Although I am Part 107 certified I don't fly professionally. But if I were flying for commercial purposes, in addition to a safety vest, I would get one of those badge holders in which I have a collection from various trade shows, put my card in the holder and wear it around my neck.
How do you deal with angry people who hate drones while you're flying?
- Thread starter MNewman
- Start date
I'd suggest that you follow GField's advise if you are working professionally. (e.g.: vest). I always ask people to allow me to land before speaking with them.
However, if you are flying for fun (recreationally) I have always preferred the stealth method. I hide under shaded trees or near bushes or in alley ways. My head is on a swivel for Karen's. I avoid humans as much as possible. I know that if I a flying legally according to my apps that I can invite people to call the police.
I just submitted a 2 min video 5 minutes ago on this forum, of me doing circles for practice around a church steeple. I stood behind a building in an apartment parking lot.
I remain polite and address and acknowledge their concerns. If they are the chatty type I remind that the drone is in the air and it needs my attention. I also say I'm not staying long. I never engage in a conversation about law or FAA or who is right. Usually the questions "do you have permission to fly here?" comes up. I reply, "yes, I have permission from [the people who hired me] and the FAA. I do not over talk. That approach takes care of about 90% of the people.
Droning on and on...
Well-Known Member
Here's a snap of us getting ready for some recreational flying down at the Santa Cruz Warf last weekend. We've never been approached by anyone with concerns or objections.
In fact, for some reason people stay quite a ways away. It's a little depressing, I'd like to share the hobby.
Droning on and on...
Well-Known Member
Honestly, I'm quite surprised about this, and how it informs regarding Spanish national culture and society, which admittedly I know little about.
In stark contrast, I've been flying recreationally for over 10 years here in the US, quite often with people around and in shared public recreational spaces, and I've had one unpleasant encounter in all that time. Dozens of very nice encounters, OTOH.
Glad I'm not a drone pilot in Spain.
Why not refer the angry neighbors to the homeowner or realtor who hired you to do the job? Or maybe show them a copy of a letter or contract authorizing the work?
Just to add a practice I do when shooting a Commerical Real Estate project. I go in to the business and introduce myself and explain why I am on their property - to photograph the property which includes areial images using a drone, so if anyone comes in and tells you that there's a guy out there with a drone you can tell them why.
I have found that this approach negates a lot of confrontation with commercial real estate. If the store manager asks why, or who sent me, I explain that I have been sub contracted by a company your corporate office hired. They don't tell me the "why" just the "what". Usually, they want images for advertising, marketing, insurance, or they may be selling. They don't share that information with me. This usually satisfies them and I continue to do my job.
Of the 15 plus years that I've been doing this and using this approach I have had only one issue to occur and that was with a District Manager of a Oil Changing Company (chain). One phone call to his boss set him straight.
I know that are those that feel that don't need to let anyone know what they are doing and taking the time to use my method does take extra time, for me, I have found it to be the best method.
When I first started in the business, I would just show up and start my work, and without fail, I would have to stop to explain myself, not a negative confrontation, just a "need to know' what you're doing visit. This actually took longer than my going in and explaining from the beginning.
Whatever works for you, do. Just be professional, civil, and most of all, legal.
I have found that this approach negates a lot of confrontation with commercial real estate. If the store manager asks why, or who sent me, I explain that I have been sub contracted by a company your corporate office hired. They don't tell me the "why" just the "what". Usually, they want images for advertising, marketing, insurance, or they may be selling. They don't share that information with me. This usually satisfies them and I continue to do my job.
Of the 15 plus years that I've been doing this and using this approach I have had only one issue to occur and that was with a District Manager of a Oil Changing Company (chain). One phone call to his boss set him straight.
I know that are those that feel that don't need to let anyone know what they are doing and taking the time to use my method does take extra time, for me, I have found it to be the best method.
When I first started in the business, I would just show up and start my work, and without fail, I would have to stop to explain myself, not a negative confrontation, just a "need to know' what you're doing visit. This actually took longer than my going in and explaining from the beginning.
Whatever works for you, do. Just be professional, civil, and most of all, legal.
ryguy80
Well-Known Member
If that's me, the neighbors could do all they want as I go about my legal business. I don't do the vest thing as it brings unwanted attention. I'll simply explain to the LEOs what I'm doing and show them my credentials. Nobody's life is that interesting for me to spy on them. Do I want to peek into the window and watch you read the newspaper? Yawn. I would rather fold socks.
orionshooter
Well-Known Member
It's entirely situational. Each event is different.
I've done an insurance shoot where there was an LEO nearby before I started, working traffic near some construction. I walked over to him, and when he had a break in action, spoke with him about what I'd be doing. No problem.
I've been in big cities and had folks walk up and chat. Almost exclusively, they're curious and don't care.
No dork vest for me.
I've done an insurance shoot where there was an LEO nearby before I started, working traffic near some construction. I walked over to him, and when he had a break in action, spoke with him about what I'd be doing. No problem.
I've been in big cities and had folks walk up and chat. Almost exclusively, they're curious and don't care.
No dork vest for me.
NMB_FreeBird
Member
Get a FAA Drone Pilot Vest for about $20.00
Look them straight in the eye and tell them "What's really cool is I can set the drone to look straight at us and record a video of me kicking the living s*** out of you".
I'm quite unapproachable in the wild.
The other way to handle it, that I would think would be fun is to push the RTH button and look them straight in the eye while the drone lands itself behind me. Then tell them something that makes them say "HUH?!"
I'm quite unapproachable in the wild.
The other way to handle it, that I would think would be fun is to push the RTH button and look them straight in the eye while the drone lands itself behind me. Then tell them something that makes them say "HUH?!"
Max Headroom
Well-Known Member
You are quite unapproachable in the forum
Rchawks
Well-Known Member
I've never been approached, with the exception of a dog who wanted to bite. My wife recieved this as a gift from a friend, but I'm a stickler about hearing and wouldn't let her open it. I reconsidered after the dog incident but it's still unopened. Look at the decimal rating.
Last edited:
Those who have tried to approach me, in the forum, might say otherwise. But, I totally get it.You are quite unapproachable in the forum
Chip
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Sep 11, 2017
- Messages
- 1,949
- Reactions
- 2,480
Reminds me of Billy Jack. His line was similar but no drone. I am going to put my foot on the side of your head right here (touches the guys head) and the neat thing is there is not a **** thing you can do about it.
And there really was nothing anyone could do about it.
Rchawks
Well-Known Member
Thank you, I never thought of that! Much better option than destroying your own hearing.
Rchawks
Well-Known Member
I can't believe how many times I've watched that movie, LOL, and how bad some of the acting was, but not Johnny Fever, he's a good actor.
Similar threads
- Locked
