Way too much worry on drone regulation

Regarding an April 14 posting in the opinion section, let's get one thing clear, a 55-pound drone would be a commercial device. Its cost would be in the tens of thousands of dollars. This is not something that your neighbor is playing with. Are you really worried about Amazon peeping over your fence? I would be more concerned about the government doing that.

Just like all the flying models that have been around for years before these "drones" came along, the flying hobby models have a very limited range that typically is measured in hundreds of yards, not miles. The radios they use for control are very susceptible to interference, these very basic flying models are limited to line of sight operation.

With this increase in popularity, the FAA has already acted to make very clear limits: Line of sight of the operator; flight height cannot exceed 400 feet; operation is prohibited within 10 miles of any airport.

Manufacturers of the flight controls are making additions that would inhibit the devices from flying in restricted air space. Airports, military bases, federal buildings, and many others are already being programmed as no fly zones. I also know, as with any other restrictive technology, someone will turn it off and do something stupid. You really can't fix stupid, no matter how many laws you pass.

With regard to license requirements or marking of the model, the advanced radios that allow longer distance control already require operators to have a FCC HAM radio operator's license. This license number is supposed to be programmed into the transmitters and clearly broadcast the operators identification code when in use.

So, rather than hoping that a catastrophic event befalls our fellow man, be it a politician, or not, let's try enforcing existing laws and punishing anyone who breaks them.

Ed Thomas

Roselle