I think it is a great idea.
On one hand, I am of the thinking that if the FAA gets to the point where they think the best use of their resources is stopping arborists from looking at tree defects then maybe we should just give up. On the other hand, I don't need that kind of headache!
I haven't looked into it too much, so perhaps you are right, that this doesn't fall into commercial use - I'm not going to object!
A couple of things stand out to me in that Washington Post article (I know...dangerous relying on one source that popped up in a google search...especially WP):
"The proposed FAA rules for small drones would not apply to people who fly drones for fun or for recreational purposes"
and
"The FAA’s draft rules would make it relatively simple for real estate agents, aerial photographers, police departments, farmers and anyone else to fly small drones for work purposes..."
Suggesting that tree inspection for professional services are probably "regulated" (or restricted, or whatever they are calling it now).
and finally:
"The guidelines, however, have been routinely ignored by drone enthusiasts." (and I haven't heard of fines/punishments, so maybe it is all moot if the aren't going to enforce it)
Also of note, they said they expect 7000 licenses to be issued in 3 years. If they really expect everybody wanting to use a drone for minor remote sensing operations, I'd think 7000 per state may be more realistic.
