I believe this to be the case too.
I understand that DJI are yet to enable this ‘feature’ although its only an update away whenever they decide to go ahead with it.
2 Likes
Thats exactly it. 
(as i understand it)
1 Like
I am sure there will be “firmware” to disable this “feature” 
2 Likes
The app could send troublemakers straight to your location. Doubt it’d happen but there’s still a possibility.
I’m guessing most recreational flights are carried out by the pilot alone from an area where there aren’t many people about.
1 Like
Speaking as a Mavic Mini owner and new to drones at the back end of last year I personally wanted to fly within the rules, not piss people off, and not give the hobby a bad name, so despite not being necessary I registered with the CAA just so I could show to anyone who moaned or asked that I was doing everything I could to fly responsibility. Not sure if it was the 35 year I have spent in the aerospace industry or just my common sense and desire to do the right thing that was the motivation.
3 Likes
Totally agree Brian, has a great introduction to droning with you guys, looking forward to another meet when bleeding storms decide to bugger off!
1 Like
I know exactly what you mean and agree entirely
I’m sure there are plenty of false alarms on a daily basis. Personally though I’m getting more and more angry at the complete dismissal of evidence on social media. Every day, there are posts on Instagram of drone shots over central London: The Gherkin, Sky Garden, St. Paul’s, top-down views of Oxford Circus (not a congested area at all). Mostly by the same few accounts who are not doing this for work with any authorisation. Just over a month ago, one photo was obviously shot from inside the London City Airport runway protection zone towards the Red Zone of Canary Wharf from much higher than 400ft… And yet, Instagram doesn’t care as there are no means to report such activity, and the police won’t do anything unless the pilot is caught in the act. The photo is still there and this person is also getting sponsorships from brands like Nikon or lately The Photography Show (seriously!). In another photo, the caption says “also, the police headquarters where about 200 yards behind me, talk about cutting it close laughing face”.
And I see these posts every single day. It’s infuriating.
3 Likes
It’s London, not Northumberland 
Unfollow or block them 
3 Likes
That would be the most sensible thing to do
1 Like
It takes all colours to make a rainbow!! Thankfully we’re not ants!!
3 Likes
Huh???
Just generally speaking, meaning that we’re all not thinking alike. If the state wants to close down us flying, they will, one way or other!! In the meantime, I’m flying to my hearts delight.
4 Likes
Quite agree. its nee good worrying about what others are upto. Just crack on with your own flying (whilst you can) and let other make their mistakes.
2 Likes
Hi all,
Hope you’re doing well and keeping save during the covid-19 panic.
Seen this clip on the news: Coronavirus: Hundreds of shoppers queue around Tesco car park for lockdown supplies - Mirror Online
Curious as to how this went down. It screams congested area and with a PfCO the pilot will be able to get with 50m.
The clip according to the news was taken of Tesco in New Malden: Google Maps
Checking on NATS drone assist, this particular Tesco sits right under London Heli Route H7.
There’s enough hassle flying a drone in a park, the pilot would have needed a NSF from the CAA to get this shot because of the heli lane - so two weeks prior to taking this shot, permission was requested and granted? 
Do you think the pilot was in the clear when taking this footage?
Open discussion on this.
There’s enough negative news and press about drones. It’s been a fun exercise looking at this footage and working out how it was taken and what would have been needed (permissions wise).
Chances are, right now, you could fly your drone pretty much where you please and the police would just shrug their shoulders … airports excepted.
Mind - Southampton (400m from me) is a ghost airport since the demise of Flybe, so perhaps I should test this theory? #NotReally.
2 Likes
I was brought up just down the road, I know the area really well.
Here’s the offending Tesco under the heliroute you mention:
And the mental 6am queue (for bog roll and pasta) that did a lap of their carpark:
2 Likes
Don’t forget though, that heli-route is not actually a NFZ 
But no, personally I’d not risk that flight either, just from a crazy-high built up area point of view.
1 Like