I understand people flying a drone need to understand the rules, regulations and responsibilites that come with doing so. What I don't understand is why I can go out and legally get footage of something, let's say an empty park, and I don't need a pilot's license to do so. I don't need to learn to fly an airplane to get this shot. If I want to take that same footage and be paid for it now I need a pilot's license. Why? What is it in receiving the money that makes it need that license? Yes, it makes it a commercial project but that's not what I'm after. The act of flying the drone and aquiring the footage is the same in both cases.
Aside from my not understanding the why as explained above, I have no problem really with needing to take a test but I also think it should be in reason with the equipment being used. As someone who drives a vehicle I didn't need to learn how to drive a semi just because I share the road with those drivers. I did learn the rules of the road though in getting my drivers license and with that license have something that shows I took the training necessary.
I see the value for a business to have a certificate to show for perspective customers but in my case I have one shot that a friend wants to pay me for in his documentary and I just have to say sorry, I need to learn how to fly an airplane first.
Aside from my not understanding the why as explained above, I have no problem really with needing to take a test but I also think it should be in reason with the equipment being used. As someone who drives a vehicle I didn't need to learn how to drive a semi just because I share the road with those drivers. I did learn the rules of the road though in getting my drivers license and with that license have something that shows I took the training necessary.
I see the value for a business to have a certificate to show for perspective customers but in my case I have one shot that a friend wants to pay me for in his documentary and I just have to say sorry, I need to learn how to fly an airplane first.