Try your absolute best to fly away from anyone, but avoiding
every person can sometimes be dicult. If any spectators are
present during a flight, establish a safe takeo and landing zone
(see Figure 10-1). We keep a minimum of 30 feet between our
UAV and any person or thing. We like to use safety cones to
mark our safe zone perimeter. You could also use an extra large
tarp with cones weighing down the corners. A tarp would keep
dirt out of your UAV’s sensitive electronics too. Creating a physi-
cal line of safety using rope, poles, paint, or
field-lining powder is
a great way to keep spectators at bay. If you have a spotter with
you, have her talk to anyone nearby to let them know what you
are doing, to direct spectators to stay away from the flight zone,
and to always be aware of where the UAV is. Remember, flying
near large stadiums with crowds in the stands is prohibited by
the FAA an hour before and an hour after an event is scheduled
(as well as during the event itself, of course).
Figure 10-1. Always keep a safety zone around your aircraft dur-
ing
takeo and landing.
Actively look out for any cables in the flight area. Power lines in
the air, and even loose cables on the ground, can be very
Safe and Responsible Flight 167
To Next Page