Drone etiquette: 10 do's and don'ts

Drone etiquette: 10 do's and don'ts

Our drone etiquette guide will help you secure your shot without endangering yourself or others

Drone operators probably have a bad reputation for good reason. Before the pandemic, aircraft near misses more than tripled in two years, while irresponsible operators risked lives, closed airports and threatened wildlife - all in search of a video clip.

We definitely understand the appeal. We've admired the awe-inspiring shots of dazzling landscapes, but we've also seen the less savory side of this lofty pursuit. We have seen operators get too close to people and animals and act recklessly in quiet places.

Our drone etiquette guide will help you secure your shot without endangering yourself or others.

1. Know your drone

When you first receive your drone, it can be tempting to unbox it and head straight out to test its limits. This is an error and will most likely result in a crashed, lost or damaged drone.

Dmitry Kalinovsky/ShutterstockDon't be tempted to drive off straight away

Instead, practice using the controls in an indoor environment until you know your drone inside and out. Only then will you be equipped to deal with variables like wind speed, weather, birds, and anything else nature throws at you.

2. Keep an eye on your drone

Legally, you cannot let your drone out of your sight. In the UK, this means it cannot exceed a height of 120 m (400 ft) or move further than 500 m (1,640 ft) from you horizontally.

This is one of the most important basics of drone etiquette because it minimizes the chances of your drone hitting other flying objects – natural or otherwise.

3. Don't fly near airports

It goes without saying that when flying a drone you should stay away from airplanes, airports and airfields. Stay at least 5 km from the edge of the flight restriction zones.

Naypong Studio/ShutterstockNever fly your drone near airports or airplanes

Always be proactive in determining local laws and restrictions. You are responsible for your drone. If this endangers an aircraft, you could be prosecuted and sentenced to up to five years in prison.

4. Do not fly near people or property

• Halten Sie 50 m (150 Fuß) Abstand zu Personen und Gegenständen
• Bleiben Sie 150 m (500 Fuß) von Menschenmassen und bebauten Gebieten entfernt

Do not fly over large crowds. In 2015 there was a drone crash at the US Open. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the drone operator, a teacher, was arrested and charged. The incident also left tennis players shaken, one of whom thought the drone was a bomb. Consider how your actions might affect others.

5. Be aware of your surroundings

Observe your surroundings before beginning your flight plan. If people are close enough to hear your drone, read their body language. Do they seem threatened, annoyed or uncomfortable? If so, consider introducing yourself and explaining your flight plan.

Dmitry Kalinovsky/ShutterstockBe careful about disturbing the peace

Often, it's not the drone itself, but the prospect of a stranger flying it near them and their family that makes people uncomfortable.

If you're somewhere particularly scenic, try to keep your flight short. You don't want to spoil the view for others who have come to enjoy it.

6. Don't get distracted

Some observers will be more curious than concerned. In this case, they may approach you to ask questions about your drone. How much did it cost? Have you ever crashed it? How high can you fly with it?

If you are in mid-flight, do not become distracted as this could result in a crash. Keep an eye on your drone, smile and say, "I'd love to chat, but I'm working on a project and would hate to crash! If you're there later, please come and say hello."

Keep your tone polite. Drone operators already have a dubious reputation and they don't want to add anything to that.

7. Watch out for animals

One of the most important factors of drone etiquette is to watch out for animals, both in the air and on the ground. Never get close enough to alarm wildlife. Be aware that stress does not always manifest itself externally.

NaturesMomentsuk/ShutterstockDrones can cause extreme stress on animals

In a 2015 study, most black bears did not run away or react in any obvious way to drones flying overhead, but their heart rates increased dramatically (from 41 beats per minute to 162 beats per minute). Think about how your drone could affect animals, not just large ones on the ground but also small ones that you can't see (e.g. bees and other flying insects).

8. Stay away from disaster areas

Keep your drone away from disaster areas, be it dramatic wildfires or spreading tsunamis. Drones can distract rescue workers, endanger rescue aircraft and cause more damage if they crash or get lost.

9. Download the app

Download a drone safety app for the country you are in if one is available. In the UK, Drone Assist provides an interactive map of the airspace used by commercial air traffic so you can see which areas you should avoid.

The app also shows ground hazards that may pose risks and allows users to share their drone flight location with others, helping to reduce the risk of a drone incident in UK airspace.

10. Understand local laws

Drone laws are evolving, so again, be proactive in finding and understanding the current laws in a particular country.

For example, in the UK, if you fly a drone over 250g, you will need to pass a drone test and register with the CAA. There are likely similar laws in other countries, so consult the authorities.

Shuang Li/ShutterstockMake sure you are aware of local laws

Don't be complacent. In 2019, a British-Australian blogger was arrested in Iran for allegedly flying a drone without a license. Failure to fly responsibly could result in criminal prosecution in far more lenient countries. Therefore, always check local laws and obtain permission if necessary.

old=““>

Main image: Dmitry Kalinovsky/Shutterstock

      .