On Mon, 26 Jun 2006 13:33:59 GMT, ".Blueskies."
wrote in
::


"Larry Dighera" wrote in message ...

Secondly, if I'm not mistaken, the FAA would require a second person
whose sole duty it would be to observe the drone's operation to assure
there would be no conflict with full-size manned aircraft, as is
mentioned in this 25 year old Advisory Circular:

http://www.eoss.org/faa/ac91-57.pdf
ADVISORY CIRCULAR AC 91-57
MODEL AIRCRAFT OPERATING STANDARDS

The sheriff's department intends to operate their drones over
congested urban areas, not at a designated RC field as is usual for RC
model aircraft. If an engine out incident, loss of control, or
structural failure should occur in a densely populated area, citizens
could be injured by the drone.



The FAA does not 'require' any observers or assistants.


While you are correct, there is no mandatory observer *requirement*
contained within AC 91-57, neither does it mention the county's
necessity to obtain FAA authorization to operate drones. Here's what
it does say about observers:

MODEL AIRCRAFT OPERATING STANDARDS

1. PURPOSE. This advisory circular outlines, and encourages
voluntary compliance with, safety standards for model aircraft
operators.

3 0 OPERATING STANDARDS.

d. Give right of way to, and avoid flying in the proximity of,
full-scale aircraft. Use observers to help if possible.

So, it would appear that the FAA is operating under different
authority in this case.

There is also no requirement to fly at 'a designated rc field.'


True.

However, have you ever operated a gasoline powered RC model over a
large crowed of people, or even over a congested area of urban
population? Of course not; you seek a safe location that poses less
hazard to the public.