UK Does anyone have experience flying at large public events?

[NIDroneGuy]

I have been approached by a new client who would like me to take some aerial photos at a world record attempt. I don't really have much experience covering large events so I'm not sure what all I need to consider.

There will be roughly 3000 people standing together to form a shape with their bodies. The site will be closed off to anyone who is not there to participate in the record attempt.

I am in the UK, so I know that I couldn't fly within 150m of this open air gather of more than 1000 people. Should I worry about wind direction on the day - if my transmitter disconnects then it may drift toward the crowd? What sort of permission/ release form do I need to get people on site to sign? What is the best sort of emergency procedure to put in place at things like this? What else do I need to consider here?

Any advice is appreciated!

 

[Overnite]

I did something similar and was able to be a safe distance away from them and used a longer zoom lens to shoot down and on an angle at them. I'm in the US with fairly strict rules but we still had everyone sign liability waivers...

 

[The Editor]

I have been approached by a new client who would like me to take some aerial photos at a world record attempt. I don't really have much experience covering large events so I'm not sure what all I need to consider.

There will be roughly 3000 people standing together to form a shape with their bodies. The site will be closed off to anyone who is not there to participate in the record attempt.

I am in the UK, so I know that I couldn't fly within 150m of this open air gather of more than 1000 people. Should I worry about wind direction on the day - if my transmitter disconnects then it may drift toward the crowd? What sort of permission/ release form do I need to get people on site to sign? What is the best sort of emergency procedure to put in place at things like this? What else do I need to consider here?

Any advice is appreciated!

Moved to correct section.

Presumably you hold PfCO in which case you will have a working knowledge of risk assessments and site surveys.
To answer your question - yes, wind direction should definitely be a factor in your RA and it is advisable to also have more than one ‘ditch area’ in the event of a problem.
At public events of 3,000 people it is not practical to have every attendee sign a waiver however, since this is a closed event it would by advisable to have a pro-former sheet waiver where people are required to sign and print their name as they enter. Presumably, they know why they are there and should not have an issue signing a waiver. Although this will not absolve you of all liability (since negligence can still be cited and will not give you a defense against personal injury/death) it will give you a level of protection should anything untoward happen.

Good luck with the attempt

 

[Vantage_DS]

Should I worry about wind direction on the day - if my transmitter disconnects then it may drift toward the crowd? What sort of permission/ release form do I need to get people on site to sign? What is the best sort of emergency procedure to put in place at things like this? What else do I need to consider here?

What company did you take your PfCO with for them not to teach you this stuff!?

 

[Cyclops]

Moved to correct section.

Presumably you hold PfCO in which case you will have a working knowledge of risk assessments and site surveys.
To answer your question - yes, wind direction should definitely be a factor in your RA and it is advisable to also have more than one ‘ditch area’ in the event of a problem.
At public events of 3,000 people it is not practical to have every attendee sign a waiver however, since this is a closed event it would by advisable to have a pro-former sheet waiver where people are required to sign and print their name as they enter. Presumably, they know why they are there and should not have an issue signing a waiver. Although this will not absolve you of all liability (since negligence can still be cited and will not give you a defense against personal injury/death) it will give you a level of protection should anything untoward happen.

Good luck with the attempt

Great reply 'Ed' - informative, positive and encouraging. Operating in 3D airspace whilst concentrating on photography or video filming whilst at the same time considering crucial safety aspects can be a daunting challenge for both experienced pilots and newcomers to this very new industry.

Forums such as this one play a big role in helping people to operate in a confident and safe manner.

 

[Vantage_DS]

Sorry my response was not as positive as The Editors, but safety is a concern on a job with 3000 people.
A PfCO holder should already have these things written into the operations manual, under emergency procedures. Which made me question if NIDroneGuy holds a PfCO, or question the competency of the company who trained someone up without discussing what happens when a transceiver is disconnected.

I shouldn't jump to conclusions, and at least NIDroneGuy is asking for help which is more than some do.

FYI NIDroneGuy, there are 3 planned things that happen when the transceiver is disconnected - They are all set in the DJI Go App.

1 - Hover: Note If the drone is in Atti mode then it will drift with the wind...
2 - Land: Does what it says on the tin.
3 - Return Home: Make sure you gave the drone enough time to set it's home position before taking off. Check it's return home altitude too.