Pile on and Tell Me Why I am Wrong

[Dronecation]

I am not going to snitch him out to the authorities, which is why I am not naming him here. Tell me why I am wrongly salty for him doing things I'd like to do, and he just does them. Not my business, right? (I ran across the Christmas stuff when my wife asked me why I wasn't doing things like that. That and a couple of friends mentioned seeing his drone at the parade).

To quote Colin SA:

Dealing with ‘Drone Police’​

This article was clearly a lot of work, research, and dedication to get it as detailed as it is. So why did I really write it? The truth is I own a Micro Drone and in November 2020 I was being heavily harassed online for photos I was posting. People have a lot of opinions about drones, and even more about the laws surrounding them.

Every photo I posted was taken legally, but others felt differently. I tried to educate the public and clear up any miscommunications but no one was listening. I was being quoted laws for different countries, individuals saying the basic drone tool applied to all drones, saying physical signs existed stating “no drone zone” in areas it didn’t, pilots being salty I was even somewhat close to an aerodrome after admitting they didn’t understand the drone laws. I was threatened, identity posted online, and even reported to Transport Canada.

Here are the two photos that caused me trouble:
View fullsize
View fullsize
And what did NAVCanada have to say about these photos?

“Regarding your picture.....Nice.”

— NAVCanada Agent
Transport Canada thought the same. In fact, almost everything in this post including more of my photos I personally sent to Transport Canada to get clarification on. In the end, they said even I was being more restrictive than is outlined by the regulations.

The main takeaway when dealing with the public is that people really like being drone police without any prior knowledge for the job.

This makes it even more important to understand the regulations around your Micro Drone. People often won’t hold back, and they will report you. Whether you’re right or wrong. The best defense is knowledge and keeping within the rules as I’ve outlined. I encourage you to bookmark this article, keep it handy, and use it as a resource.
from article here:

Where You Can Legally Fly a Micro Drone in Canada (DJI Mini, Autel Nano)

Everything you need to know before flying a Micro RPAS Drone in Canada like the DJI Mini. While Transport Canada makes basic and advanced operations clear, micro drone laws can sometimes be vague.

www.colinsa.ca

and yes, this is here in Canada, so there are some differences ...

 

[High_Order1]

Besides, you don't have all the facts and are just promoting hysteria...

Fine then.
You go look and decide:

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Maybe he got permission from the state parks to fly.

Maybe he got permission from the event organizers to fly at a balloon launch.

Maybe he got permission from all the sports things where at least 100 were present.

You can even cut him slack and say he was transiting over the interstate.

And, maybe he does have the required lighting for flying at night.

I didn't say anything until the Christmas parade. Then, instead of him wanting to discuss it, and explain how I could do all those things too, he just blocked me, so all I have to go on are his public submissions. By your metrics, hell, all of those could be AI or stolen from someone else.

Only thing I know factually is he is licensed, and he does not appear to have had any waivers issued under his name or business name.

That's all I got. (shrugs)

 

[Jim Martin]

Fine then.
You go look and decide
...
That's all I got. (shrugs)

Don't let Dronecation get to you
Dronecation appears to think the problem is people "ratting" and "tattling" on others, while concerns about public safety promote hysteria. I doubt there is anything you can say or show him that will change his mind.

 

[Kilrah]

and yes, this is here in Canada, so there are some differences ...

Pretty fun. You're complaining about people going after your stuff without considering your local laws, while posting on someone's post without considering their local laws?

 

[Cafguy]

We could also show the drone community that we don't RAT out [non elementary school term for ya] fellow drone members. Wearing big boy pants doesn't mean ratting out others. Educate instead of being punitive!
Besides, you don't have all the facts and are just promoting hysteria...

I simply promote responsibility. As a Drone pilot I am not only responsible for my flight but I am also responsible for anything during that flight. I guess I'm a rat but ask any pilot of any aircraft and they will tell you "Rats" are Crucial if we wish to maintain a safe and workable National Airspace system. I am not asking the FAA to fine or imprison the violator. As you do, I simply want them to be educated. The best time to tell the conductor that they are going too fast is BEFORE the curve.
I am in no way the Drone police and I don't go around hoping to see a violation just so I can be preachy..But as I look at my collection of Drones some soon to be banned thanks to a government with "twisted" news reports turning every Drone operator into someone to be feared, I wonder How we got too this, and wonder what I could do to make my industry safer and less suspicious to the public around me.
I can just imagine the "hysteria" right now if no-one reported violations.
As the holder of a part 107 cert. I am actually obligated by law to report my own violations or actions made by myself that may be questionable, to the FSDO, by the way.

 

[jaja6009]

Why are people asking about transitioning when operating over people.

If you are Part 107 and do not have a waiver or Category drone you cannot loiter over people or transition over them per the rules.

Are people stating transitioning in the sense that even though it is against the rules, it is being safer while breaking the rules.

 

[Moozer]

Call me a rat or anything else you like - promoting drone safety is part of being a conscientious pilot. To that end, I sent a little note to the Nashville FSDO just now.

 

[Cafguy]

Why are people asking about transitioning when operating over people.

If you are Part 107 and do not have a waiver or Category drone you cannot loiter over people or transition over them per the rules.

Are people stating transitioning in the sense that even though it is against the rules, it is being safer while breaking the rules.

I have seen a parade filmed by Drone, and they were NEVER over anyone. Its unnecessary, and any production company that saw their insurance estimate to do that, would immediately start running tether lines. you can count on that

 

[mavic3usa]

I don't think drones are always the problem.

