Kites and balloons are prior to and different from UAS. they are not classified as "aircraft" becuase they are not dirigible (powered or steerable). They have their own regulations in FAR 101. It is almost never the case that two sets of regulations encompass one type of object. I haven't heard a peep about re-writing FAR 101-- those regs have been largely unchanged since the 1960's. Some time in the late '90's early '00's the dropping of gliders from balloons and kites was banned, but that's the only change I know of in 50 years.

Thats good to know, and definitely something to keep an eye on. Still, my concern is not that the FAA will suddenly start requiring kite licenses (although that would make for great late night comedy material), but rather that certain interests will take advantage of the rulemaking process to regulate aerial photography in any form regardless of the vehicle. They would do this by narrowing the definition of "hobby" photography to a case by case basis, (only of your personal property, with signed release etc...) while everything else would be assumed to be commercial, requiring an expensive permitting process. The result would be all but a few "professional" contractors could afford the legal fees, would be left out of the process. Before I come off as sounding overly conspiratorial, I should add that I don't think there's necessarily an evil villain somewhere rubbing his palms in anticipation of the day he finally controls the lucrative aerial photography industry. Rather it could be the result of various competing interests aliging in a way that leaves nobody satisfied. Copyright law is a good example of such a scenario...

we can only hope it doesn't happen... I don't even know how we'd watch for that. KAP isn't a big enough world to lobby for much.

http://skyvector.com/

This is the map reference given to me after spending a considerable amount of time finding about about kite flying rules on the phone with the FAA. In New Orleans, you will go through the Houston office, which will send you over to baton Rouge, who is the regional controller. The purple circle outlines are the 5 mile radius that is shown around each airport that has a tower, and is in control over that airspace. Outside the purple boundaries (airport tower control), airplanes fly according to visual rules, and the airspace starts at 1200'. Within the 5 mile radius, a tethered kite is limited to 150', so by trig, you could have maybe 250' of line out. Outside the 5 mile limit, you are bound by a 500' ceiling, so maybe 750-800' of line. Despite these rules, in certain areas, such as the gulf here in Louisiana, although helicopter pilots are flying by line of sight, if you had a kite/ quadcopter interfering with their operations, I'm sure they would report you as a hazard to airmen. To avoid this, or if you plan on flying above, you must request an exemption in writing to the regional controller who publishes the notice to airmen in your area.

Can kites be flown near the airport ? FAA Response:14 CFR Part 101 states that...within 5 miles of the boundary of any airport "...No person may operate an unshielded moored balloon or kite more than 150 feet above the surface of the earth unless, at least 24 hours before beginning the operation, he gives the following information to the FAA ATC facility that is nearest to the place of intended operation: (a) the names and addresses of the owners and operators, (b) the size of the balloon or the size and weight of the kite, (c) the location of the operation, (d) the height above the surface of the earth at which the balloon or kite is to be operated, and (e) the date, time and duration of the operation." There are also additional lighting and marking requirements, if the balloon or kite would be operated above 150 feet above the surface of the earth. Part 101 also states "(a) no person may operate any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or unmanned free balloon in a manner that creates a hazard to other persons or their property, and (b) no person operating any moored balloon, kite, unmanned rocket, or unmanned free balloon may allow an object to be dropped there from, if such action creates a hazard to other persons or their property."