FPV Flyer Ventures Into Restricted Airspace and Gets Busted
Posted on February 1, 2010 by aaronredbaron
Flying a model by First Person Video (FPV) can lots of fun, but its critical to pay attention to where you are operating, and do your best to operate like any other model aircraft. All model fliers, including FPV fliers, are subject to FAA regulation. AC 91-57 outlines the legal definition of a model airplane. While using AC 91-57 for any commercial use is forbidden, we are able to fly a model from the video link for a hobby as long as it complies with AC 91-57. This means staying under the 400 foot altitude limit and out of restricted airspace. You cannot fly any model within 3 miles of an airport without first contacting the control tower, and many larger airports have tighter restrictions. The following YouTube video shows an RCer getting a little too brazen by flying around Newport Beach, California. With a low lux camera ( can see in very little light) this pilot flew around Newport Beach at night at altitudes up over 400 ft. He may have been caught anyway flying within 5 miles of the Class C restricted airspace around John Wayne International airport, but when he popped up over 400 feet he really caught their attention. Within a few minutes, a police helicopter had identified his model and was in search of their base station. Fortunately for everyone involved, there were no foul intentions, the police told them not to fly in restricted airspace anymore, and the issue wasn’t blown out of proportion. It does, however, serve as a reminder that all RC models, not just FPV models, must be treated with a degree of respect. When you put a model up in the air, its up to you, the pilot, to know the regulations and follow them, or you could be subject to significant fines or possibly even a charge of negligence if you put people in danger. While its never recommended to fly above 400 feet, flying at night with a model lit up for navigation within a Class C restricted airspace is much more likely to draw attention than most RC situations.
