Tenuous I know, but maybe counteract by acting like them - a self entitled pr*ck. If CCTV is being used, there should be appropriate signage indicating so
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Tell them to stop watching the biased media, the media outlets hate drones unless they are their own, sadly much of the public have no idea and are just spoon fed lies, we aren’t out to spy we just want to enjoy our hobby, oh and wear a fluorescent jacket like they sell in the shop, they should not disturb you whilst flying, it’s a pain I know but you’ll learn to ignore them
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Should really know the rules then?
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More details on public footpaths can be found here: Taking off on public footpaths
Glad I’m not the only one who thought that.
Milkmanchris, I’m not making excuses, it genuinely seemed the safest place to launch but I admit I was wrong to do it.
Just for clarity the complainers appeared after I’d launched. They weren’t there before.
Interesting point on the cctv. If they have cctv looking out onto a public footpath that does seem a bit off. I didn’t see any signs. Will bear that in mind.
Have a hi viz jacket good idea.
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The CCTV may be pointing onto the public footpath from their property for a legitimate reason. however they MUST have visible signage up under data protection rules that a camera is recording images.
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At first info on this website said CAA suggested using common sense as a guide as to what is a residential area. In my case it was 3 houses near farmland. However latest guidance from C AA says 1 residential building is classed as residential area.
The whole thing has really put me off using my drone. Can’t seem to fly anywhere legally.
Sorry for the whinge, maybe I’m overthinking it all, I was going with the spirit of drone law but the finer details are sending me down rabbit holes.
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Sometimes CAA guidance can be like that, and you will get some interpretation of that, If I recall there was also some guidance released around a single dwelling not being classed as a residential area, but 3 houses may well be classified as residential.
IMO the options you have if you want to fly closer to residential or commercial buildings to get the stock footage you want, and you want to stay on the safe side of interpretation:
Take the A2 CoC (I think its well worth it, I only own sub 250g drones currently and still took the course for knowledge and in preparation (hope) of getting a larger drone.
Look at either the Mini 3 pro or the Mini 4 pro to use in those areas, and use the Mavic Air in the more open spaces in the A3 category.
Thank you Akey, wish I’d found this site earlier.
Just on with the A2coc, signed up for some mock exams.
Right I’ll try and stop stressing and leave folks in peace.
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the home owner cannot do anything, nothing will come of it. absolutely zero.
the worst crime you committed was trespass and that is a civil matter and it requires the landowner to identify themselves, prove they have legal authority (are in fact the land owner or represent someone who is the landowner, and that person has given them authority to act on their behalf on that specific matter)
my rule of thumb is a) be polite b) if you are flying at the time ignore them (be polite but firm “I am flying, in control of something that should it crash I would be held accountable, I need to complete xyz and it will take about 5/ 10 mins, if you want to wait or pop back feel free, I am not going anywhere untill I land”… followed by silence… anything after that will be met with “I hold all necessary insurances and pilots licences and am certificed, please call the police if that is what you feel you need to do, but let them know it’s not an emergency I am happy to wait and have all documentation available if they require it”… silence!.. after that short of violence they get no response.
I give my details to no on unless I am legally required to (stopped while driving or actually arrested for a crime)
need to be polite but firm. if you crash it or injure someone while landing or flying then you are responsible… like hitting a pedestrian whilst driving I’m sorry however it happens it is your fault as a driver (but that is why I’m insured)
Thank you Robert good advice especially the license and documentation bit. 
First negative interaction I’ve had regarding drone. Usually public aren’t bothered or curious. Thankfully somehow I stayed pretty calm on this occasion.
I’ll take a break frome drones this week not sure I could face another confrontation just yet. 
Your claim to be a commercial flyer vs everything you have posted (and the way it has been posted) don’t tally.
If it helps, nothing will happen and you’ve done nothing wrong.
Thanks Pirbright yes I have PL insurance, but only been flying 1 year low risk areas. Not very experienced. I haven’t meant to mislead anyone sorry for any confusion.
If you read the thread you’ll know they have.
But this bit is probably true
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Flying within 150m of the building? I more meant the trespass aspect, and “not being welcome”. The police wouldn’t prosecute / involve themselves with that anyway, that’s for the CAA to progress.
Actually, in essence: The CAA sets the rules, the police enforce them, and the CPS handles prosecutions for criminal offenses related to drone use.
As per that Liverpool chap earlier in the year.
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Yes, they had it in for him, after he posted their previous interaction on YT. Poke the bear!
Think the confusion has come from my having PL insurance, just to clarify I only use my drone for stock footage rather than paid jobs. I don’t consider myself experienced.
I don’t know about the Liverpool chap, if you have a link please?
Started the A2CofC course yesterday and ticked the Article 16 box on FPV.