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History, Reference, Research, and GrogTalk => Organizations and Equipment => Topic started by: LongBlade on April 24, 2012, 09:04:22 AM

Title: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: LongBlade on April 24, 2012, 09:04:22 AM
Someone filed a Freedom of Information request with the FAA seeking info on where drone sites were in the US. Interestingly, the request got approved.

QuoteThere are at least 63 active drone sites around the U.S, federal authorities have been forced to reveal following a landmark Freedom of Information lawsuit.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2134376/Is-drone-neighbourhood-Rise-killer-spy-planes-exposed-FAA-forced-reveal-63-launch-sites-U-S.html
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: mirth on April 24, 2012, 09:20:18 AM
I'm kinda surprised there aren't more bases and operators at this point.
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: LongBlade on April 24, 2012, 09:24:54 AM
"Drone" is pretty ambiguous.

It can encompass everything from using them to spot forest fires (a good idea) to spotting illegal immigrants (a good idea) to watching traffic (a good idea).

Clearly there is potential for abuse, but there's nothing in this article that specifically says privacy is being abused. Though we all *suspect* it probably is.

To me it was interesting that the FOIA request was granted. And we should be vigilant in protecting our rights. This might not mean too much now, but if we discover later that there have been abuses it might come in handy.
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: bayonetbrant on April 24, 2012, 09:57:18 AM
Quote from: LongBlade on April 24, 2012, 09:24:54 AM"Drone" is pretty ambiguous.

Anyone who has been to a bar after hours at a convention with LB knows that a "drone" is not just an unmanned aircraft...  ;D
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: MIGMaster on April 24, 2012, 10:34:52 AM
It would be neat to fly an R/C plane in formation with one ! :)
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: LongBlade on April 24, 2012, 10:50:41 AM
Quote from: bayonetbrant on April 24, 2012, 09:57:18 AM
Quote from: LongBlade on April 24, 2012, 09:24:54 AM"Drone" is pretty ambiguous.

Anyone who has been to a bar after hours at a convention with LB knows that a "drone" is not just an unmanned aircraft...  ;D

You're just jealous all the waitresses give me their numbers instead of you.

<hottie bats her eyes>

"Oh, LB, tell us again about that time you saved the entire party from TPK with your Rod of Lordly Might...."

(https://www.grogheads.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1081.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fj349%2Flongblade%2FSmilies%2Fhearts.gif&hash=6ebb9da696815a60dc4bd35a0a32c3f748bbd411)
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: Centurion40 on April 24, 2012, 11:41:57 AM
Quote from: MIGMaster on April 24, 2012, 10:34:52 AM
It would be neat to fly an R/C plane in formation with one ! :)

Imagine flying one for your job!!
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: MIGMaster on April 24, 2012, 12:09:23 PM
I could probably do it in my current one and no one would notice.
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: Centurion40 on April 24, 2012, 12:13:07 PM
Would the plane stall every time that you were 'on break'??
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: Barthheart on April 24, 2012, 12:14:05 PM
Quote from: Centurion40 on April 24, 2012, 12:13:07 PM
Would the plane stall every time that you were 'on break'??

Wouldn't that lead him to just leave it on the ground then?  ;)
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: MIGMaster on April 24, 2012, 01:29:11 PM
Ok - I see how this is going to go. Before I lecture both of you on this issue, I need to take s short break.  ;)
Title: Re: Drone Sites in the US
Post by: Centurion40 on April 24, 2012, 02:12:02 PM
Fire-up the RC helo while you're out.  :)