Originally Posted by SCadaddle

I've been an RC modeler and member of the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) for the last 44 years. I pretty much quit flying models in the summer of 2015 just prior to the "Great Drone Christmas Threat" of 2015 that instigated the FAA registration policy. Never did send them my info or my $5 bill to join their "Registry".

Just two nights ago, the local AMA clubs had a meeting with the local FAA guys to discuss current laws, regulations etc. It's my understanding, from the FAA website, that models weighing less than 0.55 lbs./250 Grams can still be flown without having to register with the FAA as a "Recreational Drone Pilot". I quickly learned that according to the FAA's "Grid Map", my residence near the local airport permits flight up to 200 feet AGL, yet to actually fly my 2 oz. foam model in the culdesac in front of my house, at mailbox height altitude, would require me to use an app on my phone (or pc) to contact their "LAANC" system where I would then input my FAA registration number (that I don't have), my location and the time frame I would be operating my model. That's pretty damn absurd in my opinion. There was mention of DJI (THE quad copter/drone proliferator) rolling out their latest model just the other day, the "Mavic Mini", that weighs all of 249 Grams ready to fly. So there must be SOME reason why DJI engineered, constructed and marketed a model that falls under the 0.55 lbs./250 gram threshold, but I've yet to figure that out.