Drone Pilot vs. Public Confrontation: Best Practices

You are all set! You have your FAA Part 107 sUAS certification in possession and you have intelligently planned your flight. To ensure a safe and fruitful aerial mission, you have worked smart to mitigate risk and to remain fully within the framework of all local, state, and federal rules, laws, and regulations. But just as you lift to the skies to capture that long-anticipated aerial sunset vista, up walks “That Guy” or “That Girl.” (Sometimes both or even many!) You immediately say to yourself, “I wonder how this is going to go?” followed briskly by the ever-unpopular drone pilot verses public confrontational “head-to-head” match-up.

This might seem funny when you are watching another drone pilot go through it, but make no mistake, when it’s you, it can get quite uncomfortable – quite fast! So then, as a conscientious drone pilot what can we do to mitigate the risks to flight safety and danger that can evolve when one of these episodes get intense? Why not take a purposeful preventative approach? Why not minimize the risk of failure thus increasing our opportunity for a safe and success aerial mission? What would that even look like?

Drones and Peoples Attitudes

Let’s face it, humans – like animals, have an inquisitive nature. At the same time, humans – like animals, take note and react to the unknown by first turning to a built-in, fight or flight survival instinct. Drones spinning wondrously over and around our neighborhoods and parks is a fairly new proposition for the masses. It should be no surprise that when someone walks up to you (while you are in flight) and asks what you’re doing, they are curious. (Just like all the birds, dogs, cats, insects, and other people within your chosen flight area.) There will also be those tense occasions when someone comes at you with instant verbal or God forbid – brute force for one reason or another. Flight Risk Assessment and Management (Strategy) deals with such bad situations getting worse. Notably, a critically essential drone pilot discussion that we shall save for another day. For now, let’s focus in on the most common human interruptions a drone pilot will likely face (unfortunately while in the air and underway).

See and Be Seen Prevention Strategy

Here is a list of things you can do as a drone pilot to help reduce the potential for being disturbed and utterly irritated by Mr. and Mrs. Nosy while safely conducting your carefully crafted aerial mission.

• Anticipate and Expect – A smart requisite of pre-planning is to expect the unexpected.
• Consider Your Options – Perhaps is just best to take the “high-road” and go freely fly somewhere else?
• See and Be Seen – There are cameras everywhere you look. Assume you are always be observed.
• Be Courteous and Professional – Remain cool-headed at all times. You represent and are supported by thousands of UAV pilots and regulatory agencies around the world.

You know the rules, they don’t. If when you are right you may wind up wrong. Pick your battles very, very wisely. Remember, you have the law on your side. Often times, it’s far better to just walk away and fly another day! Always keep that ego checked at the door.

Drone Pilot | PRO Tip

Confrontational moments are tough moments for sure! This is precisely why, when I fly in public places I dress the part, openly exhibit essential identification and flight equipment, and overtly illustrate my intentions – all to quench the curiosity seeker or confused buttinsky about what I am currently in the midst of – safely, purposefully, and legally flying my drone mission. (Helmets, vests, business cards, road signage, cones, vehicle, radios, etc. – all marked with FAA and Aerial Northwest identification.) Frequently, I use a VO (Visual Observer, sometimes a team) that supports the flight mission, runs interference, and handles initial public “face-to-face” in-field engagements. In doing so, I have never run into any trouble. Sure, people are curious, but once they understand I am conducting official business, they stand down. Victory begins with showing up and looking the part where preparation and opportunity meet success! I call it, “Confrontation Prevention.”

Drone Pilot Speak | Public Discourse

Think of the “5W’s and H.” Who, what, why, where, when, and how. Let’s consider and apply the interrogatives, “5W’s and H” framework to these following example questions commonly asked by those who approach us during our flight operation.

