drone photojournalism

http://crooksandliars.com/2016/12/drone-photojournalism-faa

"With the new so-called Part 107 rules for commercial drone pilots released in August the FAA opened up the skies – with significant restrictions – to drone photojournalists. Licensed Part 107 pilots are not allowed to fly in controlled airspace, cannot exceed a height of 400 feet above ground level (AGL), cannot fly over people, over traffic, at night, or beyond what is called Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). Other rules – such as giving way to manned operations, or not operating in a reckless manner were also understandably instituted. Some of these rules may be obviated under certain conditions with an approved waiver from the FAA.

The problem for drone photojournalists is that these very sensible rules can be undermined by a tactic that law enforcement is increasing using to prevent aerial coverage of their operations – the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). A TFR is a cutout from spaces where drone pilots – and manned air traffic - would otherwise be allowed to fly – ostensibly in the service of air safety. Drone pilots are not allowed to fly in a TFR zone without a waiver from the FAA."

This is all a brand new field of law, but we certainly don't want the police misusing FAA rules to block legitimate news coverage.