How do people deal with "experts" when flying their drones under art 16

[Amit]

This is looking to get some advice on a) my interpretation of article 16 rules for FPVUK, and b) how people deal with so called experts telling you that you are in the wrong (unless of course I was )

After sticking with flying my drone in local areas for a while I decided to take my drone out with me to the peak district. At the summit there were a number of people but no large groups and very easy moveability for everyone and as such would not be classed as an assembly of people. There was someone flying a mini pro who I wated for to complete their operations. Once they were packed away, from the other side of the hill I launched my mavic 3 with a seperation distance of greater than 15m from any nearby uninvolved individual. For majority of my flight I was operating between 70 and 100m altitude and at a distance of around 30m… towards the end of my flight I was taking static panos about 100m high and arguably this was over the top of the summit so could have had unintentional overhead flying.

The previously mentioned drone flyer came up to me at this point to inform me that a drone as heavy as mine was not allowed to be flown in the area with people around. I explained (whilst staying focused on my drone and controller that I was flying at a sufficiently safe distance and was flying under article 16 rules which offer different guidelines. He advised me he had a GVC and that I should re read the drone code and take the test again. I thanked him for his advice and told him I needed to focus on my drone. He walked away muttering something about flying over people.

My uderstanding is article 16 says we can assume a 30m bubble when considering safe distances so ovehead flying above that distance is permissible as long as its not an assembly of people (crowds that cant get out of the way). And if so I completed my operation correctly.

But how do people deal with other drone flyers such as the one I came across. Or is it simply a case of keep calm and carry on? Or was I actually wrong in my interpretation of the rules?

[flyers]

looks to me you did well Flying & Talking to a misinformed flyer. He needs to join FPVUK will save him a few quid every year & be assured. I have a mini 4 pro don’t fly it yet as can’t get out & want to understand the laws more. Have been watching videos of flyers getting all sorts of bad aggressive complaints Evan from the police. Crack on Amit :

[Robwak]

Hi, You always find one person that knows it all. That’s why I stick to Sub 250 g Drones.

[Amit]

True, but I guess the whole point of article 16 is to give the extra freedom to the larger drones; maybe I should have promoted FPV more to him to get him to be a bit more informed!

[Amit]

I did get a few nice shots though… here is one from Mam Tor

[toke]

Sounds to me like he probably did not have a CVG licence only said that to make himself look big and try to intimidate you, the fact of him still trying to talk to you while you’re operating your UAV shows he has a lack of knowledge and respect for fellow flyers.

I would honestly put it down to drone jealousy, your toy was much bigger and better than his.

Over the last 15 years I’ve learned most people don’t know what they’re on about when they approach you just want to interfere because they are scared of technology or have nothing better to do. Really love the look on people’s faces when I can present valid licenses and insurance once the flight is over. Always tell them to back off till the flight is complete.