Hi everyone.
Interesting thread and lots of opinions. They are like holes, everyone has one.
I've read most of the posts and I, typically, try to not get involved unless it's something that may have a direct impact on Aviation in general and or affects a lot of people, including myself.
I do not care much for all the UTubers I think they are mainly there to get a celebrity status, be famous, and I guess some can also make money, and in some cases, very few, can be useful to others. That, (money) in my opinion, can also be an issue, but that is another topic for another thread.
I do not subscribe to that, I have hundreds of hours of recording, going back to mid 70s, but I use them for training and view it with my family and friends.
About this particular individual / case, I think both parties could have done things differently and resolve the issue without all these complications.
The reason I think that the FAA made a mistake, and could have done things differently, is because by using the Suspension approach it will not benefit the Pilot and or the FAA. What we need is to teach judgment and a 709 would have been more appropriate. By going to legal and trying to make an “example” of this guy does not help anyone.
We have people involved, Judge, Legal eagles.. that have NO understanding what Aviation is all about and they will render judgment based their life experience and knowledge, and could care less about Aviation. In a way they are a lot like the UTubers, make some money and in some cases become celebrities.
The UTuber should have also used better judgment, did better / different planning before he decided to take that flight.
Why is this case of concern to me? If it stands and sets up a precedent most of the areas where practice areas exist, and you do Ground reference maneuvers in a slow acft., could practically be illegal, it's next to impossible to find locations in many busy areas where you are further away than 500 ft. from some structure / person. I am curious who the FAA person is and how much practical experience and knowledge (s)he has?
My opinion, give the guy a chance to a 709, teach him some better judgment and be done, stop messing things up.
Otherwise we need to do everything possible to support him and make sure that he wins. Call your politicians and explain the ramifications.
I am just wondering if a case could be made that in other similar occasions, I am sure there were many, other approaches were used and in this case they are after him for other reasons?