Flying during Covid 19

[Lastrexking]

I have never put my 'official' hat on as a member of this forum, but having seen the number of people still flying in the UK (as well as other countries on lockdown) I feel a responsibility to try and encourage people that are in countries currently on Lockdown to not fly, and stay at home.

As someone that works for the UK Government that has been moved from my normal Dept to work directly on Covid 19 response, I can tell you all this virus is not a joke. I have seen first hand the damage this virus can do to a healthy human being. This is not the flu. The absolute worst thing about this virus is that it effects people in different ways. Some people can carry it and only have very mild symptoms, then pass it to someone who will subsequently die.

So, if you live in a country that has asked you only to go out for essential reasons (food, medicine, exercize) - then please abide by that request. Whilst you may be ok, you could pass the virus to someone that isn't.

Flying a drone isn't essential. Unless you own a large area of land that guarantees not seeing another human - keep it grounded.

Apologies if this is a bit of a rant. But, I'm honestly sick to death of seeing people put everyone else at huge risk because they are so selfish and ignorant that they can't be bothered to make small changes to their lives for the good of humanity.

 

[steve_lyt]

I fly still , I sit in the middle of a football field, at least 30ft away from anyone all round, I walk down to the field , fly , then go for a walk after. no risk to anyone

 

[zocalo]

I've not been flying either, but I'll admit I'm in two minds on this. I can absolutely see the sense in the whole "essential things only" angle, but on the otherhand we're looking at self-isolation lasting maybe four-six months if the June date is realistic (unlikely, given how governments have lowballed numbers and manipulated the stats so far). Pioneers in the Americas saw cabin fever set in in shorter timescales than that, and "exercise" must surely extend to our mental health as well as physical, no? It's probably just a matter of time before someone with mental health issues snaps under these conditions, and I'm not (yet?) seeing any real consideration given to the growing numbers of people that are going to need help in this area in the official briefings, etc.

We're currently permitted out for some exercise. Does it *really* matter if that is something physical like a jog or bike ride, or something mentally stimulating like flying a drone or just chilling out with a book at some local beauty spot? I actually don't think it does - what really matters is that you maintain social distancing and especially don't mingle with others out at the same time. As long as you can do that, then no one - not the government, overzealous police forces, or busy body neighbours - should care what activity you have chosen to engage in.

 

[Lastrexking]

I've not been flying either, but I'll admit I'm in two minds on this. I can absolutely see the sense in the whole "essential things only" angle, but on the otherhand we're looking at self-isolation lasting maybe four-six months if the June date is realistic (unlikely, given how governments have lowballed numbers and manipulated the stats so far). Pioneers in the Americas saw cabin fever set in in shorter timescales than that, and "exercise" must surely extend to our mental health as well as physical, no? It's probably just a matter of time before someone with mental health issues snaps under these conditions, and I'm not (yet?) seeing any real consideration given to the growing numbers of people that are going to need help in this area in the official briefings, etc.

We're currently permitted out for some exercise. Does it *really* matter if that is something physical like a jog or bike ride, or something mentally stimulating like flying a drone or just chilling out with a book at some local beauty spot? I actually don't think it does - what really matters is that you maintain social distancing and especially don't mingle with others out at the same time. As long as you can do that, then no one - not the government, overzealous police forces, or busy body neighbours - should care what activity you have chosen to engage in.

I'm not going to argue with what people should and shouldn't do. I've made my point - but I will add this.

Essential is the key thing. Exercise, Medicine, Food. Readin in the park (!!!! - DO IT AT HOME!)

Going for a drive, flying a drone, having a party. Not essential.

Consider your drone has a flyaway. Lands in someone's garden. Is there a risk involved? Are you going to knock on their door and ask for it back?

An extreme example; Your drone loses a battery, lands on a travelling car, causes an accident. Police, ambulance are needed, hospital care - adding to the strain on an already struggling emergency services and NHS. Like I said, extreme examples, but not out of the realms of possibility.

All I am asking as someone that has seen the damage the virus does, and the strain we are going to be under as a country (we've barely scratched the surface) is that your all measure the risk, however unlikely, however small, or however insignificant you think it is. If there's even a microscopic risk in ANYTHING you do (not just flying a drone) for your sake, the sake of other people. Please don't do it.

 

[steve_lyt]

just fly sensibly , keep you distance , fly according to the weather , wind. and above all use common sense. VLOS is most important . if the area gets busy , just pack up and go home

 

[Lastrexking]

just fly sensibly , keep you distance , fly according to the weather , wind. and above all use common sense. VLOS is most important . if the area gets busy , just pack up and go home

This is dreadful advice. The Police will not tolerate this at all.

People ignoring a very simple request to only go out for ESSENTIAL reasons are only going to make the Government make the restrictions even tighter. And, if you think that won't happen - you're wrong. The plans are already made - it just needs people to keep ignoring the advice for them to be implmented.

