How do you deal with angry people who hate drones while you're flying?

[MNewman]

The last few times I flew a drone for real estate photos/videos, I got harassed by angry neighbors in the neighborhood, one of whom called the police. This definitely makes it difficult to work and creates considerable stress. What methods do you use to handle this best?

I heard someone say to wear a neon vest that says something like "drone pilot at work, please do not disturb" or something like that and by looking official and standing out, it makes others leave you alone. Has anybody tried this?

 

[GFields]

The last few times I flew a drone for real estate photos/videos, I got harassed by angry neighbors in the neighborhood, one of whom called the police. This definitely makes it difficult to work and creates considerable stress. What methods do you use to handle this best?

I heard someone say to wear a neon vest that says something like "drone pilot at work, please do not disturb" or something like that and by looking official and standing out, it makes others leave you alone. Has anybody tried this?

I do a lot of Residential and Commercial Real Estate work and always have a vest. I am rarely, if ever, confronted.

If I am, I ask them to wait until I land the "aircraft" and then explain what I'm doing. And that what I am doing is perfectly legal (providing your Part 107 licensed). If they threaten to call the police, I invite them to do so. If fact, tell them you'll be glad to call the police for them.

You are protected by the FAA rules and regulations and The 1st amendment to the Constitution.

 

[MARK (LI)]

I avoid anything like the vest...I want to blend in, not stand out and attract attention ...maintain a decent altitude...try to fly as high as you can and still get the detail you want, don't hover over anyone else's property...if approached, be cheerful, but serious.

 

[GFields]

I avoid anything like the vest...I want to blend in, not stand out and attract attention ...maintain a decent altitude...try to fly as high as you can and still get the detail you want, don't hover over anyone else's property...if approached, be cheerful, but serious.

"blending in" is what often causes suspicion. Looking professional is always the best approach especially if this is happening frequently.

 

[sarahb]

Residential Real Estate is what I do.

I also wear a safety vest. I have never had a bad experience or confrontation. If I should, I already have a good knowledge of what I would say and/or do.

 

[Dronecation]

The last few times I flew a drone for real estate photos/videos, I got harassed by angry neighbors in the neighborhood, one of whom called the police. This definitely makes it difficult to work and creates considerable stress. What methods do you use to handle this best?

I heard someone say to wear a neon vest that says something like "drone pilot at work, please do not disturb" or something like that and by looking official and standing out, it makes others leave you alone. Has anybody tried this?

Don't wear a dorky vest. Folks can spot fakery a mile off. You won't be fooling anyone.

 

[MS Coast]

Don't wear a dorky vest. Folks can spot fakery a mile off. You won't be fooling anyone.

So, the drone fashion police have arrived? I don't ever wear a vest when flying, but I see no fakery or fooling involved with a professional wearing one while working to avoid interruptions.

 

[MARK (LI)]

The "blending in" and being nice has worked well for me....only been approached one time, not a confrontation at all he was just asking what I was doing.....by the end of the encounter the guy wanted me to take him with me and teach him how to fly...I gave him my contact information, but he has not had the time yet

 

[mavic3usa]

I'm 50/50 and this has been my only experience while wearing drone-related gear (vest and/or shirt):

M

Post in thread 'High Visibility Vests'

Aug 24, 2023

It's 50/50 that I would wear one. I switched to visibility orange when I started flying Autel quite a bit and I added the FAA patches with the appropriate language outlined in the bulletin. I also added a patch that said "Droning is not a crime" or something to that effect. Granted this is less effective when you are FPV with goggles and have a bunch of drone equipment laying around.

It's been pretty hot lately so I only wear T-shirt and it's one from here: T-Shirts | Alien Drones

A city park official actually came up to me laughing and said "Do you think wearing that t-shirt...

• mavic3usa

• 

 

[Droning on and on...]

Rottweilers.

 

[Droning on and on...]

Don't wear a dorky vest. Folks can spot fakery a mile off. You won't be fooling anyone.

So, the drone fashion police have arrived? I don't ever wear a vest when flying, but I see no fakery or fooling involved with a professional wearing one while working to avoid interruptions.

Hey, if you're gonna wear a vest, Dorky is the way to go.

We're not riding ponies after all. Think Robot Wars to get the right culture...

 

[Cafguy]

I make myself super obvious if doing something within a neighborhood. I have flagging tape to keep people away from the landing site, I use a spotter. I have the goofy FAA certified pilot vest LOL, And I have a tiny "information" stand with a copy of the California Drone laws as well as a little flyer with their rights explained. If they wish to call the local police......well go for it.... Their number is displayed on the sign also. To make it easier on everyone I have contacted the local police BEFORE the job started, so they already have an idea of whats going on.

 

[DARKSeifer]

A low altitud flying drone (specially if you hover a lot), will always lure people in that will instantly search for you and start asking questions.

Not necessarily in a bad way, but if you don't want to be distracted, just don't make yourself available.

Locking yourself inside the house you are taking photos from, or simply putting 1+ Km distance between the drone/work area and the takeoff area, are usually the best approaches.