• Who are you?
• Who said you could fly here?
• What are you doing?
• What are you looking for up there?
• Why are you flying here?
• Why can’t I try a go at flying that thing?
• Where did you get permission to fly here?
• Where did you buy that drone?
• When will you be done flying?
• When rains comes must you land?
• How did you learn how to fly that drone?
• How long have you been a drone pilot?
• How high can that thing go?

Dealing with the Curious Archetype

QUESTION: “What are you doing?”

PILOT RESPONSE: Look at them directly and with a smile say, “Hello. I’m piloting a certified unmanned aerial vehicle.” (Say nothing else. Turn away and proceed to be flight focused.)

The person or group may stand down or walk away altogether. Should they stand fast and continue with a follow-up question, here is how that might go.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION: Why are you flying here? Is that fun? Can I try?

PILOT RESPONSE: Turn to them and say, “One moment please.” Immediately turn away without another word and safely land the aircraft.

Once the drone is back safely on the ground or in hand, you can now continue with your audience Q&A session.

Dealing with the Aggressive Archetype

QUESTION: “What are you doing? You can’t be flying that thing here!”

PILOT RESPONSE: (Look at them directly and say, “Hello. I’m piloting a certified unmanned aerial vehicle.) (Say nothing else. Turn away and proceed to be flight focused.)

The person or group may NOT stand down or walk away. Should they press their will, here is how that might go.

FOLLOW-UP QUESTION/STATEMENT: “Hey, I’m talking to you! I said, What are you doing? You can’t be flying that thing here!”

PILOT RESPONSE: Turn to them and say, “One moment please.” Immediately turn away without another word and safely land the aircraft.

Once the drone is back safely on the ground or in hand, you can now focus upon how to de-escalate the confrontation. (A discussion for another time for sure!)

In Summary: What are some best practices for drone pilots when faced with public confrontation?

As a drone pilot, it’s important to anticipate and prepare for unexpected interruptions during your flight. You should always remain courteous and professional, and remember that you represent thousands of UAV pilots and regulatory agencies worldwide. Here are some best practices to help mitigate the risks of public confrontation:

• Anticipate and expect the unexpected.
• Consider your options; it may be best to fly somewhere else if confronted.
• See and be seen; assume that you are always being observed.
• Be courteous and professional; remain cool-headed at all times.
• Remember that you know the rules, but they may not, so choose your battles wisely.
• Keep your ego in check and walk away if necessary.

To prevent confrontations from happening in the first place, consider dressing the part, openly exhibiting essential identification and flight equipment, and overtly illustrating your intentions. It can also be helpful to use a visual observer to handle initial public interactions. When dealing with curious individuals, stick to the “5W’s and H” framework and provide simple, direct responses. If necessary, safely land your aircraft and address any follow-up questions afterward. Remember, victory begins with showing up and looking the part where preparation and opportunity meet success!

The Takeaway

Don’t be defensive. You don’t know what you don’t know! Don’t assume the worst. Sure, be ready for it, but don’t jump the gun! Be of a mindset of bewilderment. Only answer the question then resume your work. There is no need to nervously ramble on. That may be their only question. You answered it in four words, “I’m flying my drone.” You want the conversation over – not to proceed. You are in flight. Get back to your aircraft! Should they continue with a follow-up question or make a statement, politely, but firmly say these four words, “Just one moment please.” Say nothing else and safely land the aircraft. Once the aircraft is secure on the ground and powered off, you are then free to converse to your heart’s content.

Do your best to never deviate from this approach. As FAA-certified pilots we must fly the aircraft first! And, don’t forget about, “The Reporters!” These fine folks report just about anything and everything they see (and capture on their smartphone) to any and all authorities that will listen. Don’t get yourself reported to the FAA. You may well win the case, but talk about the unwanted aggravation.

Just because “That Person” is being “That Person” doesn’t mean you need transform yourself into a lunatic!

Be smart, safe, and forever fly!

If you have any questions, let us know! If you’d like to hire us, you can get more information here.

Written by: Tony Marino, MBA – FAA Certified Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and Chief Business Strategist at Aerial Northwest

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