Damoncooper makes a very valid point but as much as we try we will never be able to educate those that think they know better
There was a recent incident at a Pirates baseball game where someone was flying a Phantom over the crowd and playing area. Security found the chap outside of the arena but could do no more than ask him to desist as there are no rules, as yet, in the CONUS, that say he couldn't do this. Just because there is nothing in writing doesn't make such a stunt acceptable and to be honest the pilot must hold the same I.Q as that of a lemon if he did not appreciate the risk he was subjecting the crowds and the players to.
The Phantom is undoubtably the most popular RTF multirotor on the market and as such has been adopted by many with differing interests, whether it be RC flight, Photography/Videography etc. But I don't think it can be denied that it is the ever increasing reports of Phantoms being misused:
The NYC/Manhattan incident.
The cretin who lost his first Phantom on top of a football stadium so bought another and nearly lost that looking for the original one.
The incident at Vancouver Airport.
To name a few and then YouTube is resplendent with examples of dumb stunts with Phantoms where the operator is attempting to break the high altitude free fall record, and so on and so on, that has prompted the FAA to act in the way they have. Even my wife was subject to the irresponsible use of a Phantom when she was running in the San Francisco Bay to Breakers run last month when someone thought it was a good idea to fly over the crowd and buzz the runners.
DJI have not been particularly helpful in promoting the safe use of their products. Many of their promo videos are more like adverts for the latest smartphone touting it as some kind of must have social media accessory. So it comes as no surprise that those who know no better will attempt the ridiculous.
Many have bought Phantoms with absolutely no RC flight experience whatsoever. How many posts have been made to this forum by new users complaining that their Phantom doesn't work only to find out that they didn't bother to read the online manual and find the stick position arming sequence?
It's through forums such as this that education in risk assessment and damage limitation should be a priority. Some may interpret this as being preachy but it is only through adopting a more responsible stance that we can in turn regain any credibility. I very rarely fly my Phantom these days due to the undeserved stigma associated with it, my time and effort is spent now with self built platforms. Even those with no interest in the multirotor community recognise and associate the Phantom, in its various guises, with recklessness.
So with all the above in mind I urge all that when you intend to fly first of all look closely at the area and the situation. Give very careful consideration to what elements you do not have direct control over and if there is even the slightest possibility that if the worse were to happen you would be putting others at risk then don't do it. Move on and find a situation or subject more suited.
Regards
Nidge