Have you seen a Drone Mob YET (except on TV) GET READY.

[Cafguy]

This would be perfectly legal and I am just wondering what the Media would do with it. OR what other Drone pilots think.
Here goes..

The news is full of Drone stories lately ( geee thanks anti drone people) NOW its just may get worse:
In our FPV group we have been talking about the up and coming "FAD" of a large group of Drone owners going out at night throwing on the firehouses and swarming an area with lights!!
A few of our gang have been asked by friends that are honestly organizing these things, some of them as sort of a protest of the bad media blitz on Drones! Now they ARE NOT talking about Going out to the air base and making a spectacle In fact they discourage it STRONGLY, BUT they do want to Swarm an area with lights flying legally. Have several members go to a few parks in an area at night and fly with lights blinkin away.
I myself think its a BAD idea simply because with Drones any press seems to be bad press these days. BUT I think its gonna become alot more popular now. So these sighting are gonna become a hot topic...... I fear.

 

[mavic3usa]

I think America is used to copy-cat activities so it could be harmless but just be aware that alarming the public intentionally may not go over so well with some folks who won't think it is funny even if you are within your rights and only trying to send a message. We have a bad habit of going overboard with that and it could lead to new/further local legislation and some unfriendly encounters.

In the past, when I fly just ONE drone with 3 FH strobes, I'm apprehensive because it's so bright and all so I can imagine a bunch of fast moving FPV all lit up unless you were low and towards the ground in a small area just for show.

Do it!!! I want to see the Tiktok video.

 

[Chip]

This would be perfectly legal and I am just wondering what the Media would do with it. OR what other Drone pilots think.
Here goes..

The news is full of Drone stories lately ( geee thanks anti drone people) NOW its just may get worse:
In our FPV group we have been talking about the up and coming "FAD" of a large group of Drone owners going out at night throwing on the firehouses and swarming an area with lights!!
A few of our gang have been asked by friends that are honestly organizing these things, some of them as sort of a protest of the bad media blitz on Drones! Now they ARE NOT talking about Going out to the air base and making a spectacle In fact they discourage it STRONGLY, BUT they do want to Swarm an area with lights flying legally. Have several members go to a few parks in an area at night and fly with lights blinkin away.
I myself think its a BAD idea simply because with Drones any press seems to be bad press these days. BUT I think its gonna become alot more popular now. So these sighting are gonna become a hot topic...... I fear.

I think it is a terrible idea for all kinds of reasons. These drones flying over New Jersey are no joking matter. But if you do it, be sure to fly with no Remote Id. If you are stopped by police, refuse to answer questions. Tell them exactly what you told me on New Jersey drone thread, that you only answer to the FAA and that you only have to show local authorities your TRUST certificate. They otherwise have no jurisdiction, no authority, and should step aside so you can complete your flight. Get it all on video.

 

[Cafguy]

I would do this with remote ID for sure as I said this would be totally legal and thats would be the point...lightshows in the sky should NOT cause a national panic nor should anyone flying a drone at night with lights be considered a foreign spy. I would have My paperwork ready if any police asked a question But around here the police know who I am they would probably just ask questions about the Drones........ Maybe the Mavic with a small car sized Balsa wood frame stuck on it........strung with LEDs Hmmmmm...
I would not want to violate any law or FAA regulation if I participated in this

 

[Rchawks]

If you do we'll see more news reports about unidentified flying objects in the night sky, people won't be able to sleep, my gosh..

 

[Bad Santa]

I think it's a great idea! I'd participate.
Why?
Get the public accustomed to seeing lights and whirlygigs in the shy at night.
Then they won't bother so much when I go out for a cruise in my spaceship.

 

[Mrprop365]

This would be perfectly legal and I am just wondering what the Media would do with it. OR what other Drone pilots think.
Here goes..

The news is full of Drone stories lately ( geee thanks anti drone people) NOW its just may get worse:
In our FPV group we have been talking about the up and coming "FAD" of a large group of Drone owners going out at night throwing on the firehouses and swarming an area with lights!!
A few of our gang have been asked by friends that are honestly organizing these things, some of them as sort of a protest of the bad media blitz on Drones! Now they ARE NOT talking about Going out to the air base and making a spectacle In fact they discourage it STRONGLY, BUT they do want to Swarm an area with lights flying legally. Have several members go to a few parks in an area at night and fly with lights blinkin away.
I myself think its a BAD idea simply because with Drones any press seems to be bad press these days. BUT I think its gonna become alot more popular now. So these sighting are gonna become a hot topic...... I fear.

Right after we're gonna see a news article about UFO'S swarming NJ

 

[jaja6009]

This would be perfectly legal and I am just wondering what the Media would do with it. OR what other Drone pilots think.
Here goes..

