A couple things... first, if you are flying as a hobbyist, it's NOT illegal or even against FAA regulation to fly within 5 miles of an airport. The Section 336 rule is that you must notify (not get permission) the tower and the airport operator that you will be flying, where, and how high. Second, there are exceptions if a TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in place, special flight rules or other NOTAMS (notice to airmen) that restrict flight of "model aircraft". Third, if you are flying, or perceived to be flying carelessly or recklessly, legal enforcement action can be pursued by the FAA if you are endangering the safety of the NAS, manned aircraft, or other persons/property.
My advice is to be courteous and patient with the officer, and obey his/her instructions. They can always ticket you or arrest you for other things like not obeying a peace officer, refusing to provide identification, resisting arrest, etc. But if you are courteous and nice, those things are very unlikely to happen. If the opportunity presents itself, you could gently educate the officer with documents that you should always carry when flying, such as the guidance from the FAA on model aircraft operation by hobbyists, and perhaps the LAW ENFORCEMENT GUIDANCE FOR SUSPECTED UNAUTHORIZED UAS OPERATIONS (also attached) published by the FAA. Of course there's the Know Before You Fly page too.
As a side note, there is an app that the FAA just released for beta testing (I think you can still request to be a beta tester) call B4UFLY that shows active TFR's and Restricted airspace, and will also facilitate a one click airport/tower notification that you are flying.
Keep it safe, and represent the whole model aircraft and drone community in a positive light!!
Maybe not...but if they want to put a stop to your activities....they can arrest on suspicion... Ie was the house owner on hand...no....suspicion of intent to break and enter or whatever the U.S. Equivalent is...then take you to their station and detain you while they check your status..and a few hours later declare you free to go!The proper answer, if you know they are wrong, is to tell them to have the watch commander come and bring the statute that justifies his demand. If he refuses the fly anyway. US police can't make up the law as they go. And the can't enforce a law that doesnt exist. Let them take legal action and tear them up in court. But you better know what your talking about if you want to play hard ball!
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If the opportunity presents itself, you could gently educate the officer with documents that you should always carry when flying, such as the guidance from the FAA on model aircraft operation by hobbyists, and perhaps the LAW ENFORCEMENT GUIDANCE FOR SUSPECTED UNAUTHORIZED UAS OPERATIONS (also attached) published by the FAA. Of course there's the Know Before You Fly page too.
You don't need to answer any questions. The cops job is to collect evidence AGAINST you. Don't incriminate yourself.I have been approached by two different officers in the Tallahassee area in the last six months, the first one sat across the street watching me for a while. He said they were given instructions to observe for safe operation .he asked for information on where he could get a F550 like mine . Another officer asked a series of questions like am I filming, what am I going to do with the video,etc.
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And that is the attitude that makes the country look like such a joke to the world. The only way ANY cop is an enemy is if YOU make them as such! And from that post alone, you have proven what you want to be seen as.I no longer respect cops. It's not like it was in the day when I was growing up. They are the enemy, not the friendly guy to help citizens. Too much attitude on their end. They violate my rights, I get a lawyer and sue the county and make them pay. Done it multiple times.
You don't need to answer any questions. The cops job is to collect evidence AGAINST you. Don't incriminate yourself.
I expected a lot of backlash to my posts. It's okay. I realize there's a lot of white America in this forum, many of which still live in their "mama's basement". I speak from experience. Minding your own business doesn't work like it used to these days. Cops will find a reason even if only in their own minds to harass you.
"A couple things... first, if you are flying as a hobbyist, it's NOT illegal or even against FAA regulation to fly within 5 miles of an airport."A couple things... first, if you are flying as a hobbyist, it's NOT illegal or even against FAA regulation to fly within 5 miles of an airport. The Section 336 rule is that you must notify (not get permission) the tower and the airport operator that you will be flying, where, and how high. Second, there are exceptions if a TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in place, special flight rules or other NOTAMS (notice to airmen) that restrict flight of "model aircraft". Third, if you are flying, or perceived to be flying carelessly or recklessly, legal enforcement action can be pursued by the FAA if you are endangering the safety of the NAS, manned aircraft, or other persons/property.
My advice is to be courteous and patient with the officer, and obey his/her instructions. They can always ticket you or arrest you for other things like not obeying a peace officer, refusing to provide identification, resisting arrest, etc. But if you are courteous and nice, those things are very unlikely to happen. If the opportunity presents itself, you could gently educate the officer with documents that you should always carry when flying, such as the guidance from the FAA on model aircraft operation by hobbyists, and perhaps the LAW ENFORCEMENT GUIDANCE FOR SUSPECTED UNAUTHORIZED UAS OPERATIONS (also attached) published by the FAA. Of course there's the Know Before You Fly page too.
As a side note, there is an app that the FAA just released for beta testing (I think you can still request to be a beta tester) call B4UFLY that shows active TFR's and Restricted airspace, and will also facilitate a one click airport/tower notification that you are flying.
Keep it safe, and represent the whole model aircraft and drone community in a positive light!!
Sentiments aside, are you not stepping on the moderator's toes, telling people to go away?wrong forum, I believe you are looking for the Nazi party or Alex Jones, one click over, PLEASE STAY THERE. This forum is about DJI Phantoms...
I don't have any power here. Just the power of speech, which the moderator can clip at any minute....But I'm not standing by while someone decides to use this space for hate speech.Sentiments aside, are you not stepping on the moderator's toes, telling people to go away?
Nope, he has the ability to attempt to hijack the forum, just as I have the ability (at the moderator's prerogative) to speak up against it, just as you have the ability to object.Sentiments aside, are you not stepping on the moderator's toes, telling people to go away?
Nope, he has the ability to attempt to hijack the forum, just as I have the ability (at the moderator's prerogative) to speak up against it, just as you have the ability to object.
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