Cases like this could define how we look at drones in the future, whether you agree or not, drones need to have better rules and/or licensing. One of the main

Cases like this could define how we look at drones in the future, whether you agree or not, drones need to have better rules and/or licensing. One of the main issues is that currently drones are considered aircraft and you DO NOT shoot down an aircraft. If the government really wanted to prosecute this guy he'd be sitting over a very hot fire (I hope that doesn't happen) I don't think the FAA wants that to happen, but I might be wrong. I know they are attempting to define drones in the air space, however it's a long and very complicated issue, mostly because of the who owns the different airspace and how they regulate hobbyists vs commercial. The issue is that there is a lot of interplay between the FAA (internal between ATO and other groups) and the lobby for model aircraft association. Currently much of the non-commercial flight falls under their jurisdiction. The issue is that many people who buy drones don't go through the full process and aren't really involved so they don't know hobbyist rules for drones. http://www.modelaircraft.org/ http://www.modelaircraft.org/ Commercial operation of a drone however, requires a much longer process. "Why do commercial operations require a different process? All operations conducted in civil airspace must meet minimum levels of safety. Public UAS operators have the ability to self-certify their equipment and personnel, but civil operators are certified by the FAA. We believe civil operators will benefit from the collaboration between the FAA and the public operators. Presently, the FAA is drafting a rule to address small UAS (less than 55 lbs.). Until that rule is promulgated, anyone wishing to operate a UAS for purposes other than hobby/recreational must obtain a grant of exemption issued under Section 333 or type and airworthiness certificate." https://www.faa.gov/uas/faq/#qn14 https://www.faa.gov/uas/faq/#qn14 That could possibly include you if you post your video to youtube and make money off of it. http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-faa-says-you-cant-post-drone-videos-on-youtube http://motherboard.vice.com/read/the-faa-says-you-cant-post-... Again much of this is being flushed out as we work through it.