United taking off out of SFO - filmed with a drone
Posted by ericgtr12@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 94 comments
Posted by ericgtr12@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 94 comments
Flyinghud@reddit
So many Negative Nellie’s in here OP. That was a pretty sick shot.
Insaneclown271@reddit
The problem is, every dumb cunt with a drone will see this and think they can go out and do it too. It won’t be long until we have a hull loss due to some fuck stick flying a $200 drone near an airport.
hold-my-gimbal@reddit
why dont you ban birds then lol drones are everywhere now. you don't have to like it, you just have to accept it.
there's always one of you wannabe mall cops in the comments of every cool drone shot. even when OP went out of their way to say this was done legally
BoringBob84@reddit
And it was great that OP did it legally!
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Filmed with a drone and permission from the FAA/ATC. This one also prompted a visit from DHS who also validated my Part 107 and LAANC request.
patherix@reddit
Can you share your experience with the approval process? How long did each step take, etc? I recently got my Part 107 but haven't taken the drone in controlled airspace yet
hold-my-gimbal@reddit
not OP but I've done a "zero grid" further coordination LAANC authorization, which is what I'm assuming this was.
you submit your request with the operational area, risk mitigation details, your p107 credentials, and other requirements ahead of time. risk mitigations are items like "I'll equip the drone with anti collision lighting, I'll use a spotter, I'll monitor tower frequency, I'll do a full safety check of the UAS immediately prior to takeoff, I'll make sure the software is up to date, etc". certain facilities may want you to abide by specific mitigations.
ATC reviews it and either approves, denies and gives reason, or denies and ghosts you. How long it takes and how friendly they are depends on how busy they are and a million other things.
My experience with HPN, they ok'd my mitigation list but initially denied my request for 400 AGL over the kensico reservoir. I was asked to resubmit for 150' AGL, I complied, and it was approved. Then the fat orange fuck decided to visit NYC and the presidential TFR tanked my plans.
I'm surprised OP got permission at SFO. Last I heard they were just ignoring zero grid requests lol
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
I’ve gotten several approved and others have as well. They’re pretty reasonable about it.
hold-my-gimbal@reddit
what was the turnaround time like?
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
It's always a minimum of 72 hours but I typically get the approval within a day. There have also been times where they've denied and asked me to fill out an Airspace Authorization, something I've done a few times now.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
For this it's really as simple as a LAANC request in zero grid. Look it up on your favorite drone app (I use Air Control from Aloft) and find an area outside of the red zone. You also need to make your case with them as to why and be exact about your exact area.
Often times they'll come back with a different suggestion, they may also flat out deny it and make you put in an Airspace Authorization through DroneZone, something I've also done a few times. That typically requires a call from the FAA who will work with you on the request.
I'll just say it should be done by an experienced pilot though, as I've mentioned before it's not the planes you need to worry about, it's ground obstacles that need to be avoided because you'll be required to be below 100'. By law you should have a VO anyway but here it's very important for a variety of reasons.
Wheatley312@reddit
Didn’t they remove VO? Or am I nuts, there was some change to the part 107 rules that relaxed things
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Rule says "if you or the person flying cannot maintain direct, unaided visual line of sight with the drone" and there is no better case than this. While I always plot my path I have to be looking at my screen while shooting, not the drone in the sky. My VO had eyes on it the entire time.
MadBrown@reddit
Good to see that DHS is on the job. Sounds like they didn't give you too hard of a time but just wanted to make sure you were legit.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Yeah, I actually work with them here in the Bay Area quite a bit and had I known I was going to get flagged I would've pinged them and save them the drive. But yeah, they're always cool and point pilots who fly illegally to my Instagram quite a bit, they also sometimes ask me to post up PSAs around TFRs.
MadBrown@reddit
That's awesome.
Gositi@reddit
Downvoted before I read this.
Ornery_Year_9870@reddit
The result wasn't worth all that effort.
IndianaBronez@reddit
oh hush. let people have fun with their hobbies.
stupidlittlekids@reddit
filming aviation in vertical will always deserve ridicule
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Agreed and I’ll take it. I carefully plan all of my flights and work closely with the FAA in them. TBH my biggest risks aren’t coming close to aircraft, it’s not hitting obstacles like buildings and wire towers on the ground while maintaining altitudes below 100’.
FAA only cares about how high you go and distance from planes, you’re on your own for the rest so it needs to be flown responsibly.
As for why (also a fair question) it’s because I like a unique vantage point and the cinematic motion of a moving camera while capturing a plane in motion.
BoringBob84@reddit
I agree. That makes filming things above that altitude difficult, unless you have a camera that can tilt upwards.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Right, that's why I chose the location carefully. I was barely able to maintain a good distance above the buildings while still getting a view of the runways. The first thing I did upon taking the drone up was to establish my preliminary path with the 1x camera (so I can see everything as I pass). Then I knew I could zoom all the way in and as long as I maintained the path and altitude all was good and safe. It's an effective technique I use a lot when making these kind of flights.
