As we enter the 2014 legislative season, the US Congress and many of the state legislatures will again be considering legislation directed at addressing the privacy issues relating to the operation of unmanned aircraft (drones) in the civil environment.
The assumed need for new laws addressing the operation of unmanned aircraft has been fueled by concerns that the availability, ease of operation, and the relatively low cost of these platforms will lead to thousands of such devices invading our personal privacy. Of even greater concern is the potential misuse by law enforcement personnel and the perceived need for tighter controls on the use of this technology for gathering evidence of criminal behavior.
As we all know, modelers have occasionally placed cameras on their aircraft for decades to take pictures of the local flying site, a model aircraft event, or even their own backyards. AMA has no record of there ever having been a complaint made accusing a modeler of using this capability to spy on his/her neighbor or to take pictures of unsuspecting individuals. Nevertheless, the availability and ease of operation of today’s semiautonomous fixed wing and multirotor systems does raise the possibility that individuals outside of the aeromodeling community may misuse this technology. It’s more important than ever that those of us within the aeromodeling community continue to act courteously and responsibly.
In 2013, the AMA formally established its Privacy Policy as part of the safety and operating guidelines for first-person view (FPV) and automated flight systems. These guidelines are published in AMA documents 550 and 560, and will soon be incorporated into a separate document specifically addressing privacy issues. AMA’s privacy guidelines state:
“The use of imaging technology for aerial surveillance with radio control model aircraft having the capability of obtaining high-resolution photographs and/or video, or using any types of sensors, for the collection, retention, or dissemination of surveillance data information on individuals, homes, businesses, or property at locations where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited by the AMA unless written expressed permission is obtained from the individual property owners or managers.”
AMA members are expected to adhere to this policy as well as all operational guidelines as a condition of membership in the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
—Rich Hanson
[email protected]
