An interesting incident took place today at Curtis Hixon Park in downtown Tampa. I’ve flown my drone in various locations around Tampa without any issues, but I had never flown there before. The park is a beautiful, open space, and after checking both the Air Aware and Air Control apps, I confirmed it was clear airspace with a few yellow caution zones in well-known areas.
Seizing the opportunity, I decided to take my drone out for a flight. I launched it and flew at an altitude of around 50m. After only about three minutes in the air, a black helicopter suddenly appeared and headed straight for my drone, closing in to within approximately 20m Reacting quickly, I maneuvered the drone to a lower altitude of about 100 feet and began flying it back to my location manually.
The helicopter then passed directly over me and hovered there for about 30 seconds before flying away. I didn’t engage in any reckless behavior, but the situation certainly put my piloting skills and nerves to the test. It felt as if they were ready to force my drone out of the sky.
I stayed for a while, expecting a police officer or some other official to approach me for a conversation, but no one did. After the helicopter departed, it never returned. I suppose they were just doing their job, but the experience was intimidating enough to make me think twice about flying there again. Definitely more intimidation than I expected! Has anyone experienced any incidents with law enforcement while flying?
Seizing the opportunity, I decided to take my drone out for a flight. I launched it and flew at an altitude of around 50m. After only about three minutes in the air, a black helicopter suddenly appeared and headed straight for my drone, closing in to within approximately 20m Reacting quickly, I maneuvered the drone to a lower altitude of about 100 feet and began flying it back to my location manually.
The helicopter then passed directly over me and hovered there for about 30 seconds before flying away. I didn’t engage in any reckless behavior, but the situation certainly put my piloting skills and nerves to the test. It felt as if they were ready to force my drone out of the sky.
I stayed for a while, expecting a police officer or some other official to approach me for a conversation, but no one did. After the helicopter departed, it never returned. I suppose they were just doing their job, but the experience was intimidating enough to make me think twice about flying there again. Definitely more intimidation than I expected! Has anyone experienced any incidents with law enforcement while flying?
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