Maldivesblue@reddit
Never thought about it like that but you are right.
IndianaBronez@reddit
for sure, but I think it’s kinda lame to shit on something somebody had fun doing like that commenter did. there’s a nicer way to criticize things yknow
turpentinedreamer@reddit
Ok this take is fair.
Heavy_Team7922@reddit
Agreed
Dan26air@reddit
I'd agree , you'd get the same result if not better being stood at the end of the runway with a trusty camera
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
As one who also does a lot of static ground planespotting I couldn't disagree more here. The drone being in motion while the planes are moving adds a lot to it that I could never get otherwise.
SmurfyTurf@reddit
I enjoyed watching it and thought it was cool
itsnotanemergencybut@reddit
Hobbies include telling elementary school children Santa isn’t real, and asking for a manager
Mrpolje@reddit
Is it hard to get permission? Like do you have to have some kind of special training?
In Europe getting permission to fly a drone close to an airport is almost unheard of. Or at least very uncommon.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Please see my response above.
EmilySD101@reddit
WITH A WHAT
KeyboardGunner@reddit
WITH A DRONE
EmilySD101@reddit
Excuse me for thinking that’s a weird ass thing to have near an active airport. What a fucking asshole I am for thinking of FAA regulations around planes full of passengers
hydrobunny@reddit
I love flying in/out of there, its so cool
JayGerard@reddit
Keep the damn drones away from airports. Jesus, people are fucking jackasses.
BoringBob84@reddit
This is precisely what the regulations are doing and OP is complying! "Jesus, people are fucking jackasses."
Please learn about the subject matter before getting so upset:
KSFO Drone Restrictions Near San Francisco International Airport
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
When 95% of the droners don’t know the subject matter and regulations we as the people put in danger have every right to get upset.
But you see a cool picture, that’s all you care about.
BoringBob84@reddit
Apparently, you believe that you are God and that you can possibly know what someone else cares about. Check your arrogance. Speak for yourself and let me do the same.
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
No, I’m not Hod. I’m not immortal and could be killed by the droners that see pictures like this, buy a drone off Amazon and fly it into short final while I landing. Don’t tell people that live this to learn the subject matter. We do it every day. Nice assumption that you are the only one who knows anything though.
BoringBob84@reddit
Did you look at the map of the restricted airspace where OP's drone was not? If you do this every day, then you should understand how restricted airspace works.
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
Did you read what I said? “Droners that see pictures like this…”
Those droners have never heard of a restricted area. But keep on, please.
BoringBob84@reddit
OP made it very clear that they respect restricted airspace. I think you are conflating two very different groups of people.
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
I guess I have to spell it out.
People see pictures like this. They buy a drone off Amazon. They fly wherever they want trying to get the same shot. Midair.
But you are too stuck on OPs pretty picture to not realize what is being said or care about the root issue.
BoringBob84@reddit
I think that you and I agree about how irresponsible and dangerous such people are. However, OP is not such a person.
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
I’m not talking about OP. I haven’t been since this started. In the part of my comment you copied I specifically mentioned other people. So I really don’t know why you have been arguing this whole time. Unless you really think you are the only one that knows anything so you don’t listen.
BoringBob84@reddit
This post is about OP. And it seems like you are blaming OP for the irresponsible actions of other people.
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
Wow. What was the comment that started this whole shindig?
I don’t want to get in between whatever you and OP have going any more than I already have. Your blindness to the actual conversation while you breathlessly wait to talk about OP is next level. Sounds like you really just want to see the pretty pictures after all.
latedescent@reddit
Honestly, just keep drones away from airports. The last thing I want to worry about is some hobbyiest drone getting sucked into my engine.
pattern_altitude@reddit
This was done by a certified operator with ATC approval. They were nowhere near the aircraft. You don't have to be such a wet blanket.
latedescent@reddit
I honestly don't care, while OP did it "responsibly" there are 10 more who won't do it as such, and again, the last thing I want to have to worry about is some guy off the end of the runway who wants to get the perfect shot and ends up taking out one of my motors. Downvote me all you want!
pattern_altitude@reddit
I'm not saying anyone should be allowed to operate near an airport, and those who do so without permission should certainly be punished to the extent provided by the law, but there's no reason to disallow it when done in coordination with ATC.
Breadedbutthole@reddit
Not that I get a vote but I’d prefer they not be allowed to operate in proximity to an airport. Accidents happen despite precautions and best efforts. There’s zero practical reason to indulge this hobby near airports.
pattern_altitude@reddit
Ok, how about when fire/police/other government services need to operate near an airport as part of their public service? There was a fire just off the field at BOS today that the fire department deployed a drone for.
