ErichF
Key Veteran
Location: Odessa, FL 33556 (Tampa Area)
| You're way out in left field.
As an employee in such a DoD contractor, I can tell you that the new policy is affecting ALL UAV operators. It's not about lobbying for corporate contracts and all that nonsense you allude to.
We have work to do on vital contracts for both the Army and the US Special OPerations COmmand, however, our own work is stiffled by the fact we have to drive two hours one way to an Air Force Range (Avon Park) just to do 20 minute test flights on small UAVs.
While you are right that the average Joe trying to get into the business has the hardest job now, but it's not because of the people already in the business lobbying for these ridiculous limitations. It would make all our jobs easier if we could just drive down to some local ranch and do our test flights and experiments.
The ringleaders in all this are the chicken littles in the FAA and, I'm agravated to say, the AOPA, of which I have been a member for the past 10 years. They have both gotten their teeth into a local SUAS manufacturer here, named Cyber Defense Systems, because their sale of systems to police departments for civil use. This episode has blown up into a national "UAS crisis" and "Clear and Present Danger" to the flying public. It's a buncha BS, I know. I also know the CEO of Cyber D, and I know what's going on more than the average AP pilot on this forum.
To answer your question, if you have work to do under a federal contract, whether as a prime or sub, you can get access to a military reservation. There is politicing and such involved, but it's your only way in. Also, there will be no civil use COA's issued, but rather only to government entities or representatives.
Team Kyosho Regional Field Representative |
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