 

[steve_lyt]

when i fly , i have no one near me for at least 30ft on all sides . and im getting exercise by walking to the location. im just sitting down in the middle of a field. and flying carefully

 

[The Editor]

Unfortunately - many consider flying their plastic toys as “essential”.

 

[Lastrexking]

Unfortunately - many consider flying their plastic toys as “essential”.

Yep. It's incredibly frustrating, small minded, and unbelievably selfish.

I've been working with NHS staff over the last week, and they are all exhausted. they're also dropping like flies because of the virus as people won't listen and still want to do what they want.

This kind of behaviour is the single most self centred thing anyone can do. I wish I could drag people like that to to the wards of people dying - they might think twice about flying a bloody drone then.

I think I best stay away from the forum now, or I may lose my temper.

 

[zocalo]

An extreme example; Your drone loses a battery, lands on a travelling car, causes an accident. Police, ambulance are needed, hospital care - adding to the strain on an already struggling emergency services and NHS. Like I said, extreme examples, but not out of the realms of possibility.

Exactly why I'm not flying my drone, despite the perfect conditions over the last few days, and why I made that point right off the bat.

Since we're talking extreme examples though, there are several well-documented examples of people with cabin fever butchering their co-habitants. People *are* going to snap if they are essentially confined with the same limited group of people for months on end, and at least some of them are going to do so quite violently. Even prisoners are allowed to mingle, and solitary confinement is strictly controlled in most countries. If that happens, then it is also going to lead to police, ambulance, hospital care, etc. That's not just a possibility - it's pretty much a given.

Technically, exercise isn't "essential", yet we're still allowed to do it (for now, at least), and that's what I'd really like to see from Downing Street at this point - a little guidance on what we can and can't do to look after our mental health as well. Losing muscle tone is one thing, having a mental break and harming yourself or others is whole different ball game that, as usual, is getting overlooked. Clearly random socialising is out, but given a choice between a simple stroll in the sunshine and a picnic with members of their own household while maintain social distancing and someone going nuts and butchering their family, I'll go with the latter every single time.

Is it *really* too much to ask that we get some more guidance and leeway on this before we end up with something truly tragic and entirely avoidable in our news as a result?

 

[Lastrexking]

Exactly why I'm not flying my drone, despite the perfect conditions over the last few days, and why I made that point right off the bat.

Since we're talking extreme examples though, there are several well-documented examples of people with cabin fever butchering their co-habitants. People *are* going to snap if they are essentially confined with the same limited group of people for months on end, and at least some of them are going to do so quite violently. Even prisoners are allowed to mingle, and solitary confinement is strictly controlled in most countries. If that happens, then it is also going to lead to police, ambulance, hospital care, etc. That's not just a possibility - it's pretty much a given.

Technically, exercise isn't "essential", yet we're still allowed to do it (for now, at least), and that's what I'd really like to see from Downing Street at this point - a little guidance on what we can and can't do to look after our mental health as well. Losing muscle tone is one thing, having a mental break and harming yourself or others is whole different ball game that, as usual, is getting overlooked. Clearly random socialising is out, but given a choice between a simple stroll in the sunshine and a picnic with members of their own household while maintain social distancing and someone going nuts and butchering their family, I'll go with the latter every single time.

Is it *really* too much to ask that we get some more guidance and leeway on this before we end up with something truly tragic and entirely avoidable in our news as a result?

Here's the advice you asked for. I think it's very clear on what you can and can't do.

National lockdown: Stay at Home

Coronavirus remains a serious threat across the country. Find out what you can and cannot do.

www.gov.uk

As for mental health:
Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)

People also need to take some personal responsibility. Everyone is different, and what works for you might not work for me.

This has been advertised on TV every night. It's on all of the news webs sites too.

 

[Davros007]

We also need to remember that not all lockdowns in all countries have the same measures. So even if you say, “I’m in Australia/USA/UK”, the rules are different. And the situations are different. Sure, in Sydney, Australia, going out to drive for miles and a fly is not cool. Where I am in Western Australia, minimal population and on a few hectares, flying is fine. It’s also a tourist area in the southwest so it’s abandoned at the moment! I think people just need to heed their government’s advice and follow it. Judging others on this forum by what is happening in your local area will not help. Anyway, all the best to all of you, stay safe and respect others!

 

[zocalo]

Here's the advice you asked for. I think it's very clear on what you can and can't do.

No, it's not - on both the what I asked for and what you can/can't do fronts. As far as getting out for a change of scene is concerned (it says you can take walks), it's the same generic advice as for exercise: stay local, maintain social distancing, once per day, etc. It says next to nothing about what you can and can't do while you are taking that exercise - regardless of whether it's mental or physical.

