Topic: Drone Pilot

The requirement for FAA certification to operate drones is discussed, leading to a personal anecdote about a fixed-wing pilot checkride at Willamette Airport. The story involves an examiner asking to fly low to observe a nude sunbather, highlighting unprofessional behavior in aviation testing.

A commercial drone pilot and an anonymous police officer expressed concern over the potential FCC ban on DJI drones, noting that American alternatives are significantly more expensive and less capable. Critics argue the recent drone hysteria served as a psychological operation to provide political cover for banning Chinese technology under the guise of national security.

A Washington Post investigation reveals that over 400 large military drones have crashed globally since 2001 due to satellite link failures and pilot error. The report raises concerns about the FAA's plans to integrate heavy drone traffic into domestic US airspace.

Senator Bill Nelson of Florida is criticized for his performance during a cybersecurity hearing, where he appeared to go "off-script" regarding nuclear command and control. The hosts mock Nelson's public image, citing his participation in Everglades python hunts and drone pilot simulations as evidence of a "creepy" political persona.

A drone operator sent an email to the show defending the use of unmanned aerial vehicles as life-saving tools in combat and search-and-rescue. The hosts debate the pilot's claim that flying a drone from the ground is equivalent to being in the aircraft. They emphasize their primary concern is the lack of due process when targeting American citizens.

John Brennan defends the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) by using medical metaphors, describing terrorism as a "metastasized cancer" that must be "excised" with "surgical precision." He emphasizes that the chain of command follows a rigorous legal process to ensure strikes are consistent with domestic and international law.

Listeners contribute domain names including dronepilottraining.com and newenergyorder.com to the show. The hosts also promote the No Agenda Art Generator and encourage Valentine's Day donations.

The FAA is moving to regulate domestic drone flights, requiring operators to hold a pilot's license. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security is soliciting proposals for a "Wide Area Aerial Surveillance System" (WAESS). The hosts discuss the rapid expansion of drone use by police departments and the federal government for 24/7 surveillance over American cities.

The Institution of Mechanical Engineers in the UK is advocating for research into pilot-free planes to boost R&D spending. These aircraft would likely be operated via remote control, similar to military drones. Simultaneously, the Vatican has called for the creation of a global public authority and a Central World Bank to manage the international economy.

A draft study reported by the Associated Press claims that automation is eroding the flying skills of commercial pilots. The hosts argue this is a PR plant designed to justify the FAA's transition to the "NextGen" air traffic system, which favors unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). They predict a future where commercial flights are fully automated and controlled by military-industrial contractors like Raytheon.