Flying Drones in Parks

Hal3000

Was in St Anne’s Park (Dublin City Council, D5 area) earlier. Couple and their children flying a drone over my head. I gave it the finger as I absolutely hate these things, but now I’m wondering, what is the legal position of flying a drone in a public - managed park area ? There were also kids about where I was so if it was recording footage I would be very concerned as a parent too.

SteM

There are signs up in Corkagh Park saying they're not allowed, I'm surprised there aren't signs about it in all city parks.

Hal3000

SteM wrote: »

There are signs up in Corkagh Park saying they're not allowed, I'm surprised there aren't signs about it in all city parks.

There are no signs in St Anne’s Park for rules about flying drones in the park. Most people don’t as they're not pathetic enough to record football pitches and random people walking. Next time one goes near me I’m going to do my level best to take it down.

Witcher

No you're not.

robertpatterson

Youd be in trouble afaik theyre treated as an aircraft and have the same level of protection

Hal3000

robertpatterson wrote: »

Youd be in trouble afaik theyre treated as an aircraft and have the same level of protection

I’ll plead self defense as it’s an unwarranted invasion of my privacy and my space.

Del2005

Hal3000 wrote: »

There are no signs in St Anne’s Park for rules about flying drones in the park. Most people don’t as they're not pathetic enough to record football pitches and random people walking. Next time one goes near me I’m going to do my level best to take it down.

There's no right to privacy in public so they aren't doing anything wrong with the camera.

Here's the rules on flying drones

https://www.iaa.ie/general-aviation/drones

Hal3000

Then they would better have a permit to fly it in a public space and also my consent to record me.

Witcher

Hal3000 wrote: »

Then they would better have a permit to fly it in a public space and also my consent to record me.

It's a public place, your consent isn't needed.

fred funk }{

Hal3000 wrote: »

I’ll plead self defense as it’s an unwarranted invasion of my privacy.

You're in a public place. You've no right to privacy from a drone and certainly no right to destroy someone's property.

Hal3000

fred funk }{ wrote: »

You're in a public place. You've no right to privacy from a drone and certainly no right to destroy someone's property.

Madness. So a drone can hover over my head and record me and there is nothing I can do about it ? If anything flies close to me I’ll be defending myself. I’ll take the risk. Sorry, but that is complete madness how a permit is not required to fly something that has the same rights an aircraft. Most drone owners don’t have permits so how could any law be applied ?

fred funk }{

Hal3000 wrote: »

Madness. So a drone can hover over my head and record me and there is nothing I can do about it ? If anything flies close to me I’ll be defending myself. I’ll take the risk. Sorry but that is complete madness how a permit is not required to fly something that has the same rights an aircraft.,

If you're in a public place you can be recorded with a CCTV camera, phone or drone etc. There's nothing you can do about it.

Now, if the drone was endangering you then that's different.

Hal3000

fred funk }{ wrote: »

If you're in a public place you can be recorded with a CCTV camera, phone or drone etc. There's nothing you can do about it.

Now, if the drone was endangering you then that's different.

Yes, this one was flying very close. I did feel endangered and I’ll be protecting myself next time if one comes as close.

Steve

Hal3000 wrote: »

Madness. So a drone can hover over my head and record me and there is nothing I can do about it ? If anything flies close to me I’ll be defending myself. I’ll take the risk. Sorry, but that is complete madness how a permit is not required to fly something that has the same rights an aircraft. Most drone owners don’t have permits so how could any law be applied ?

Have you ever walked up Grafton street? if so you were recorded on several hundred cctv devices.

Are you going to demand their permission also?

Witcher

Again, no you won't...stop pretending. Nobody here is impressed.

Hal3000

Steve wrote: »

Have you ever walked up Grafton street? if so you were recorded on several hundred cctv devices.

Are you going to demand their permission also?

Sorry CCTV doesn’t usually fly close to your head.

return guide

Hal3000 wrote: »

Madness. So a drone can hover over my head and record me and there is nothing I can do about it ? If anything flies close to me I’ll be defending myself. I’ll take the risk. Sorry, but that is complete madness how a permit is not required to fly something that has the same rights an aircraft. Most drone owners don’t have permits so how could any law be applied ?

