I'm fortunate that I have a disused quarry 10 minute walk from hoe. It's a perfect spot to practice a bit of flying, no ohuses, the occasional dog walker........ or at least it was. There I am miding my own business just abouth to change a battery and heading toward me are Mr & Mrs (about to be irritating).........'What do you think you are doing?' he says 'You can't do that here!' she says. At this point, need to point out that I've checked with the council and there are no by-laws prohibiting me from flying there so, my retort..........

........... 'I'm flying this. I am flying it in compliance with all laws, regulations and safety standards. I am a registered a flyer and operator with the Civil Aviation Authority@ at which point I flash the very natty little card I've had printed with my name, Flyer ID, Operator ID and the CAA Logo on it


Mr Irritating then goes on about the law blah blah blah........... not safe .........blah blah. 'I'm going to call the Police.'


I've had enoughj of these two now......... 'Look, I'm going to carry on with what I'm doing so please MOVE AWAY otherwise you will probably breaking the law, Interfering with a CAA authorised commercial flight'. and I may have to call the police.

.......Mr & Missus now leave muttering.

WHY DO THEY HAVE TO DO IT ???????

Unfortunately, there will always be drone haters and people that appoint themselves as drone police.  

Sorry to hear of your unfortunate encounter with a "know-it-all" who (of course) knows more about the subject than you do. I suspect we've all encountered one at some stage (twice in my experience). It does rather spoil the day when these self-appointed drone police come along and try to impose their misinformed opinions on you.

You handled it well, more time and patience than I would have had in that situation. So far all that have been in my vicinity while out flying have been either interested and observe for a bit or they just ignore me and let me do my thing.

Cant say Ive had this problem yet,  I did once have a woman complain I was flying over the sea where the seals swim but apart from that most people are interested.      I have toyed with the idea of making up a leaflet that contains the rules etc to hand out and if it becomes an issue I might do that,   I will include on that leaflet - "Interfering with a drone flight may also be an offence under Article 240 of the Air Navigation Order in endangering the aircraft (it does not matter that it is unmanned)."

Sorry to hear about your troubles. I hope people will let you fly your drones without interference in the future.

There will always be those folks who think they make the laws...

Went out today. One or two dog walkers. But the only person made any sort of comment was a "good afternoon" from a woman with a dog....... A good time was had by all

takeslousyphoto Posted at 3-3 12:43
Went out today. One or two dog walkers. But the only person made any sort of comment was a "good afternoon" from a woman with a dog....... A good time was had by all

Glad to hear your experience was more of a pleasant one this time.

Something of a bit different thing, but still a bit related: I've noticed that my Pocket 2 does arise some attention among people when I'm using it on public places. Nothing negative though so far, rather them being amazed and curious. I found it kind of funny when I was filming a car parade and meet at our local marketplace last year, and a complete stranger to me just stopped me and said: "Excuse me for distracting you, but what on earth is that thing you're using?"