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Notice these neighbor's who complain never grab their cell phones and take a video as proof. At least you have your flight log info.
What’s with the neighbors?
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Oooo. look at the [Language Removed by Moderator] on that fully-clothed elderly lady, out in her yard, in this low-quality, digitally-zoomed / pixelated image!
They'll never get that.
Shooting aircraft out of the sky is serious. That judge may have dismissed that one case, but if any of the drone parts (or the bullet itself as has been mentioned) comes down and damage someone's property or injures, then the shooter will be liable.
But you don't have to go into those specifics -- you can just say on that FB page "Shooting aircraft out of the sky (manned or unmanned) is a federal offense and is just not a good idea at all". That usually ends the discussion. Even if it doesn't, you've given that person something to think about and that will probably stay their trigger finger.
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Somebody explain to me the great rewards to be obtained by flying over neighborhoods. What's the compelling thrill?
Seems like it's asking for trouble. Doesn't matter who's right or wrong, whether the police are involved, what the flight logs say, who's licensed,. etc etc, there's always trouble. Or perhaps that's the big attraction, getting some drama Into your boring life.
When I fly I get as far from people and habitations as I can. Don't want trouble, don't need it, never had it.
Seems like it's asking for trouble. Doesn't matter who's right or wrong, whether the police are involved, what the flight logs say, who's licensed,. etc etc, there's always trouble. Or perhaps that's the big attraction, getting some drama Into your boring life.
When I fly I get as far from people and habitations as I can. Don't want trouble, don't need it, never had it.
Per federal code, anyone who damages, destroys, disables, or wrecks an aircraft, or willfully imparts or conveys any threat to do so is committing a federal offense :
U.S. Code, Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I - CRIMES
CHAPTER 2 - AIRCRAFT AND MOTOR VEHICLES
Sec. 32 - Destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities
U.S. Code, Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I - CRIMES
CHAPTER 2 - AIRCRAFT AND MOTOR VEHICLES
Sec. 32 - Destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities
So far, I have only been watching this site as I am a rank beginner when it comes to flying drones, but commercially licensed in rotorcraft - helicopter, with ASEL private privileges. I flew helicopters in 'Nam and am very excited to get into drones.
Since I also live in a rural setting, with questionable neighbors, I have hesitated flying one over my property - or in my area. Although I have had my Phantom 3 Pro from the time it came out, I have yet to fly it - partly because of the reason behind the current post and also because a lot of bad press was coming out then about drones and how people were flying them. (I was also ill, but that's another story. )
So, the excitement is back, but also the apprehension of dealing with angry onlookers. After a career in the psychology field, I developed an interest in why some people would be so hostile toward drones - both out of curiosity and to develop a strategy in the event of confrontation.
First, it's not likely we are even likely to do real damage with our little aircraft, unless we fly them into full scale aircraft. Folks can also get really pissed when full-sized helicopters are landed in their neighborhood. I'll never forget that old papasan in Vietnam who got so angry when we kept blowing his grass-roof shed over as we landed in the adjacent field to work on building a village school house.
But here are some hopeful solutions I think might help help reduce the chance of altercations and/or loss of your drone by shoot down.
First, as others have said, it's a federal offense to shoot down an aircraft - and that includes drones. That word needs to get out to as many people as possible. I have been delighted that, when the FAA rules complexities dust finally settled, both drones and their pilots have been fully accepted into the aviation community. So, first, it helps us to present ourselves in as responsible and even professional way as possible.
This approach should reduce the likelihood of conflict while flying. Watching YouTube videos, I have noticed that confrontations seem to typically involve some older busybody confronting a young drone flyer who is actually minding his own business. In these cases, the pilot was dressed very casually and his activities also appeared casually-driven - as it was his right to be that way. But, I think it is the combination of youth and carefree, casual presentation that invites older, technology-fearing bully-types to intrude on a nice day of flying.
So, there are some things we can do to reduce the chance of possible conflict.
First, it helps to present ourselves as professionally as possible when we are flying - even if it's only to wear an official- looking vest over whatever else we put on. The FAA is now encouraging the use of boldly colored, reflective safety vests to ward off those who would distract us from piloting, and thus would create a potentially dangerous situation. These vests, and signs, are available through Amazon and other vendors.
I am studying to get my commercial drone license (no small feat! ) and have been kitting up my gear to include labeled vests, warning signs, small safety cones, etc., that convey an official "Do not distract the pilot" theme. Beyond the FAA encouraging this, setting the flight staging area conveys a respect and recognition of the serious responsibility of flying - even if we are doing it for pure enjoyment. Also, any sense of officiality wards off the cops, for the most part - especially if you have your certificate.