The news is full of Drone stories lately ( geee thanks anti drone people) NOW its just may get worse:
In our FPV group we have been talking about the up and coming "FAD" of a large group of Drone owners going out at night throwing on the firehouses and swarming an area with lights!!
A few of our gang have been asked by friends that are honestly organizing these things, some of them as sort of a protest of the bad media blitz on Drones! Now they ARE NOT talking about Going out to the air base and making a spectacle In fact they discourage it STRONGLY, BUT they do want to Swarm an area with lights flying legally. Have several members go to a few parks in an area at night and fly with lights blinkin away.
I myself think its a BAD idea simply because with Drones any press seems to be bad press these days. BUT I think its gonna become alot more popular now. So these sighting are gonna become a hot topic...... I fear.

I think your members need to find more constructive things to do with their drones.

Their wording of intent may not state they are trying to create a drone disturbance, their plan is doing so.

I agree with you, this is a bad idea.

 

[AMann]

I think it is a terrible idea for all kinds of reasons. These drones flying over New Jersey are no joking matter. But if you do it, be sure to fly with no Remote Id. If you are stopped by police, refuse to answer questions. Tell them exactly what you told me on New Jersey drone thread, that you only answer to the FAA and that you only have to show local authorities your TRUST certificate. They otherwise have no jurisdiction, no authority, and should step aside so you can complete your flight. Get it all on video.

Chip, you really need to put a disclaimer on this that you are not a lawyer!

But honestly, per FAA, you actually have to answer to law-enforcement regarding drones and also show them your ID. Other than that, I totally agree with you that it’s a bad idea and will probably end up hurting the hobby and livelihood of civil drone enthusiasts if people start doing stupid stuff like that just to get the public excited. Also considering the county where the OP lives, it’s more than likely that someone will shoot in the sky at them, and if someone gets hurt, guess who else is going to be responsible?

 

[mavic3usa]

Chip, you really need to put a disclaimer on this that you are not a lawyer!

But honestly, per FAA, you actually have to answer to law-enforcement regarding drones and also show them your ID. Other than that, I totally agree with you that it’s a bad idea and will probably end up hurting the hobby and livelihood of civil drone enthusiasts if people start doing stupid stuff like that just to get the public excited. Also considering the county where the OP lives, it’s more than likely that someone will shoot in the sky at them, and if someone gets hurt, guess who else is going to be responsible?

You don't have to be a lawyer to know you don't answer any questions or show any ID in America unless you have been suspected of committing a crime (has, is, or was). FAA don't make state law and state/local law don't obey the FAA commands. If the FAA told the police to also get a blood sample while you are at it, that's fine they can say that, but the police know they can't enforce that. That's the exact problem we are having today and everyone has said so; per the law:
1. State and local law enforcement have no jurisdiction on drone operations (in most cases), and
2.FAA does not have the resources to legally delegate to the state which means you may have to worry less about the federal laws that may be enforced against you (i.e. showing paperwork, etc)

That being said, three important points come to my mind:

1.If you state manages to pass drone-related laws, it is possible your local law enforcement DOES have such powers and you would be obligate so please check. Especially if those laws involve non-drone activities that can be easily linked to your drone. Even if there are officers who believe the FAA has given them the power indirectly, you still may have to give in to that since it is obviously being handled that way due to the current crisis. Something along the lines of public safety and exigent circumstances or whatever they come up with, you likely won't beat it so now would be a good time to cooperate as much as you can. At this point, you don't know what kind of task forces have been put together and what powers they have so now would not be a good time to go beyond what your lawyer advised you to do.
2.The police want this power and the state governments want the power to regulate and they are going to get it (if they don't already have it) because Congress has said they are working on making it so. As far as I am concerned, the fact that people are shocked that it isn't already in place means they have those defacto powers already.
3.The FAA is happy to tell drone pilots what they must do and if the FAA tells you to cooperate with the local police and you don't, you have to answer to the FAA which may be better than answering to the state (depending on the circumstances). I am not a lawyer and I don't give legal advice but I would show drone papers and allow inspection of equipment and drone-related paperwork/maps/auth/etc. but I would not consent to showing identification or logs or videos/photos or your phone and answer questions unless you want to end up on a list or get put on a bolo. Get a warrant for those.

Bottom line is if FAA officer or any other federal officer is involved....you know what to do.

