Thx Paul, I was in Vietnam last June for around 3 weeks, entry through Hanoi. Zero questions about the drone I was carrying in backpack. (Mavic Air), it was opened during inspection no questions, baterries & drone all clearly visible. Similar in Spain for 5 weeks during July-Aug. Have been there twice this year in Madrid, Almeria & Seville filming. In regional areas (countryside) people are fine, provided you say what your doing before hand. All my experiences have received curiosity-interest in the drone hovering around. Some ask to have some of the film sent to them which I am happy to oblige to.
Spain, Czk Republic, Poland, Slovakia don't require licenses but follow similar regulations to Austria. Maximum height 120m, flying within line of sight, keep away from cities and heavy populated areas. Consult with people closer than 50 metres before lifting off.
I often donate feature films to communities or people eg: like the Beekeeper of Lubrin, Spain (
) giving them something special. Rural people are very proud of their achievements but getting little recognition in my opinion. So I find them very receptive to filming.
For me using the drone ... provided you explain what you're doing first and don't just do fly overs without consultation. I have had zero bad experiences travelling to date.
In Europe, I have an official drone license (Austrian) + insurance, their pretty strict here. Cannot even fly on a Sunday or public holiday.
Golden rule for me, check local regulations consult if people are nearby eg: 50 metres. Keep away from crowded areas and especially check for any no fly zones like military or flight paths which Vietnam and Spain have quite a few. I keep well away from these zones. Heaps of places to film without a need to move into these high traffic zones.
When filming just outside of Madrid, eg; Pinteresco Vegazones (
) can view via KangaAir youtube channel. I spoke with the mayor initially. He was totally excited to have his village filmed. This gave me all the permission I needed to do an approved fly over. You will see from the viewing stats, all the people in the village plus more took a peek 1000+ in 3 days. I had also spoken with local police, they also had no issues once I explained what I was doing.
Lai Cao Province was no problem at all. Halong Bay also no problem, the boat captain let me do fly overs while anchored on a two night cruise. (
)
Wishing you safe flying too mate, great to see your energy supporting people.
I will post you anything I come across in my travels across Europe, based from Austria.
Best regards Ken
