Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private; Flight Crew Remote Pilot (UAS)
Training / Qualification
Airspace Violation All Types; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Unauthorized Flight Operations (UAS)
General None Reported / Taken
Human Factors
New operator of sUAS asked for tips from an acquaintance who is a private pilot and commercial remote operator. With a small group of onlookers the new operator demonstrated the drones capability looking intently at display and launching it within 2 ft of an onlookers face. The new operator immediately launched the drone over a ridge of trees and out of sight head down on the display. I commented that he needed to have the drone in sight at all times to which he laughed and replied 'No. That can't be; what would be the fun in that' he proceeded to inform me that because the UAS was below 0.55 lbs that it was exempt from FAA regulation. As the new operator blew past 400 feet AGL he asked what was the max altitude again? To which I responded accordingly. A round of laughter commenced as the operator received a notification on his display that he may be violating the law. The new operator reached a maximum horizontal distance of 1;600 feet which he complained was too little and was sure the software was preventing him from going farther as he had gone 6;000 feet without issue before.From takeoff to landing this operator never had visual contact with the drone.The new operator flew recklessly in a corridor popular with manned commercial scenic tours; GA aircraft sight seeing; and GA aircraft coming in to BHB.When informed of the regulations the operator laughed; indicated that it did not apply to him; and if he were to get in trouble he would blame it on a blog post he read. Blatant disregard for FAA regulations; the safety of others; and no expectation of consequences.FAA should make something similar to the commercial remote operator course for recreational operators and make it mandatory for any UAS that has the capability of exceeding 400 feet vertical or horizontal.FAA should also crack down on manufacturers who are clearly advertising their products and encouraging use in disagreement with law.
Eyewitness observed a UAS pilot possibly violating FAA regulations by flying above 400 feet and beyond visual line of sight.