I'm so swamped I would really like to weigh in on this but I have too much to do at the moment. But I want to give some food food for thought.
Although there are some great suggestions in this thread it really isn't up to individuals to tell the FAA what we think the rules should be, as citizens we have the right to make a living anyway we choose as long as it does't interfere with the rights of others so we need to inform the FAA of our planned vocation and its then up to them to figure out a way to make that happen so that our activities don't intrude on the rights of others.
I think if you want something to research and you want to be able to influence the process find out what it takes to develop a Political Action Committee PAC and see if there's any possibility of getting legal status so that it can have standing in a court of law. Find out if there are any attorneys willing to help.
GA has been decimated by overregulation, high fuel costs and unreasonable liability insurance. It has taken decades to create that pitiful environment and that's where we're starting from....
AOPA would be in the best position to help but most pilots appear to feel threatened by this situation so I wouldn't count on much help there but if you could get a PAC started with 20K members that might be enough to at least get there attention along with the EAA.
I too believe this is a forgone conclusion so I doubt petitions would have any effect, its time for attorneys and in order to get a law firm that has the balls to take this on they're going to want to know that they represent a committed group that is willing to not just sign a petition but will to stand up for their constitutional rights. Also, this is not idealogical if everyone would respect each others rights none of this would be happening but far too many people want to make this debate about what the rules should be rather than as small business people stating clearly what we want to accomplish. What problem are we off to solve.
In order to define our business goals in a way that would protect our rights is going to require organization and attorneys.
Kloner, I know I owe you a reply but I've just been buried.
Thanks AV8Chuck for weighing in.
Actually, individuals can and do influence the rule making process at all levels of government. My career was in government service (public safety) and I had direct experience with legislative rulemaking, mostly at the local and state level, but we often times sought input from individuals. I agree with your comment that it is NOT an individual's role to tell the FAA what to do, but as a republic, citizens can and do have a responsibility for helping to structure law. That said, an individual with much clout in the process would normally be considered an expert in their field and thus might contribute unique experience or knowledge.
I could not agree more that input and influence from a well-recognized PAC, would carry significantly more weight than most any individual and the process of legislating is arduous and complex so, aside from commenting in a public comment period, like we have now with Docket ID FAA-2014-0396 "Interpretation of the Special for Rule Model Aircraft", a large, organized group with good legal and lobby representation is clearly preferred.
You mention the AOPA but as has already been discussed here, some feel that the AOPA could more likely be opposed or at least unwilling to endorse some of the positions a small commercial sUAS operator. t sould like you agree with that.
I'm not sure I agree with your final statement that if everyone respects each others rights, this would not be happening. Technology is what it is and the technology in the area of UAS has simply outpaced the FAA. As you know, they were charged by Congress in 2012 by Law to create rules to regulate the commercial use of UAS. I suspect, public incidents or not, the FAA would perceive a need to be proactive in legislating the operation of these aircraft. In other words, I think even if there was respect, consideration and good judgment all around, we would still see rules developed just for potentialities. The risk to life and property is just too high. Just my opinion here.
I do think a great place to begin with rulemaking is EXACTLY what you stated. "What problem are we off to solve?". I also think a key consideration in that rule-making process should be as you mentioned, "...as small business people stating clearly what we want to accomplish." Let's hope the FAA asked those questions already of folks involved in the industry with the knowledge and experience to provide that valuable input.
Are there any professional organizations that currently exists to support and further the interest of commercial sUAS photography and cinematography?