Yes, we're always going to have that letter and spirit of the law angle, and the law generally doesn't go into specifics for good reason, but that's where the guidance comes in. If I'm taking my permitted daily brisk walk am I allowed to stop and take a break or not? If I take a break, can I sit on a park bench or whatever? If I sit for a while, can I have a drink and/or read a book while I get my breath back? Or, closer to our hearts here, what if we take a few photographs on the way, since many people find that process to have a calming effect?

Clearly we're all feeling our way a bit here, but we currently have no guidance where on that slippery slope the line needs to be drawn, and that's the kind of thing I'm looking for. It *is* starting to come out - cyclists were told not to push it and go on long distance rides ("stay local") a few days ago for instance, but given some of the over zealous behaviour from a few police forces I just think reducing the grey areas a bit is going to make things easier for all concerned.[/QUOTE]

 

[Lastrexking]

No, it's not - on both the what I asked for and what you can/can't do fronts. As far as getting out for a change of scene is concerned (it says you can take walks), it's the same generic advice as for exercise: stay local, maintain social distancing, once per day, etc. It says next to nothing about what you can and can't do while you are taking that exercise - regardless of whether it's mental or physical.

Yes, we're always going to have that letter and spirit of the law angle, and the law generally doesn't go into specifics for good reason, but that's where the guidance comes in. If I'm taking my permitted daily brisk walk am I allowed to stop and take a break or not? If I take a break, can I sit on a park bench or whatever? If I sit for a while, can I have a drink and/or read a book while I get my breath back? Or, closer to our hearts here, what if we take a few photographs on the way, since many people find that process to have a calming effect?

Clearly we're all feeling our way a bit here, but we currently have no guidance where on that slippery slope the line needs to be drawn, and that's the kind of thing I'm looking for. It *is* starting to come out - cyclists were told not to push it and go on long distance rides ("stay local") a few days ago for instance, but given some of the over zealous behaviour from a few police forces I just think reducing the grey areas a bit is going to make things easier for all concerned.

How much guidance do people really need? The Government can't win here. Keep it simple, and it's not enough. Lay out line by line rules, and we're a nanny state.

Common sense and personal responsibility need to be applied.

Sitting and reading in a park isn't exercise is it? Even if it's in the middle of a walk. You go out, you do your exercise, you go home. It's not difficult is it?

 

[ChipDjipro]

Unfortunately people are just ignorant. Stay home means stay home. This is going to get a whole lot worse before it gets any better.

 

[Chanctonbury]

As for mental health:
Guidance for the public on the mental health and wellbeing aspects of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Good link, thanks.

 

[Lastrexking]

Good link, thanks.

You're welcome

 

[steve_lyt]

where i fly the chances of hitting a car is zero, im in the middle of a field , so theres no danger to anyone, and i walk to the location so whats the problem, and if the area gets busy i go home,

 

[zocalo]

How much guidance do people really need? The Government can't win here. Keep it simple, and it's not enough. Lay out line by line rules, and we're a nanny state.

Clearly more than we currently have, or we wouldn't have people, police forces, etc. disagreeing over where the boundaries are. Yes, it's a fine line, but ultimately "Nanny State" is still a lot better than "Police State" or "Military State" which are where things are going to end up if the confusion continues. To be clear, I'm talking about people who are trying to do the right thing but are not sure what the limits are here - willful disregard of the rules is something else entirely and absolutely needs to be deterred. No, governments can't win here, but they can (and have) stated that the restrictions will be tightened if required, but what they haven't really done is laid out examples of what would trigger that beyond failing to adhere to rules that people clearly don't understand either the limits and/or importance of.

Common sense and personal responsibility need to be applied.

Which seems to be lacking on many fronts at the moment, and not just with those flouting or merely unclear on the bounds that the rules are trying to define.

Sitting and reading in a park isn't exercise is it? Even if it's in the middle of a walk. You go out, you do your exercise, you go home. It's not difficult is it?

It's clearly not physical exercise, but that's not what I was talking about. Mental exercise (or stimulation) is currently much more blurred, which was the point - where on that slope I outlined does the risk outweigh the mental benefits? The page you linked (which is very useful, btw) says you should go for a walk if you are struggling with confinement - joggers will often take five for a drink during a run, so the rhetorical question I was asking was what (if anything) is the equivalent for people who desperately need to clear their head with a change of scene? The linked page does not say, but a few minutes on a bench to enjoy the view, read a little (not the entirety of "War and Peace", obviously), and maybe take a quick snap doesn't seem disproportionately out of line with the jogging equivalent, does it?

I don't think getting things to the point of being black and white is necessary - or even possible/practical - but we are definitely at a point where it would be a good idea to at leat *try* and reduce the size of the grey areas, and that's what I'm looking for.

 

[steve_lyt]

as long as you keep the social distancing , there not a problem, its up to others to keep theres, now 30 to 40 foot , is well within the safety zone