Avoid & Handle Confrontations
Note: The below comes from my personal opinion and experiences.
If you have been flying drones for a while either for recreational or commercial purposes, you know there are so many scenarios and conditions to consider concerning this topic. In this article we will go over a few of the more common ones.
First, there are no guarantees you will not be surprised by either concerned or upset people when you fly a drone over any property but there are ways to minimize this from happening or de-escalating the situation if it does.
I will state this a couple of times, I personally have not had a negative experience with people while flying a drone. I find most people are more interested in the drone itself. If asked what I am doing, I am always as polite, friendly, and informative as possible. The last thing anyone wants is a confrontation.
The Basics
Legally Fly in the Airspace and have the Proof with You
The proof is in the pudding as they say. If your approached by anyone make sure your legally covered by having all the paperwork to prove it (including insurance if applicable).
Unless your approached by a police officer or someone from the FAA your typically not legally bound to supply proof BUT even then, having the proof to show can de-escalate a situation.
Whenever a new drone job comes up or I want to fly somewhere, the first thing I do is go to: Visualize it: See FAA UAS Data on a Map. This will not only tell me if I’m being asked or want to fly in controlled airspace but may also help me determine how much to charge for the drone job, depending on what I need to do to gain permission.
Get any needed FAA approval if applicable (this article is not going into the weeds on how to get approval but when this article was written Air Control by Aloft was my preferred website and phone app).
Depending on the location, search the Internet for any other restrictions that may affect if you can fly there or need a waiver (or you simply cannot fly there).
If all is well, print out any LAANC approvals, waivers or whatever else supports legally flying at the location and bring it with you. It all comes down to proof.
Always make sure you have your TRUST card (and UAS card if you passed the Part 107 exam). Also be sure to always have your drone FAA registration paperwork with your drone(s) (including labeling the drone and controller).
Are you flying recreationally or commercially? Make sure you know the difference and you can prove you legally can.
In most cases check for TFRs (Temporary Flight Restrictions) before flying.
Location, Location, Location
Assuming you can legally fly at the location, there are a few things you should do first. These are not hard-fast rules but something to consider.
If I am flying for work or recreation, Google Maps is another great friend to have! There are so many reasons, here are a few:
Smaller airports, helipads may not have a controlled airspace but still need to be known about. I recently had a job near the end of a small airport’s runway. To be safe I decided to contact them, find out if there was anything to be concerned about.
What else may be around where you are flying? It may be near or in a dense residential neighborhood, in a high-crime neighborhood, near a hospital with an active helipad or a government building/complex (there are many other possibilities). Depending on why you are flying your drone there, you may want to strategize how and when you do. It is always good to be as prepared as possible. This may even mean going to the location ahead of time to strategize and determine what day of the week and time is best.
Strategize Your Approach
Again, there are so many scenarios and conditions to consider. It is a beautiful Saturday afternoon, and I am planning to fly a drone in the middle of a residential neighborhood with people everywhere who are mowing their lawns washing their cars, etc. I think I will put the drone down on the sidewalk and fly it around, over and around houses, playgrounds etc.… What could go wrong?
The ‘approach’ to getting the drone up in the air depends on why you are doing it.
Recreational Flying
If I am there to take photos and/or video of the pretty neighborhood, sunrise, sunset, fireworks or other I would drive or walk the drone to an inconspicuous location where it’s not easily noticed then fly the drone. Even while it’s in flight, I would stay away as much as possible from other people.
If Someone Approaches Me or I Notice a lot of Interest
This statement is universal for almost any situation I can think of. The last thing you want is an altercation. It is almost like road rage situation; you may not know who you are dealing with or what they may do. That being said, (knock on wood) I have not had an encounter with anyone that was not friendly, or I could not explain to their satisfaction what I was doing; that includes two encounters with homeless camps who thought I was spying on them:
Explain to the person(s) why you are there (and have a good reason).
Be polite, friendly, and professional as possible.
If absolutely needed bring the drone in for a landing and at least show them your TRUST certificate (if not more).
Assure them you are there for a purpose and you know what you are doing.
Most of the time I’ve personally found that people are more interested in the drone than what you are doing with it, but I know pilots have had encounters.
99% of the time ‘you are good to go’. If the 1% happens:
Be polite and friendly as possible.
Gage the situation, sometimes leaving the area is best.
If you are there for a job and you need to finish you may need to convince the person(s) of why you are there, you are there legally allowed to, and you will not bother anyone.
Safety always comes first. If the situation is not resolved, bring the drone in for a landing and have the person(s) call the police or you do it yourself.
Again, safety comes first. If the situation escalates or you feel unsafe in any way, stop flying your drone until there is a resolution or leave and come back another day if needed.
Commercial Flying
If I’m legally allowed to fly in the location, depending on who is around and why I am there…
If for a specific property
I will take off and land from the property itself. This should make it obvious to most why you are there.
While taking photos or video, not hover private property unless you need to.
Never hover and avoid flying near windows or other sensitive locations.
When possible, stand near the drone yourself in a safe manner while taking photos and video. This informs any watchers that you are not hiding anything and there is no reason for concern.
If needed hover over houses (at a reasonable height) rather than yards or sidewalks. People are less likely to see or hear it.
Depending on the situation, wear a reflective ‘drone’ vest.
Be aware of your surroundings and be as transparent as possible.
Again, I have personally found that people are more interested in the drone than what I am doing with it.
If NOT for an obvious specific property
Either be as inconspicuous as possible or visible as possible (again, maybe wearing a reflective ‘drone’ vest). It really depends on the environment and situation.
Tip: If I am flying a drone in a populated area and worried for any reason about altercations or causing worry, I do this:
Take off in an inconspicuous location.
When taking off, fly straight up right and away as high as legally allowed (to lessen the chance of the drone being seen or heard).
Lower and position the drone where needed to get photos or video.
When finished, fly straight up right away as high as legally allowed.
Land in an inconspicuous location.
In Summary:
99% of the time, no altercations or negative encounters will happen. Make sure you can prove your legally flying there, have all the paperwork needed and do your best to polite and respectful of others.
