- Joined
- Jan 11, 2017
- Messages
- 60
- Reaction score
- 17
- Age
- 56
So the weather has gotten much better here in the Bay Area of Northern California, so opportunities to fly in good conditions are upon us. So yesterday 03/28/2017 I figured I'd take a short relaxing flight after work not far from home in the rural area of Tassajara. I was standing in the drive way of the San Ramon Valley Fire Training facility at a time when there is nothing going on there. Empty front parking lot, not a sole in sight.
During my 30 mins or so there, a car pulled into the lot for a while, this person was on the phone but I figured it as just someone pulling over to make a call. Well that call was apparently to the police complaining about me. Around 6:30 that evening just after dinner with the family, a knock at the door was heard, to my surprise it was the police. I stepped out side to find out that there was a compliant about me trespassing on private property. I explained there was no intent to cause any issues and that the location was perfect for model pilots. They commented on the "drone" and stated they really didnt know of any laws concerning them. I let them know I was pretty familiar with the legalities, rules and common sense etc etc. They stated that they were just here to let me know that it was "private property". I have to point out that the officers were nice, no hassles...just there "as messengers".
Turns out this complaint had nothing to do with my flying (so they say, but we all know different), it was that I was standing on a driveway of the SRFD training location. This complaint didnt come from the Fire Department, but a resident near by. Sound strange? Well I did a little research and found that the building is a donation to the FD, so perhaps its still owned by the resident. None the less, Ill just park down the road a little to keep off their property.
Whats my point in all this? Second guess where your standing, look out for people spying on you and dont be surprised if the police knock on your door...but it is a little embarrassing. And yes, my wife and son made fun of me that night, she threatened to take away my "toys" if I dont stay out of trouble.
See below my location and area of flight. The little spot on the driveway is me.
View media item 3269
During my 30 mins or so there, a car pulled into the lot for a while, this person was on the phone but I figured it as just someone pulling over to make a call. Well that call was apparently to the police complaining about me. Around 6:30 that evening just after dinner with the family, a knock at the door was heard, to my surprise it was the police. I stepped out side to find out that there was a compliant about me trespassing on private property. I explained there was no intent to cause any issues and that the location was perfect for model pilots. They commented on the "drone" and stated they really didnt know of any laws concerning them. I let them know I was pretty familiar with the legalities, rules and common sense etc etc. They stated that they were just here to let me know that it was "private property". I have to point out that the officers were nice, no hassles...just there "as messengers".
Turns out this complaint had nothing to do with my flying (so they say, but we all know different), it was that I was standing on a driveway of the SRFD training location. This complaint didnt come from the Fire Department, but a resident near by. Sound strange? Well I did a little research and found that the building is a donation to the FD, so perhaps its still owned by the resident. None the less, Ill just park down the road a little to keep off their property.
Whats my point in all this? Second guess where your standing, look out for people spying on you and dont be surprised if the police knock on your door...but it is a little embarrassing. And yes, my wife and son made fun of me that night, she threatened to take away my "toys" if I dont stay out of trouble.
See below my location and area of flight. The little spot on the driveway is me.
View media item 3269