Drones, helicopters, planks..... all are being produced in greater numbers due to recent advancements in tech, and lower cost. Why drones are more alluring these days is beyond me. I'm sure more laws will be put in place as each idiot out there manages to find a new way to circumvent common sense. The unfortunate thing about it is that the "model" aircraft enthusiasts get thrown into the same scrutiny as the drones.
I went ahead and bent to the will of the FAA and registered, but the moment I ever have my rights infringed upon through no wrongdoing of my own, I'll be contacting every advocacy group, and maybe an attorney.

 

Its the progression of things that is concerning. I would not be surprised if other countries adopt this legislation. Compared to say Australia (the nanny country) the USA are usually more relaxed about these sort of things. If a politician in Aust wants to make a name for themselves they usually would pick something like this - introduce legislation and stamp their name on it as an achievement.

 

Well this is an interesting article. Might have something to do with the severity of the regulations.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/...ear-miss-academy-model-aeronautics-/72064388/

 

If the 5-mile rule were actively enforceable, I would already be in trouble. I routinely fly within 1 mile of an air-force base at the shop where I work, but then again, I'm nowhere near the glide-path, I don't fly more than about 50 meters high, and I stay within the lot around the shop. The same could be said of the park near home, which is 4 miles from said air force base in a residential zone where there is constant air traffic at around 1000 feet or so. I don't think I'm bothering anyone flying my measly little 75 or so meters below them. Sure, by virtue of technicality they could probably bring me up on charges, but I doubt it would ever occur to anyone to do so since in flying "under the radar" ..... pun intended.