Cliff Ton 10,008 Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 A few months ago we saw several examples of work from someone who put a camera in an unmanned drone, and gave us views of various sites including Goose Fair, and this: Seems like they've got him. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-32626718 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mercurydancer 1,104 Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 He knew what the law was regarding drones, possibly not at first, but certainly later, yet persisted. I wonder what carnage would be caused if a drone like that actually crashed into a packed stand at a football match? Fatalities would be expected. Even from a very light drone, it would do lots of harm. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NewBasfordlad 3,599 Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 From what I have read he was probably using a DJI Phantom 3, only weighs about 1280 grams and the blades are guarded and of course plastic. Risk of injury most certainly, fatality unlikely. Still it will hurt him if they confiscate it they cost between £850 and £1000. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Michael Booth 7,364 Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 Personally, I think they are a serious security risk. Imagine loading one up with explosives to cause a major incident. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NewBasfordlad 3,599 Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 Whilst I agree with your sentiments Michael they have all on to lift their own weight. Its the surveillance risk that I think would be more important, they are almost silent in use, and some like the Phantom 3 have very good cameras with zoom lenses etc. Whist their flight time is limited around 20 minutes for a good one they can record video and send back live images to a ground based screen. Another problem is light aircraft, only the other day one had to make an emergency landing after a mid air collision with a traditional model aircraft. I suppose really they are like a lot of things used properly they are useful, fun, entertaining etc, but misused they are a definite problem. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mercurydancer 1,104 Posted May 11, 2015 Report Share Posted May 11, 2015 Newbasfordlad A weight of more than 1 kg from such a height would be more than enough to cause death. The panic caused even by such a small object in a packed stadium would be horrific and I would still expect fatalities. You are quite right, that many things that have useful applications can be misused. I am a very amateur astronomer and my telescope has a green laser pointer. Some pilot friends have told me how totally distracting a laser can be. Its harmless enough for what I use it for, but I am not far from the flight path to an airport, and also the police helicopter has to get from the airport over the estate I live in if it is going to get to Teesside. I hear a helicopter, and the laser goes off. I check the times for the flights, and the laser goes off. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NewBasfordlad 3,599 Posted May 12, 2015 Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 What I find strange is it has been reported that Plod caught a visitor to our shores using one to film at Windsor castle. He was offered (in their speak) words of advice and sent on his way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DJBrenton 738 Posted May 12, 2015 Report Share Posted May 12, 2015 #6. It's not just distracting but also illegal. People have been fined, given community service and, in the US, been jailed for pointing lasers at helicopters. UK: 12 months probation, 120 hours community service, £145 in fines for Nottinghamshire area woman Aug 15 2014 -- Filed in: Probation | Court cost or fee | Fine | Sex: Female Leanne Martin, 20Bircotes, Nottinghamshire, UKMartin was sentenced August 14 2014 to 12 months of community order (probation/supervision) and 120 hours unpaid work, £85 in court costs, and a £60 victim surcharge. On January 28 2014, she aimed a laser pen about three times at a police helicopter flying over Bircotes -- even though her boyfriend told her not to aim at the aircraft. Her lawyer said Martin did not realize the laser’s power, had not read the label, and did not understand the hazard. US: Two years for 24-year-old woman May 12 2014 -- Filed in: Jail/Prison | Probation | Sex: Female Jennifer Lorraine Coleman, 24Clovis, California, USIn the summer of 2012, Coleman and her then-boyfriend, Sergio Patrick Rodriguez, 26, were arrested for repeatedly aiming a green laser at a Fresno Police Department helicopter. It had been called out to investigate an earlier illumination of a children’s hospital medical helicopter. On May 12 2014, Coleman was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for aiming a laser pointer at a law enforcement aircraft. Rodriguez had earlier been sentenced to 14 years in prison: eight for the laser incident and an additional six due to his prior criminal record. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ayupmeducks 1,728 Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 Moving target practice over here. Been a few shot down... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mercurydancer 1,104 Posted May 13, 2015 Report Share Posted May 13, 2015 DJ brenton There should be fines and imprisonment. A pilot friend took a mobile phone recording of a green laser hitting his cockpit. I did ask him why he was using his mobile instead of landing his plane, and I got the time honoured reply. He is a good mate. The recording was alarming. Even the instruments in the cockpit could not be easily seen. