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Old April 23rd 04, 05:09 PM
Tony Cox
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"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
...

Aircraft operation in the NAS by an uncertificated "pilot" would seem
to violate FARs.


I suppose that depends on how you define "Aircraft"
and "pilot"...


It's my understanding that it takes a team of about 7 to operate a
UAV. Perhaps that level of redundancy might mitigate the concerns you
raise. However, 7 border patrol officers on the ground might be more
effective in preventing illegal entries.


Now I don't understand the logic. What does a UAV provide
that a 182 doesn't? Is it significantly cheaper to keep in the air?
Do the "team of 7" work for less money than a pilot and a
spotter? Now that's scary....

I do understand the use of UAV in hazardous areas, where there
is enemy fire and/or risk of a pilot being captured. But why go to
all the extra trouble just to police the border?