flying near hot air balloon

[Patrick Andreasen]

when I visit my grandma there's these 2 hot air balloons that tend to fly over the area of her house and I want to take my drone to take pictures but I can already identify 2 possible issues. 1. what does the FAA say about flying near/around hot air balloons and 2. how would I make it clear that I am not a threat. I'd figure I could spin in a circle or something to show pure intentions but I can see how the passenger in the basket could freak out from a random unknown drone randomly approaching the balloon

 

[GFields]

FAA manned aircraft rules apply. This is something that I strongly suggest you not attempt.

 

[mavic3usa]

Can't you take a picture at a distance? I personally wouldn't not fly up to and approach a hot air balloon up close; that's makes no sense when you are uninvolved.

 

[DarR-T]

Why would you want a hot air balloon photo anyways unless it was yours?

 

[mavic3usa]

Even at each of these distances, it is unlikely the balloon occupants could see your drone; however, I wouldn't go any closer than the image you see in the very first opening frame (if at all) in this video (not me, not my video) and would probably never get as close as you see in the subsequent shots. Low flying balloons are part of the scenery if they frequent your area so I can see how someone would want to capture them from time to time:

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