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Compo 10,185 Posted May 23, 2015 Report Share Posted May 23, 2015 A crashed drone was found in the back of beyond up a strath in Caithness the other week. Oddly, they cannot find the owner. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,029 Posted May 24, 2015 Report Share Posted May 24, 2015 Sounds like a Suicide Drone? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dgbrit 258 Posted February 9, 2016 Report Share Posted February 9, 2016 I am now a registered drone pilot with the FAA, Mandatory here if you want to fly up to $25000 fine if you don't have the license. My son and I build & fly the racing drones they do about 65mph and could do some damage if they hit a person. I call it my flying house brick. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mick2me 3,029 Posted February 9, 2016 Report Share Posted February 9, 2016 I see there is even a database of drone accidents in the US. http://rochester.nydatabases.com/map/domestic-drone-accidents Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bubblewrap 3,815 Posted February 9, 2016 Report Share Posted February 9, 2016 Whilst I agree with your sentiments Michael they have all on to lift their own weight. a few ounces of Semtex could bring down a 747 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cliff Ton 10,008 Posted February 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 9, 2016 Only yesterday this appeared. Almost think it should be April 1st, but it's real. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35519470 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Michael Booth 7,364 Posted February 9, 2016 Report Share Posted February 9, 2016 I was just about to post the same report, Cliff Ton. Personally, I can't see the authorities allowing anyone to have drones. Can you imagine what it will be like in the future with thousands of drones in the sky. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Just Me 46 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 I'm thinking of buying a drone with a camera. Anyone out there got one and can you give me any ideas on which sort to buy.Are they easy to fly? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Shepard's use them out here. RE: Michaels post..a Chav with a drone.. Caftans idea of true hell!!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tompa 285 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Several members at our model flying club have them, they are not too difficult to fly, but you do need proper instruction on how to set up everything to get it in the air, and of course how to fly the thing A decent drone with camera and FPV ( first person view ) costs between £400 / £500, and a few more £s on other bits and bobs, such as a Lithium Polymer battery charger, batteries, battery checker etc etc. The professional top quality drones can cost between £4000 and £5000 and even more. The CAA ( Civil Aviation Authority ) have rules you must follow when flying drones. Type into Google CAA Drones. utube Just make sure you get as much info as possible before you even attempt to buy one, its good fun but expensive if you try to fly and crash the damn thing without knowing what your doing. You also need some kind of Insurance, I am insured through the BMFA ( British Model Association ) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Just Me 46 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Hello Tompa....thanks for the information. I only want one for holidays...just for a few aerial shots of where I will be staying. I have got my eyes on a Walkera Runner 250.....costs about £200.....do you recommend starting with one as expensive as this. Everything that is needed is in the box.....so they say lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tompa 285 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Hi Just Me, that sounds about right to me, but I am not an expert on quadcopters, I fly fast EDF ( electric ducted fan ) jets. The most important thing is to get somebody to help you the first few times so you get some understanding of what it is all about. I think £200 is about the average price for a start.... and when you get hooked on it then you had better get an extra job to pay for the new found love. LOL Hope you have a great time with it, far more exiting than digging the garden. lol Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bubblewrap 3,815 Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 I don't need a "Drone" my mother's still alive 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Cliff Ton 10,008 Posted July 17, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 This is interesting although slightly underwhelming. And the background music is annoying because it's played on an out-of-tune piano. Apart from that, it's not bad. http://www.nottinghampost.com/amazing-drone-footage-captures-beauty-of-nottingham-from-the-air/story-29519820-detail/story.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ayupmeducks 1,728 Posted July 17, 2016 Report Share Posted July 17, 2016 Moving targets around here, I'd get my SKS out and get some practice in if one came flying over my property. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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