[evacuationdrill]

It seems like you still have to have a chase plane[1], and the difference seems to be requiring approval for UAS as a whole system to use for commercial purposes[2]. Note in that second link that there is no size restriction for model airplanes, which I found interesting ("FAA guidance does not address size of the model aircraft.").

[1] http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsId=14... "Because UAS technology cannot currently comply with “see and avoid” rules that apply to all aircraft, a visual observer or an accompanying “chase plane” must maintain visual contact with the UAS and serve as its “eyes” when operating outside airspace restricted from other users." [2]http://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/uas/uas_faq/#Qn1

[bigiain]

Here n Australia, our equivalent of the FAA (CASA) specifically defines "model aircraft" as being over 100grams, with anything lighter than that being classified as a "toy".

It's quite practical these days to build a sub-100g radio controlled plane with a video camera and transmitter on board. This is just using art-store foam and inexpensive ordered-direct-from-china electronics. Fying a "broadcast quality" camera as under 100g is out of my level of expertise, but 720p video is quite easy and inexpensive these days at that scale...