Using a drone but where is OK

[g6snl]

I am on the brink of buying a Drone cam and would quite like to know whether it is going to be a good tool for using on trips.

My main concern is where am I likely to be put in jail for using it and what borders will not let me in with one. Clearly one should be discrete where appropriate and avoid military zones at all costs, airports would make for a bad day too probably in any country.
It would be useful to make up a list of NO GO countries if anyone has any input. I suspect the list will be long.
Have you had one confiscated? Been in trouble, BIG trouble ?
What about Vietnam, I'm going there later ....

[lowuk]

I was at a bike and car hillclimb recently where all runs were prevented for a while by some prat flying a drone over the course.
I over heard several mutterings from people about their 12 bore being in the back of their car and the urge to blow the thing out of the sky.
The organisers put out constant pleas for the person flying the drone to desist and eventually it flew away.
So, in many situations they are seen as a menace, and there is no telling how some people who don't like them may respond.

[g6snl]

Originally Posted by lowuk

So, in many situations they are seen as a menace, and there is no telling how some people who don't like them may respond.

Absolutely and totally understand that, and agree, hence the "where appropriate" clause in my "usage requirement plans" ( just after don't use where there are guns, clause)

[TheWarden]

Why do some peoples first post always focus on negatives rather than answering or aiding on the question asked?

Can't help otherwise except Morocco you need a permit to fly

[g6snl]

Morocco - quick bit of research suggests getting a permit to use a drone is quite difficult even for pros, so for a holiday video it aint going to happen. There is an import ban completely so that is one country on the list.

[tonylester]

I recently got back from a video makers conference in California and Drones was a topic for a panel. As it was in the states it was mostly info regarding there.
For the States your drone has to be registered at a US address by a US resident to legally fly it.
If you are flying commercially you need a pilots license, although that is soon changing to a specific test that you need to pass for drones.
It's Illegal to fly in all national and state parks inc grand canyon.
Not that i broke any of those laws when i was there

There was a mention of a South American country that doesn't allow them in, can't remember exactly which one though, But you can leave it at the border and collect it on the way out. The Border guard was telling one of the guys in the panel when he went they they confiscate up to 20 a day.

Easter Island it's also banned to fly there.

Another thing to factor if you are flying is the batteries, being such a high capacity you have to carry them in your hand luggage, as you should with all spare batteries. I know in New Zealand you aren't allowed to take the Batteries on any internal flights as they are too high capacity. With Batteries this big when not in use it's always good to keep, when not in use, in LIPO fireproof bags to prevent too much damage if they short circuit and they are known to short circuit if not stored correctly.

Beyond that I'm Not to sure on country specific info. Google is a always a good place to search. If you're travelling overland you may find you will get them into the country but you won't be able to fly.

Another little tip is call it a 'toy' don't mention drone at all, in some countries drones are used to kill people and that's the only meaning of the word they know.
Ask a local official/police if it's ok to fly to take photos/videos with your toy

[wickychicky]

Hi Maria,

As far as i remember for South Africa and Uganda, you're supposed to have a little licence official, though i was never too sure with SA as to whether it was meant for pilots for commercial use only. I think the rest of the countries are ok.

I googled each country before we went and checked whatever came up, though the info is often outdated already. In the end, we tried to use ours in very quiet/remote places so as to minimise disruption to anyone and chances of being caught (just in case!).

BUT in all the countries you mention, you're not allowed to use a drone in the national parks (in some you are even supposed to declare them, hand them in and pick them back up when you leave...)

But for me, the regulations were less of an issue; it was more regarding the animals themselves and my own conscience.
It was after seeing a couple of drone videos on YouTube that I really started getting excited about our forthcoming trip and seeing how stunning the shots can be: especially the oh-so-graceful giraffes!

Then I watched the videos a bit more closely and I realised that the reason the animals are always moving is because they are trying to get away from the drone! The gadgets seem to emit some sound waves that we don't pick up as humans, but it is obviously really unpleasant for the animals.

Seeing as one of the main highlights of our Southern Africa tour is witnessing the animals and I certainly didn't want to interfere with their habitat and lives more than I am doing by being there in the first place.

From that moment on I swore we wouldn't use our drones for animal footage.

Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not trying to be holier than thou, it just made such a huge impact on me!

But there are plenty of other opportunities for fabulous takes in the jaw-dropping countryside, apart from the animals.... as our trip is drawing to a close, I'm happy to sell you our DJI phantom 4 :-)

Helen

[maria41]

Thanks Helen for the answer. You raise some very valid good points.


I am quite undecided yet. I will see as we get closer to the departure date (later next year). I like to travel very light so not very keen on carrying extra electronic and potentially fragile stuff...

[Tony LEE]

Originally Posted by maria41

Thanks Helen for the answer. You raise some very valid good points.


I am quite undecided yet. I will see as we get closer to the departure date (later next year). I like to travel very light so not very keen on carrying extra electronic and potentially fragile stuff...

Good idea to get current information just before you leave because more and more prohibitions are being issued as the nuisance is being recognised.

If they produced a stealth unit it would help acceptance, but the combination of irritating noise and misuse by operators not considering peoples rights to peaceful enjoyment and privacy in tourist zones are only going to result in more and more restrictions - which is a pity for those who are responsible operators.

[JJay51]

For UK this is a good guide to use to ensure you are flying responsibly -

Drone code | Dronesafe

Bear in mind rules are about to change in July this year to tighten up a few things due to so many people buying them and flying them with no regard for following guidelines and laws.

I did see the videos for this years UK hubb having drone footage in, shame it was illegal being within 50 mtrs of people and probably uninsured for liability, did you know that the event organisers could in future also be liable to prosecution for any issues that may arise if something went wrong?

Also this app covers a lot of countries and gives you notice of no fly zones etc.and airspace restrictions so is a very useful resource for travellers -

https://www.uavforecast.com/#/