV footage itself is being used to compel a buyer to make a purchase, then it's "commercial".
It's pretty feeble ground that the FAA is on with the commercial use verbiage and especially their ability to patrol/enforce it - but it doesn't mean they can't and won't come after you and make you spend lots of money on attorney's fees to defend yourself. The Arkansas case from what I understand has a lot of voluntary financial pledges of support from all over to help fight it, if it does go to court. There's no guarantee that this kind of voluntary support would be there for anyone else who might find themselves in that situation.
It's pretty feeble ground that the FAA is on with the commercial use verbiage and especially their ability to patrol/enforce it - but it doesn't mean they can't and won't come after you and make you spend lots of money on attorney's fees to defend yourself. The Arkansas case from what I understand has a lot of voluntary financial pledges of support from all over to help fight it, if it does go to court. There's no guarantee that this kind of voluntary support would be there for anyone else who might find themselves in that situation.
Taylor Campbell
Thanks y'all.
I guess you could always apply for their Certificate of Waiver or Authorization with hope that you get accepted.
And even though I can't use it to make money. I may still buy a DJI Phantom 2+ just for the personal satisfaction of wanting one. LOL
I guess you could always apply for their Certificate of Waiver or Authorization with hope that you get accepted.
And even though I can't use it to make money. I may still buy a DJI Phantom 2+ just for the personal satisfaction of wanting one. LOL
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