4 ms·

While I laud the intent, I doubt bad actors will register their drones, so it'll be a burden for legitimate pilots and no deterrent whatsoever for folks who use

While I laud the intent, I doubt bad actors will register their drones, so it'll be a burden for legitimate pilots and no deterrent whatsoever for folks who use them to fly contraband into prison etc.

RodericDay 9y ago
"no deterrent whatsoever"? I really don't think this is correct. It may not be a foolproof deterrent, but it's certainly a deterrent. I don't like when this argument is trotted out for gun control and I don't like it here.
- madaxe_again 9y ago
  How is it a deterrent? Honestly, I can't see it. If I currently owned an unregistered drone and was using it to shunt contraband into prison, how would this legislation change anything for me? It wouldn't increase my downside. Also, with guns, it's you, there, holding the gun, so it can be enforced. With drones, you could be in a moving car a mile away. How does that get enforced?
  - EliRivers 9y ago
    Well, suddenly simply being in possession of the unlicensed drone is an offence, so you're now at risk every second its in your car or in your house. Being a criminal, you probably interact with the police more often than non-criminals, and if they find it in your house or car or in some other way in your possession, they've got you.
eterm 9y ago
Like many laws, it's not really supposed to act as a deterrent, it's just an easier way to administer the law. If you find someone flying a drone dangerously, at the moment it's hard to know where to draw the line at what is legal, which then makes it difficult to prosecute someone who's flying drones recklessly (such as flying over airports). If you have drone registration, then in the same scenario you can either take away their license (an action which doesn't require proof beyond reasonable doubt) or if they aren't licensed, you have a very easy law to prosecute against (flying without a license).
- petre 9y ago
  What about model airplanes? Do you need a license to fly a model airplane or helicopter?
  - madaxe_again 9y ago
    Not currently, no, and it's not clear if this'll extend to those.
  - kawsper 9y ago
    And what about kites?

RodericDay 9y ago

"no deterrent whatsoever"? I really don't think this is correct. It may not be a foolproof deterrent, but it's certainly a deterrent. I don't like when this argument is trotted out for gun control and I don't like it here.

madaxe_again 9y ago
How is it a deterrent? Honestly, I can't see it. If I currently owned an unregistered drone and was using it to shunt contraband into prison, how would this legislation change anything for me? It wouldn't increase my downside. Also, with guns, it's you, there, holding the gun, so it can be enforced. With drones, you could be in a moving car a mile away. How does that get enforced?
- EliRivers 9y ago
  Well, suddenly simply being in possession of the unlicensed drone is an offence, so you're now at risk every second its in your car or in your house. Being a criminal, you probably interact with the police more often than non-criminals, and if they find it in your house or car or in some other way in your possession, they've got you.

eterm 9y ago

Like many laws, it's not really supposed to act as a deterrent, it's just an easier way to administer the law. If you find someone flying a drone dangerously, at the moment it's hard to know where to draw the line at what is legal, which then makes it difficult to prosecute someone who's flying drones recklessly (such as flying over airports). If you have drone registration, then in the same scenario you can either take away their license (an action which doesn't require proof beyond reasonable doubt) or if they aren't licensed, you have a very easy law to prosecute against (flying without a license).

petre 9y ago
What about model airplanes? Do you need a license to fly a model airplane or helicopter?
- madaxe_again 9y ago
  Not currently, no, and it's not clear if this'll extend to those.
- kawsper 9y ago
  And what about kites?