Drone crashes into triathlete

Sounds like the photographer is trying to save his a$$

I actually think there is a difference (Maybe the difference in the ability to take control via a cell phone?) but I am not sure. 

Personally I used the word "drone" because that was the title of the article. 

Well, kind of.   These aircraft are controlled remotely.   However, remote-controlled implies an active control by the pilot.   In fact, many of these "drones" can navigate completely autonomously after being given a series of waypoints, either at the time of launch, or while flying.

You can also navigate manually to an area, and then tell the drone to "loiter" and it will hold its position autonomously... no active control by the pilot.

I didn't read the article, but if this photographer was using the drone to take pictures he was going to sell, then he was breaking the law. (commercial use of autonomous vehicles is currently illegal)  It will not go well for him, I think. 

ETA:  Finally read the article.  It's in Australia, which does allow commercial drone usage, but I believe you have to be "certified" 

The only way it could be better is if it strafed the race with rubber bullets that you had to dodge.

Rubber bullets?   HTFU, man!

Dude.....I'm trying hard not to upset the fragile sensibilities.

"Live Fire Triathlon 2015.  Sprint Distance... if you're lucky." 

Race FAQ

"If a race medic needs to amputate a limb, can I still finish the race?" 

Yes, but only if you carry the limb with you over the finish line.  You MUST finish the race with all parts of the body that started the race.

"Are bullet-proof vests allowed?" 

Our drones are armed with standard NATO 7.62mm rounds.  As such, most commercially available bulletproof gear is rendered worthless.  You're welcome to try your luck, I suppose.

"Is there anything I can do about the drones?" 

Each participant is issued one shoulder-fired SAM in their race bag.

"Is this a draft-legal race?" 

Participants are encouraged to group themselves into maneuverable, yet nimble, groups of their own choosing.   Ultimately, however, it's every man (or woman) for himself (or herself, as the case may be.) 

Originally posted by skibummer This was referenced on the NPR show "Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me" The joke was that someone had finally figured out how to stop people from telling you they just finished a triathlon.

It's going to take a much larger drone to ever make that happen.