 

[AMann]

You don't have to be a lawyer to know you don't answer any questions or show any ID in America unless you have been suspected of committing a crime (has, is, or was). FAA don't make state law and state/local law don't obey the FAA commands. If the FAA told the police to also get a blood sample while you are at it, that's fine they can say that, but the police know they can't enforce that. That's the exact problem we are having today and everyone has said so; per the law:
1. State and local law enforcement have no jurisdiction on drone operations (in most cases), and
2.FAA does not have the resources to legally delegate to the state which means you may have to worry less about the federal laws that may be enforced against you (i.e. showing paperwork, etc)

That being said, three important points come to my mind:

1.If you state manages to pass drone-related laws, it is possible your local law enforcement DOES have such powers and you would be obligate so please check. Especially if those laws involve non-drone activities that can be easily linked to your drone. Even if there are officers who believe the FAA has given them the power indirectly, you still may have to give in to that since it is obviously being handled that way due to the current crisis. Something along the lines of public safety and exigent circumstances or whatever they come up with, you likely won't beat it so now would be a good time to cooperate as much as you can. At this point, you don't know what kind of task forces have been put together and what powers they have so now would not be a good time to go beyond what your lawyer advised you to do.
2.The police want this power and the state governments want the power to regulate and they are going to get it (if they don't already have it) because Congress has said they are working on making it so. As far as I am concerned, the fact that people are shocked that it isn't already in place means they have those defacto powers already.
3.The FAA is happy to tell drone pilots what they must do and if the FAA tells you to cooperate with the local police and you don't, you have to answer to the FAA which may be better than answering to the state (depending on the circumstances). I am not a lawyer and I don't give legal advice but I would show drone papers and allow inspection of equipment and drone-related paperwork/maps/auth/etc. but I would not consent to showing identification or logs or videos/photos or your phone and answer questions unless you want to end up on a list or get put on a bolo. Get a warrant for those.

Bottom line is if FAA officer or any other federal officer is involved....you know what to do.

CFR 107.7

 

[mavic3usa]

Sorry, but CFR 107.7 backs it up.

That's for you and your part 107 comrades.

As a recreational pilots, I go with this: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates

 

[AMann]

That's for you and your part 107 comrades.

As a recreational pilots, I go with this: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/knowledge_test_updates

Oh, so we’re both right.
Well, enjoy your personal freedom while you still have it because I bet it’s all going to change soon due to all the stupid things people are saying and doing, then everyone will have to pull out their personal ID’s to cops and other law enforcement when asked to be able to fly drones legally anymore.

 

[Cafguy]

Members of the Forum:

Don't strap lights on your Drone to create UFO reports from the populous or create a large light show and use the fact that you are Not flying illegally as an excuse!!.... They can still give you lots of grief for creating a public nuisance and tying up the 911 system with everybody calling in The "mysterious" lights in the sky lol. The authorities wont be happy when they find you thats for sure! Legal or not its playing with fire SO after a bit of asking and research...
I will not be participating in any Drone mob.

 

[Bad Santa]

Members of the Forum:

Don't strap lights on your Drone to create UFO reports from the populous or create a large light show and use the fact that you are Not flying illegally as an excuse!!.... They can still give you lots of grief for creating a public nuisance and tying up the 911 system with everybody calling in The "mysterious" lights in the sky lol. The authorities wont be happy when they find you thats for sure! Legal or not its playing with fire SO after a bit of asking and research...
I will not be participating in any Drone mob.

You're no fun!

I think the secret to success is to notify the authorities BEFORE something like this is done.
The right to assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States (for those who would participate in the US)

 

[Cafguy]

You're no fun!

I think the secret to success is to notify the authorities BEFORE something like this is done.
The right to assembly is guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States (for those who would participate in the US)

Thats what I said to the police spokes person and they told me pretty much that they would shut it down pretty quik IF too many people called and tied up 911. I was told we would just be told to stop with the extra lights tho and we could still fly.

 

[Bad Santa]

Thats what I said to the police spokes person and they told me pretty much that they would shut it down pretty quik IF too many people called and tied up 911. I was told we would just be told to stop with the extra lights tho and we could still fly.

Different police have a different threshold.
The police could tell you to shut it down, but the question is... do you really have to?
For reference, I have gone to court, and WON, when an officer told me he had the right to do something and he didn't.

Of course, as I've aged (like a fine wine), I've come to realize that the victory, often, isn't worth the battle.

 

[Cafguy]

Yea They also said they wouldnt arrest or cite us for anything but they would put an end to a light show that caused an big stir. SO it would be fine really until enough people started calling I guess. Maybe we could get a permit I didnt think to ask at the time really.

 

[EssenYVR]

I think it's a great idea! I'd participate.
Why?
Get the public accustomed to seeing lights and whirlygigs in the shy at night.

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not, but on the chance you're not: If you think this would get the general public on board rather than creating a huge backlash against drones, I think you're sadly mistaken.

 

[Bad Santa]

I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not, but on the chance you're not: If you think this would get the general public on board rather than creating a huge backlash against drones, I think you're sadly mistaken.

It's a little of both.
People are afraid of new stuff. Especially technology they don't understand.
People are stupid and let this fear of the unknown allow or encourage hindrance of progress.

If people saw drones in the sky every day, eventually they'd stop worrying about them and find some other, ridiculous, thing to wad their panties.