I have two concerns: 1. FAA and local restrictions and 2. Tariffs imposed by the current administration.
There has been a lot of discussions regarding FAA rules hampering the UAV hobby, which has driven some to leave altogether and others to simply go rogue. In my experience, I have done the following in order to abide by the regulations: Since my quads all weigh more than 1/2 pound I had to register with the FAA, which required me to take and pass a four-part online exam and pay a nominal fee for a license that’s good for three years. I had to affix my ID to the aircraft ans install a RemoteID device which broadcasts my location as well as my FAA ID. I had to enable a geofence with a 121 meter altitude and a radius that will insure the aircraft remains withing visual line of sight. In addition, I (optionally) installed two anti-collision strobes. Even though I don’t plan to fly at night, the strobes are bright and help to keep the aircraft in sight.
I live in Colorado where there are plenty of restrictions where I can legally fly. None of the national or state parks allow UAV overflights, so finding areas that offer interesting scenic views is a challenge.
But more troubling to my hobby are the import taxes imposed by the current administration. To give an example, I needed a 10 pin M9N GPS/compass module for a Tarot quad I’m building that uses a Holybro 6C flight controller. I was able to find a domestic supplier for the F.C. but I had no such luck for the navigation module, and so I ordered one from China. The unit cost $80 plus $21 for shipping, but the import tax was a whopping $56.80! IF you have to order motors, ESCs and other components the costs quickly skyrocket. For me, I’ve had enough.
The rubber boots for the front skids arrived this evening. I am waiting on a two pairs of 15” propeller blades to complete my build.
Your store doesn’t have the stuff I need. I am going without SIK telemetry radios because Incannot find any domestically that are compatible with Holybro F.C.s.
Ultimately, I will spring for telemetry radios for both quads. When I do, I will opt for those that come with cables that are compatible with my controller.
Couldn’t you but some of the items via another country which hasn’t got those tariffs imposed?
……I guess the challenge theses days is the freight cost. With low cost items and having them shipped to one country, followed by you buying it from there and sending them on to you may add similar cost?
Sorry for the lates response. I did a thorough search - all other suppliers didn’t have items in stock.
I finally got everything I needed. I ordered the 15” props from a Chinese supplier via amazon who ultimately cancelled the ordered and refunded my money because the shipper wouldn’t deliver them. So, I ordered from another supplier and they arrived.
The good news is the maiden flight of the new Tarot went extremely well.