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[Cafguy]

Talk about a collision test! I'm getting a Camry!

Minor injuries thats a miracle!

 

[Dronecation]

Pretty fun. You're complaining about people going after your stuff without considering your local laws, while posting on someone's post without considering their local laws?

What? I think you need to brush up on your English skills...
You might need to re-read what was written.

 

[Dronecation]

Talk about a collision test! I'm getting a Camry!

Minor injuries thats a miracle!

Poor 'landing flare'...if done properly, he might have escaped unscathed.

 

[Dronecation]

Call me a rat or anything else you like - promoting drone safety is part of being a conscientious pilot. To that end, I sent a little note to the Nashville FSDO just now.

How about ratfink...
some mothers do have them.

 

[Dronecation]

Don't let Dronecation get to you
Dronecation appears to think the problem is people "ratting" and "tattling" on others, while concerns about public safety promote hysteria. I doubt there is anything you can say or show him that will change his mind.

Has nothing to do with 'getting' to anyone. Funny how some replies produced ad hominem fallacies.

 

[High_Order1]

Don't let Dronecation get to you

Thank you

Honestly, he wasn't.

To be fair, he was not the only person that suggested I may not be seeing what I thought I was seeing. He just kind of threw the gauntlet mouse down lol

And, I have not been in the community very long, so I came here to seek counsel. I just hoped, honestly, that he was here, he would spout off, then one way or another he would do better. But I didn't want to do it by outing him; the internet can be... harsh at times.

It dawned on me it would be impossible for you all to judge without seeing for yourself, because I wasn't sure what I myself was seeing. (shrugs)

I have a friend who is inquiring if he had permission to operate his drone while the balloons were flying. (I'm not certain it's possible Federally). Past that I think I am done, he knows, the FSDO knows, and you all know.

I think it would be amazing to have the opportunity to get some of the images he is trying to achieve. I just... I respect the community and don't want us all with more regulation as a result.

 

[High_Order1]

I have seen a parade filmed by Drone, and they were NEVER over anyone. Its unnecessary, and any production company that saw their insurance estimate to do that, would immediately start running tether lines. you can count on that

It was pretty cold, too.

I have no idea how he is with regards to battery management, but man, I would hate to hear DJI lady go '...landing' when it is 200 feet from me over a bunch of easily-spooked horses or a children's band!

(When I was researching getting into sUAV's, I read about a wedding photographer that was on the controls when his somehow flew into a ladies' face and hacked her up pretty good. That image has stuck with me)

 

[Droning on and on...]

There is a middle ground...

While holding back on reporting to authorities, you could publicly comment on the post with citations for section/chapter in the regulations for what is being clearly violated.

He may be totally dismissive (that's what I'd expect), but others would be educated, and FAA bots might find the discussion on their own. Also, he may have better angels that do kick in. You never know.

That's the "civil" way to do this, free of Soviet report-on-your-friends style behavior...

 

[hank970]

Thank you

Honestly, he wasn't.

To be fair, he was not the only person that suggested I may not be seeing what I thought I was seeing. He just kind of threw the gauntlet mouse down lol

And, I have not been in the community very long, so I came here to seek counsel. I just hoped, honestly, that he was here, he would spout off, then one way or another he would do better. But I didn't want to do it by outing him; the internet can be... harsh at times.

It dawned on me it would be impossible for you all to judge without seeing for yourself, because I wasn't sure what I myself was seeing. (shrugs)

I have a friend who is inquiring if he had permission to operate his drone while the balloons were flying. (I'm not certain it's possible Federally). Past that I think I am done, he knows, the FSDO knows, and you all know.

I think it would be amazing to have the opportunity to get some of the images he is trying to achieve. I just... I respect the community and don't want us all with more regulation as a result.

My son, who lives in northeast Albuquerque, tells me that the FAA designates the Balloon Fiesta grounds as an airport for the duration of that city's Balloon Fiesta (hundreds of balloons extant for nine days in early October) with the customary restrictions in place for a radius of 5 nautical miles. I don't know whether it would be possible to obtain LAANC approval to intrude on that space but would guess not since balloons are subject to the vagaries of local winds and can stray far and wide. There are also pre-sunrise and dusk mass ascensions.

I'd imagine that balloon events involving fewer balloons at other venues around the country observe different rules.

 

[mavic3usa]

These days it's called "If you see something, say something" renaming it as if that makes a difference; so it's quite common and acceptable for Americans to snitch on this friends and neighbors and often even their relatives. Russians and Chinese citizens take this as welcome news.

I don't like the see the rules broken but I have no plans to report anything other than the most agregious violations.

 

[High_Order1]

My son, who lives in northeast Albuquerque, tells me that the FAA designates the Balloon Fiesta grounds as an airport for the duration of that city's Balloon Fiesta (hundreds of balloons extant for nine days in early October) with the customary restrictions in place for a radius of 5 nautical miles. I don't know whether it would be possible to obtain LAANC approval to intrude on that space but would guess not since balloons are subject to the vagaries of local winds and can stray far and wide. There are also pre-sunrise and dusk mass ascensions.

I'd imagine that balloon events involving fewer balloons at other venues around the country observe different rules.

In my head, I was thinking; balloon>manned aircraft>what should we do in the presence of manned aircraft kind of thing. At the very least some strong deconfliction and agreements prior to...