If you're approached by a member of the public, ask them to wait until you land your drone, and then engage in conversation. Be polite and courteous, listen to their concerns and maybe offer them some useful links and information relating to drone legislation, so they understand you are flying safely and legally.

Some members of the public - especially employees trying to impress their employer - may take a confrontational approach to you when asking about your activities (like the head of security for Virgin Media O2 in this video) and try to provoke a reaction. This video shows how the attitude of the security guard changed once on the phone to the police - implying the auditor was threatening him to try and trigger a more serious police response.

Filming in public means you may unintentionally capture images or video of other people going about their business. This is known as incidental inclusion and it's sometimes unavoidable.

You may choose to keep these people in your footage, blur or block out their faces but providing you're not intentionally spying on or following and recording someone without their consent, this inclusion is legal as there is no expectation of privacy in a public space.

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Public Perception and Interactions

In this YouTube video, DJ Audits meets a drone pilot from a company called CoStar that uses drones to map commercial properties. The pilot talks about the types of complaints and confrontations he experiences in his role as a professional photographer and drone pilot.

One of the biggest issues with flying drones is the lack of understanding of the legislation surrounding them, the law around filming in public and the legislation relating to flying over private land.

In any confrontation, record the interaction on video if possible and don't rise to comments or abuse. Simply ask them to call the police if they think you're activities are illegal. Quite often when you explain you're recording the interaction for your own safety, evidence for the police (if required) and as content for social media, the person confronting you won't want to be recorded and will step away. Remember it is your right to film in a public space.

Your Operator ID and Flyer ID do not have to be shown to members of the public but you may choose to show you are CAA registered and that you have authority to fly using the CAA Registration Service. This may help to alay any concerns they may have. Often showing proof of registration (and insurance where appropriate) can diffuse a situation quickly and avoid further upset or confrontation.

Other Interactions

There are three likely interactions you'll deal with as a drone pilot. Those with the general public, the police and employees (including security) of companies.