Finally, some thoughts if anybody actually wants to shoot down your drone. In Vietnam, most of our flying was either "on the deck" or over small arms range (as I recall, about 1200 AGL). Now, that's not actual range, but what experience taught us is a safer altitude due to difficulty of small arms fire actually targeting and hitting the aircraft. I can tell you they didn't always miss, but we established that as a "safe" standard in our unit.
How would that translate in drone flying? If we translate that to scale altitudes, given the relative small size of drones, maintaining that 300 foot minimum altitude, when flying over possibly hostile territory, should significantly reduce the chances of being hit by ground fire. Rifles are not that accurate, in general, against a flying, moving, target. Shotguns may pose a higher threat - especially at a lower altitude.
There are some evasive maneuvers you can employ, in the event your drone becomes a target. You are hoping the first shot misses... it's always the first shot most likely to get you... Or, you spot somebody aiming at your drone. Any sudden maneuver will throw aim off, but it is especially difficult to accurately paint a rapidly-rising target. In such a situation, I would climb to maximum altitude as quickly as possible, spiraling if it doesn't compromise altitude gain, then hit the return home button. If possible, have your partner record the incident on cell phone. Zig-zagging can help after that, but don't do it in a consistent pattern.
By the way, watching some of those kids get undeserved tongue-lashings for simply flying their drones in the proximity of bullies has been something of an inspiration for me because of their forbearance and politeness. I'm not sure I could be so polite in the face of the tongue lashings I saw in the videos!
I hope your neighbor will come to her senses and leave you to your flying. Btw, you might try wearing your old Air Force hat when you do. She might respect your service, but if she doesn't and she is paranoid-enough, she might wonder if your drone could be a threat and leave you alone!
Sorry for the long post! I am learning a lot from you guys and saw an opportunity to maybe give back a little.
Since I also live in a rural setting, with questionable neighbors, I have hesitated flying one over my property - or in my area. Although I have had my Phantom 3 Pro from the time it came out, I have yet to fly it - partly because of the reason behind the current post and also because a lot of bad press was coming out then about drones and how people were flying them. (I was also ill, but that's another story. )
So, the excitement is back, but also the apprehension of dealing with angry onlookers. After a career in the psychology field, I developed an interest in why some people would be so hostile toward drones - both out of curiosity and to develop a strategy in the event of confrontation.
First, it's not likely we are even likely to do real damage with our little aircraft, unless we fly them into full scale aircraft. Folks can also get really pissed when full-sized helicopters are landed in their neighborhood. I'll never forget that old papasan in Vietnam who got so angry when we kept blowing his grass-roof shed over as we landed in the adjacent field to work on building a village school house.
But here are some hopeful solutions I think might help help reduce the chance of altercations and/or loss of your drone by shoot down.
First, as others have said, it's a federal offense to shoot down an aircraft - and that includes drones. That word needs to get out to as many people as possible. I have been delighted that, when the FAA rules complexities dust finally settled, both drones and their pilots have been fully accepted into the aviation community. So, first, it helps us to present ourselves in as responsible and even professional way as possible.
This approach should reduce the likelihood of conflict while flying. Watching YouTube videos, I have noticed that confrontations seem to typically involve some older busybody confronting a young drone flyer who is actually minding his own business. In these cases, the pilot was dressed very casually and his activities also appeared casually-driven - as it was his right to be that way. But, I think it is the combination of youth and carefree, casual presentation that invites older, technology-fearing bully-types to intrude on a nice day of flying.
So, there are some things we can do to reduce the chance of possible conflict.
First, it helps to present ourselves as professionally as possible when we are flying - even if it's only to wear an official- looking vest over whatever else we put on. The FAA is now encouraging the use of boldly colored, reflective safety vests to ward off those who would distract us from piloting, and thus would create a potentially dangerous situation. These vests, and signs, are available through Amazon and other vendors.
I am studying to get my commercial drone license (no small feat! ) and have been kitting up my gear to include labeled vests, warning signs, small safety cones, etc., that convey an official "Do not distract the pilot" theme. Beyond the FAA encouraging this, setting the flight staging area conveys a respect and recognition of the serious responsibility of flying - even if we are doing it for pure enjoyment. Also, any sense of officiality wards off the cops, for the most part - especially if you have your certificate.
