Re: Can you legally fly that thing

The FAA has gotten pretty strict on the drone operators due to the explosion of users. Drones are not supposed to be flown within 5 miles of an airport without prior permission, and the Oconee County airport is closer than 5 miles of campus. As someone who flies out of that airport, I just ask that they please stay low because the traffic pattern for runway 25 (base leg to final) goes right over the Western part of the campus.

Drone regulations:
Fly below 400 feet and remain clear of surrounding obstacles
•Keep the aircraft within visual line of sight at all times
•Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations
•Don't fly within 5 miles of an airport unless you contact the airport and control tower before flying
•Don't fly near people or stadiums
•Don't fly an aircraft that weighs more than 55 lbs
•Don't be careless or reckless with your unmanned aircraft – you could be fined for endangering people or other aircraft

Dr_Cat

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Jun 19, 2016, 10:22 PM

I could tell from the video that you were only 100-200', so no way you were endangering any planes. As more people get drones and test their limits, then it's only a matter of time before there is a close call. When planes are in the traffic pattern, they are usually 1000'-1500' on downwind, and by the time they turn final they are around 500' +/-, depending on how far out they are flying their pattern. The traffic pattern does go right over the area you were in, just as an fyi.

The Clemson airport is an uncontrolled airport, so there is no control tower. Pilots are responsible for their own collision avoidance. Calling the airport manager would probably have no effect, as he doesn't have any control over airspace. I suppose he could put out a notam for pilots if he knew the area and times you were flying, but I doubt he would even want to mess with that.

Last thing is it would be very difficult for a pilot to spot a drone, especially if the drone is at a lower altitude than the pilot. The drone would most likely blend into the ground background, and since they are so small it's hard to detect the movement until they are pretty close.

Hopefully everyone flying in the Clemson area will stay low like you are. Safe flying!

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Drone video over Clemson 2.0 (longer version)

Re: Drone video over Clemson 2.0 (longer version)

Re: Drone video over Clemson 2.0 (longer version)

Re: Drone video over Clemson 2.0 (longer version)

Can you legally fly that thing