A remote pilot is filming solo at a public park for a YouTube travel channel. The flight began with a clear area below. Partway through the mission, 15 spectators gather directly beneath the drone at 120 feet AGL to watch. The pilot wants to finish the planned shot. What is the correct course of action?

Question

Accepted Answer

Immediately maneuver the aircraft away from directly above the crowd, then continue from a position that doesn't overfly the group, or land and address the crowd before resuming.. Regardless of how the flight began, when a crowd gathers beneath the aircraft the remote PIC must immediately eliminate the overhead hazard. The pilot cannot continue overflying the gathered spectators, even briefly. The correct action is to maneuver laterally away, then evaluate options: ask bystanders to relocate, reposition the shooting area, or terminate the mission.

Answer

Complete the current shot quickly, then land: the mission was lawfully begun and a brief continuation is acceptable.

Answer

Ask the crowd to move via verbal request, then continue: bystander consent removes the hazard.