Several previous posts share a common implication, essentially stating there are multiple groups and individuals working independently to develop rules and regulations that may or will impact all that have a stake in sUAS operations not only in the U.S., but abroad as well. I believe it is long past time for all involved to open a common dialog.
Gary, it was 2007 when I first started communicating with the AMA and other RC hobbyists about activities taking place within the FAA and UAS industry that were going to have significant impact, nobody believed me either so I can understand how it was with Egan's group. Something that is mildly troubling is another post mentioning the high cost of membership. When there are only a few people trying to perform a task the cost has to be rather high. Lawyers, lobbyists, advertising, corporate creation, book keeping, travel to D.C. and other locations for meetings is not insignificant. Nor are wages/income lost while performing those tasks. Those expenses have to be funded from somewhere and unless you're dealing with a bottomless revenue source some begging is involved. I view all that as an investment in my future.
Now with the sUAV Coalition you have an organization that is conducting business as usual, generating continuous revenue, unlike those currently fighting for survival. Look closely at some in that group and you might find one or more of them is also being entertained by large aerospace as a source for future revenue generation through the use of our airspace. Not a bad thing in and of itself but likely not something that will have any benefit for small sUAS businesses.
It still comes down to a need for a lot of work to be performed in a short period of time to accomplish a lot of common goals. I'm certain there are goals in front of others that are not so common but opening up a dialog between all of these groups and the people (us) that will be impacted by their activities is of critical importance. We cannot succeed if every group is tightly focused on a single task unique to their perspective. That reglations will happen is assured, the only questions are those concerning the scope of regulation, along with aircraft and operator certifications. I think we may have already seen some of the operator qualifications intent with the recent waivers. Those kind of mandates is some of why we need to come together. Ya'll ready to run out and start your full scale pilot training? You'll be spending a great deal of time and money supporting those that really don't want you operating in their airspace.
