Use common sense. but ultimately, if you want to fly, then fly. If some jobsworth comes up and makes an issue, land and do one. Don’t talk to them, acknowledge them, just go. If they attempt to stop you (by force) and they aren’t the police, that’s when you get to do self defense (swift kick to the groin area will sink people of either gender), then you call the police and tell them they threatened you and then grabbed you. Also make sure to involve all local newspapers, tv stations, you know to spread the word about them assaulting you, make it a real shit storm, so next time they think long and hard before doing anything.
Watch this video for how to deal with people like that. He is the poster child for dealing with jobsworths, while flying.
Thankfully, very few councils have by-laws in place.
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While I’d love to agree with you on your points here, the YouTuber you quoted does, in fact, get a visit by the Scottish police in one of his other videos for flying beyond VLOS, despite challenging the park ranger (I assume they found him via his public YouTube videos). Personally, I’d rather deal with the above situation differently and discuss/ educate the person rather than snap back with an answer. That way, it helps keep non-drone users on our side.
He (like many of the annoying “auditors” out there), also goes against my views of “just because you legally can, doesn’t mean you should”.
For all my flights, I always check:
- ADSB/ Flight Radar for other aircraft in the area
- Drone Scene/ Drone Assist for FRZ and other restricted areas/ notices
- NOTAMs
- National Trust Land Map
- and in some cases, the land owner registry
But to comply with the Drone Code, we must have land owners’ permission for TOAL… which is my biggest sticking point.
And the more drone users push this rule, the more the restrictions on drones increase over the next few years.
Some may see me as being a bit OTT, but as I want to upload my videos to youtube for all to see, I want to ensure I am both following the law and promoting best practices for others to see/ follow.
Aye, a complete jobsworth daein his best tae justify his wage packet. Glad ye gave him short shrift for his efforts 
Big flaw in that, the majority of aircraft that will affect your flights (i.e smaller 500ft stuff) don’t carry ADSB
I was out flying close to the CTR of (ex) Doncaster Airport and lots of little things were flying about, not a single one pinged on my DJIFPV or Flight Radar
I do it more to check for low flying military aircraft or helicopters taking off/ landing in places such as the Lake District before flying.
But you’re right, no drone or non-ADSB transmitting aircraft will appear.
All land is ultimately owned by the Crown.
Therefore perhaps a word to His Majesty ought to solve all issues.
However he is a tad busy this week…
I do see this particular point… I had a similar situation not too long back and the third party went away much more informed.
He will just pass it over to the Crown Estate Commissioners.