Finally, some thoughts if anybody actually wants to shoot down your drone. In Vietnam, most of our flying was either "on the deck" or over small arms range (as I recall, about 1200 AGL). Now, that's not actual range, but what experience taught us is a safer altitude due to difficulty of small arms fire actually targeting and hitting the aircraft. I can tell you they didn't always miss, but we established that as a "safe" standard in our unit.
How would that translate in drone flying? If we translate that to scale altitudes, given the relative small size of drones, maintaining that 300 foot minimum altitude, when flying over possibly hostile territory, should significantly reduce the chances of being hit by ground fire. Rifles are not that accurate, in general, against a flying, moving, target. Shotguns may pose a higher threat - especially at a lower altitude.
There are some evasive maneuvers you can employ, in the event your drone becomes a target. You are hoping the first shot misses... it's always the first shot most likely to get you... Or, you spot somebody aiming at your drone. Any sudden maneuver will throw aim off, but it is especially difficult to accurately paint a rapidly-rising target. In such a situation, I would climb to maximum altitude as quickly as possible, spiraling if it doesn't compromise altitude gain, then hit the return home button. If possible, have your partner record the incident on cell phone. Zig-zagging can help after that, but don't do it in a consistent pattern.
By the way, watching some of those kids get undeserved tongue-lashings for simply flying their drones in the proximity of bullies has been something of an inspiration for me because of their forbearance and politeness. I'm not sure I could be so polite in the face of the tongue lashings I saw in the videos!
I hope your neighbor will come to her senses and leave you to your flying. Btw, you might try wearing your old Air Force hat when you do. She might respect your service, but if she doesn't and she is paranoid-enough, she might wonder if your drone could be a threat and leave you alone!
Sorry for the long post! I am learning a lot from you guys and saw an opportunity to maybe give back a little.
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You are correct. Probable cause for arrest can be many different things. I used to just go ask the person if they were shooting. You'd be shocked at the number of people who will admit to doing something stupid.
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When I was a young lad, living in So Cal, I flew R/C sailplanes (gliders). I preferred "slope soaring" so I would go out to the country to a nice hill that got some thermal and coastal air flow that had awesome lift. This hill was at the border of L.A. County (no shooting) and Ventura County (shooting legal). Some folks pulled into the spot just the other side of L.A. County and began to target shoot. Within minutes, I heard a whiz passed my head followed by the crack of a rifle milliseconds later. Scared the you-know-what out of me. I figured it was a fluke and stepped back a few yards. A minute later, same thing! I clambered down behind the ridge and quickly landed my plane. They weren't shooting at ME per se, they were shooting at the glider, but it just goes to show you how callous and STUPID some people are. A bullet from a rifle or handgun will travel a great distance (1 to 2 miles!). When it comes down, it occasionally kills or injures innocent people. Especially true with higher caliber (heavier) projectiles. Bottom line........ BE CAREFUL and watch out for ole Number One. The obituary you avoid listing in may be your own!
No anti or pro gun stuff from this please. I'm a life member of the NRA, so I am NOT attacking firearms.
No anti or pro gun stuff from this please. I'm a life member of the NRA, so I am NOT attacking firearms.
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Actually, the Supreme Court has addressed that issue: "In 1946, the landmark case, United States v. Causby, 328 U.S. 256 (1946), the Supreme Court issued foundational guidance as to what extent private property owners actually own and may control airspace over their property."
"The Court stated that landowners have 'exclusive control of the immediate reaches of the enveloping atmosphere,' and that 'the landowner owns at least as much of the space above the ground as they can occupy or use in connection with the land.'”
Just think. You get to fly. All she has left is pitching about other people. Who has the better path?
Did anyone specify that she'd be using a rifle? Maybe a shotgun. It's true that a rifle bullet will go 1 to 3 miles depending on caliber, but a shotgun is more-or-less made to be shot into the air. Pellets don't go far, and come down fairly harmless. Lots of discussion on rifles when I didn't see that anywhere until the replies started coming. I mean, a shotgun would be a much better weapon for drone shooting, right?
I think a lot depends on your home “base” locale.
Those within neighborhoods shouldn’t feel they have to load up, drive miles, and setup pre-plan for one or two simple flights.
Others live in more open/isolated areas and are able to fly more autonomously from home.
Cops got called on me while flying nowhere near the property, on a public street following Part 107 rules and regulations. Some people are just paranoid.
I hate to jump to conclusions, but that video makes me think it's another instance of white people calling cops for people who are not white engaging in harmless, legal activities. And you should have been the one calling the cops. That man is menacing you. That's illegal. There may also be laws on the books in your state for interfering with commerce, which may or may not be useful to you if you wish to pursue justice.
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