How flying a drone led to an arrest....

[mavic3usa]

All of this was absolutely my bad. Giving up drone flying.

Well that sucks. You should consider giving it another shot and then trying to flying closer to the norm. May seem a bit difficult at first but it gets easier and you become more comfortable but stay alert. But I get it, no fun to fly as a hobby yet have to deal with law enforcement and federal agents especially when you're just having fun. Sometimes I wonder how many people forgo the hobby completely not because the rules are too strict or too complicated but because making an honest mistake could be potentially costly. For some, the risks aren't worth the rewards. I think you made the right decision to stay put when "asked" by the trooper because it was within the law and the right thing to do; leaving wouldn't have made the problem go away since it appears they have been visiting you. Personally I think a home or work visit is a bit extreme but a show of force is the norm these days. Sorry you had a bad experience.

 

[davedrone 178]

It was my fault. My eyesight isn't great so on a sunny day I might be able to fly a few hundred feet away to keep it within line of sight. Just not worth it.