JayGerard@reddit
Comparing Apples and Oranges doesn't really help your argument.
quzimaa@reddit
lets not allow general aviation near airports that operate commercial aviation to minimize risk? I mean drones like this are literally just GA
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
GA pilots get actual training. Drone operators take a class and disappear if anything happens.
KUweatherman@reddit
Not legit Part 107 certificate holders. We literally have a card on our person from the FAA and are required to keep that certificate current. RemoteID is also required.
Your issue is with the non-responsible drone users…not people doing things by the book like the OP. Big difference between actual Part 107 pilots and those who simply take the TRUST test for hobby flying. It’s a big reason why those TRUST flyers can’t get a LAANC and a flight like OP’s wouldn’t ever be authorized.
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
Check my other comment about the root issue.
I’m tied if having to repeat myself for people who have never had to take a checkride.
Come back and have a talk when some Beat Buy droner that has never heard of TRUST or LAANC tries to get the same shot that OP did and has a midair.
pattern_altitude@reddit
Except it's not really apples to oranges, because the training requirements for the operators are the same between public safety and commercial users.
Breadedbutthole@reddit
Ok that’s a good practical reason. 100% fine with emergency services doing what they need to save lives.
Hobbyists though not so much.
pattern_altitude@reddit
Part 107 training requirements are the same whether you're doing it for private use or public service. What gives? Why the double standard?
BoringBob84@reddit
They aren't. Read the regulations. There is restricted airspace that drones must stay out of.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
I'm not going to downvote this, It's a fair concern for pilots, one I also share particularly with helicopter pilots in the Bay Area who fly lower and irresponsible drone operators who clearly fly above 400' AGL in many cases.
If/when they issue new regulations around this I will always abide. Maybe take some solace in the fact that there are still a lot of us who take it all seriously and work within the confines of the laws, complex as they are.
BoringBob84@reddit
You make good points. People like you, who are passionate about aviation, are not the people who will endanger aviation for personal gain.
DougalisGod@reddit
So you’re saying that this is a gateway video and it’s going to lure people into trying more risky videos? Like that one time my friend took one marijuana, and got so addicted to heroin from it. Not gonna argue about that.
fly_awayyy@reddit
He did it with approval
Occams_ElectricRazor@reddit
Yeah and sometimes approval doesn't mean it's a good idea.
latedescent@reddit
bingo, im pretty sure anyone disagreeing with us doesnt operate jets in these environments
UpdateDesk1112@reddit
Yeah, the “it’s a pretty picture” mob hasn’t passed a drone on short final.
latedescent@reddit
Bingo!
Perfect-Escape-3904@reddit
Let regulators work this out, it’s their job. Sounds like it was filmed safely according to the rules.
Occams_ElectricRazor@reddit
Trucks can also cross runways according to the rules as well.
BoringBob84@reddit
I certainly understand the concern. An engine failure during takeoff has got to be fucking terrifying - no altitude, compromised thrust, sudden yaw, holy shit - declare an emergency! Way too much drama.
However, OP is not the hobbyist drone that you need to worry about. Their drone was far away.
BoringBob84@reddit
That is the point of the regulations. Drones must observe restricted airspace and altitude maximums, as OP did. A good zoom camera makes objects appear closer than they really are.
turpentinedreamer@reddit
I believe this person has posted before. He does it all by the book and uses a long zoom on the drone.
stickied@reddit
If only there were a way to flip the camera 90 degrees and capture the entire airplane.
Hopefully some day that technology will exist.
KUweatherman@reddit
It exists. Gimbles rotate. OP likely filmed in Portrait mode for social media.
malcontentII@reddit
Stunning!
Swimming_Way_7372@reddit
I like the video. Is there a version that can be viewed in landscape mode ? Do some drones sometimes film in portrait?
jonmoon04@reddit
What drone was this filmed with?
Benjamin39Brown@reddit
Land that drone immediately or else you will face the full wrath of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Sirspender@reddit
...but why?
turpentinedreamer@reddit
So when something cool comes through he can call the tower and get permission because they recognize him as somebody that isn’t a dickhead and let him film it
546875674c6966650d0a@reddit
Establish yourself as one of the party so you'll always get the invite.
-BirdDogActual@reddit
Big brain moves
scr0llwheel@reddit
Not sure why all the comments are so shitty but I’ll say this is awesome. Good job and keep posting these, please.
ericgtr12@reddit (OP)
Appreciate it.
airport-codes@reddit
I am a bot.
^(If you are the OP and this comment is inaccurate or unwanted, reply below with "bad bot" and it will be deleted.)
BusyContract2599@reddit
God bot!
encephalqn@reddit
And all the bakery trucks in the area breathed a sigh of relief...
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