London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

There are some stunning sights in this video but many of them were shot in very close quarters with people (and important buildings) so I can't help thinking this kind of stuff is going to get the heavy hand of the law sometime very soon.

We've discussed this a bit on here in the past (I could n't quickly find the thread so just putting it here for now). Comments?

Team BlackSheep's TEATIME in London - YouTube

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

Unless they had permission, I'm seriously surprised they didn't get nicked for flying that over the Houses of Parliament.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

They are shown "being interviewed" with the police at the end of the film but (depending on how it was edited) it's not possible to tell at which location they got nicked. Either way, these people - and I'm sure others like them - will potentially ruin the future of this kind of shooting for those that try and do it responsibly here in the UK.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

People are getting paranoid all the time.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they aren't out to get you.

And if you fly a craft like this carelessly, and over the general public, and over landmarks well-protected by the police, they will be out to get you. And you're an idiot for doing it without proper permissions.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

All that flying was illegal for even a hobby flier let alone a commercial shoot. You need a licence from the Civil Aviation Authority to do any sort of aerial video/photo work for hire. As a hobby flier you are not allowed to fly within 50m of people. From what I gather on their website those guys are German or Swiss so presumably just visiting the UK as tourists.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

I like this one better...


Those guys pretty much invented the FPV flying style... there's some real talent among them.
The plane/quad they use is sold by the Multi-Rotor Frames

And they also will build you a complete setup if you don't want to spend the time/energy... they have a proven platform that works great...

here is where they hang out if you want/need further info

FPVLAB - FPV Without The Interference

The flying wing is made in Arizona.. here is the web site for it...
RiteWingRC :: Wing Kits

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

With idiots like this, is it any wonder legitimate, law abiding professionals find earning a living more and more difficult! Some of the most sensitive areas in London - and they fly those things with no concept of the dangers they could cause to members of the public and of course the buildings themselves. Many of us saw the recent video where one of these things went out of control in a city and crashed into the building. Scary stuff! Great images of course - but at what cost.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

I'm surprised it was not shot out of he sky as a security risk. Especially hovering above Westminster.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

In general in the UK you can fly a model aeroplane wherever you like provided that you take care not to injure anyone & don't fly too high or too near to an airport or other sensitive areas. It's only when you have a camera on board that you have far more restrictions like not flying within 50m of people or buildings (these measures are supposed to be for privacy reasons & aimed at paparazzi) & those changes were only introduced about 3-4 years ago.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

For someone who pays the fees, and shoots legally from a full size machine, I think it is bad policy to even mention these people. Lets promote professionals who do it properly.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

Heads up, Oregon is getting ready to ban this practice, just giving everyone a heads up:

Own a drone: Fine. But fly a drone with a cam: Year in the clink ? The Register

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

...and I thought the U.S. was all about personal freedom... well, not anymore, I guess!

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

The laws in the US are probably as old as RC planes themselves. The laws do not discriminate against aerial cameras, they say no use of RC planes FOR ANY COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. You can put a camera on an RC plane for personal use, just obey the laws for RC planes for personal use which are fairly simple--something like no more than 400ft altitude and the plane can't be out of sight of the operator and stay away from airports, things like that. Of course all sorts of other restrictions can be placed by local authorities no doubt.

Re: London Sights from a Quadcopter - Legal Concerns
 

great footage, bad publicity for others but good in the short run for them.