AFP posts drone shots over Hong Kong (how many are illegal?)

[BlackKnightHK]

First of all link to the article in question : Drone over Hong Kong

It seems however, most of these shots flout the local HK regulations (such as no flight shall take place above 90 meters (300 ft).

Second, it is strictly forbidden to fly drones over Victoria Harbour or the coastal areas of Tsing Yi (where the bridge and the container ship pic were taken).

This being said, technically, each commercial flight in HK would require an authorization of the Civil Aviation Department... So, obviously, professionals don't even bother.

 

[zocalo]

Or they bothered and got a specific waiver, or more likely waivers since this was all shot over three months; impossible to say without confirming with either the photographer or local authorities. The photographer does claim that each time he took off he had a specific shot in mind, so it's quite possible he could have had permission to fly. The likes of the AFP can - and do - get exceptions for their photographers to do things like this from time to time - it's all about who you know and how well you pitch it.

Of course, statistically speaking, the number of posts to social media etc. that almost certainly would not have had permission, including by professional photographers, make me think that is far less likely. Not impossible, but definitely less likely.

 

[JDawg]

Nowhere in the article does it say he was flying illegally, GUILTY.