What does the FAA have against drone photography?

Latest in the UAS news front is that the FAA “granted” a Real Estate Photographer in Tucson, AZ “permission” to operate a Phantom 2 Quadcopter for commercial photography. Why the quotes? To sum up, here are the FAA guidelines for his 3 pound quadcopter:

—Obtain a Personal Pilots License within 120 days.
—Mark the “aircraft” with the words EXPERIMENTAL in as large lettering as possible.
—Provide for an additional spotter on the ground while flying.
—Limit each flight to 3–7 minutes.
—Limit height to no more than 300feet.
—Place warning signs reading “Attention Aerial Photography in Progress — Remain Back 150 feet” within a 150 ft perimeter.

There are a few others, but this is plenty. I’m so perturbed by this. The irony is that if he was strictly a hobbyist, he could fly his Phantom 400ft high, with NO training whatsoever. No signs, nothing. And be perfectly legal according to the FAA. But as soon as money is involved, it’s as if they are purposely doing all they can to stop it from happening. I have read many stories where even lawmakers in Washington are frustrated at this. The FAA has been mandated by Congress to adopt UAS (drones) into U.S. Airspace by September, 2015. All indications are that they will miss this dealine, and may not have anything ready until “maybe” 2017. Meanwhile, they honestly expect to “grant” exceptions on a case-by-case basis until then, and treat every case as if it is a human-carrying craft? I am in the process of writing my Congress person about this very issue, and urge all of you reading this to do the same. While sensible regulation is expected, this, thus far, is far from sensible.

Find out more! Look for my Video Podcasts about drone technology: Philly Drone Tech: http://phillytech.org/category/philly-drone-tech/