I was flying my bird at my ex's son's house, out in the woods. Well, houses are a good 200-300ft apart down here in Arkansas, it seems. And trees everywhere. I was landing, and didn't notice that his wife's parents had arrived. As I packed it up and headed over, I introduced myself to them. Some folks you can just know right away that they're grouchy old farts. He was flapping his gums about seeing a drone in the hood (they live 3 houses down), and I sensed it immediately that he wasn't to happy about it. Over a cookout supper of burgers, I tried to strike up a conversation with him. I told him how I'm a photography buff, and how this thing opens a whole new avenue of angles to shoot from. First thing out of his mouth......................... "wait til one of them brings down an airplane." Oh. My. God. I started telling him about the FAA recommendations I follow, all of the preflight checks, safe operating practices, etc., etc. I was really nice about it, too. But I could tell he was just another uninformed person with a negative view of them. So I dropped it. I couldn't resist saying to him, as we were leaving, "It was nice to meet you, Robert. If you see or hear a drone flying in the neighborhood, you'll know who it is!" The look on his face was priceless.
Oh, wait.........................................
There seems to be quite a mix of opinions on Drones/quad-copters/UAVs/spy chopper(as one person has told me). I have found in my short week owning one that people either think it's the most amazing thing they have ever seen, or a satanic piece of equipment designed to destroy the world as we know it. But generally the impression I get is a positive one especially when you show them the amazing video and photos it can take. Being a pilot I have taken some great photos from 1,500' and above, but the phantom can get angles and shots that someone in an airplane or even a helicopter for that matter just can't get. These things are nothing short of amazing, and when used responsibly and respectfully the nay-sayers will all but vanish.