The FAA discriminates against businesses that operate small UAVs for aerial imaging purposes while allowing "hobbyists" to operate freely in the same airspace.
The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 allows small UAV users to operate with few restrictions as long as the UAV is:
1. Flown for hobby,
2. Limited to 55 pounds,
3. Does not interfere with manned aircraft;
4. Not flown within 5 miles of an airport;
5. Flown within visual line sight;
6. Does not exceed 400 feet.
The U.S. Assoc. of Unmanned Aerial Videographers (UAVUS) believes commercial UAV operators should be held to the standards approved for hobbyists. The FAA's position is arbitrary and not based on public safety or privacy concerns.
UAVUS asks for equal treatment when operating small UAVs in the same airspace.