But they will have you recorded committing a criminal act against their property. You will only have your word for self defence.
If you feel there is anything sinister happening, you are perfectly entitled to record it on your phone and report it to the Gardai.

Hal3000

return guide wrote: »

But they will have you recorded committing a criminal act against their property. You will only have your word for self defence.
If you feel there is anything sinister happening, you are perfectly entitled to record it on your phone and report it to the Gardai.

I’m sorry but I felt completely endangered at the time. It was very close to my head and I’m well within my rights to protect myself if I feel threatened. No criminal act was committed so you can stop that now please.

corsav6

So you see a couple and their children flying a drone close to you and you decide the best thing to do was give it the middle finger. So the parents and kids go home all excited to see their drone footage and there right in the middle is some stranger sticking up his finger, nice move, the kids will be delighted.
Maybe next time just for fun you should approach the people and politely ask that they don't fly close to you as you find it intimidating, and maybe they'll be friendly and move away.

Witcher

corsav6 wrote: »

So you see a couple and their children flying a drone close to you and you decide the best thing to do was give it the middle finger. So the parents and kids go home all excited to see their drone footage and there right in the middle is some stranger sticking up his finger, nice move, the kids will be delighted.
Maybe next time just for fun you should approach the people and politely ask that they don't fly close to you as you find it intimidating, and maybe they'll be friendly and move away.

Don't mind him, he didn't do a thing.

return guide

Hal3000 wrote: »

I’m sorry but I felt completely endangered at the time and I’m within my rights to protect myself. No criminal act was committed so you can stop that now please.

If you felt somebody endangered you, would you not report it?

Section 13 covers it - Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997

Timberrrrrrrr

Hal3000 wrote: »

Then they would better have a permit to fly it in a public space and also my consent to record me.

You're in a public space so consent is not required, are you sure it had a camera attached?

Steve

Hal3000 wrote: »

I’m sorry but I felt completely endangered at the time. It was very close to my head and I’m well within my rights to protect myself if I feel threatened. No criminal act was committed so you can stop that now please.

I presume you reported it to either the Guards or the IAA.

Did you take a video of it? it will help your court case.

Did you identify the owner of the aircraft? did you take a photo of them? I'm assuming you at least had a capable phone with you at the time...

Hal3000

corsav6 wrote: »

So you see a couple and their children flying a drone close to you and you decide the best thing to do was give it the middle finger. So the parents and kids go home all excited to see their drone footage and there right in the middle is some stranger sticking up his finger, nice move, the kids will be delighted.
Maybe next time just for fun you should approach the people and politely ask that they don't fly close to you as you find it intimidating, and maybe they'll be friendly and move away.

I couldn’t care less what the family or the kids think. I don’t go to the park to be recorded by random strangers who are not bound by any laws of GDPR like owners of CCTV footage. I don’t record people in the park who I do not know and I expect the same. Sorry but I won’t back down on this. These things are a scourge on our privacy and if someone fly's one so close to me again I’ll be defending myself against it.

Timberrrrrrrr

Hal3000 wrote: »

I couldn’t care less what the family or the kids think. I don’t go to the park to be recorded by random strangers who are not bound by any laws of GDPR like owners of CCTV footage. I don’t record people in the park who I do not know and I expect the same. Sorry but I won’t back down on this. These things are a scourge on our privacy and if one goes near me again I’ll be defending myself against it.

Is this you?

Hal3000

Steve wrote: »

I presume you reported it to either the Guards or the IAA.

Did you take a video of it? it will help your court case.

Did you identify the owner of the aircraft? did you take a photo of them? I'm assuming you at least had a capable phone with you at the time...

No because I didn’t do anything this time. If it happens again I’ll be reporting the issue - recording the people flying it and if needs be defending my space if it comes too close.

Hal3000

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

Is this you?

Totally. More Michael Douglas in Falling Down tho

return guide

Hal3000 wrote: »

I couldn’t care less what the family or the kids think. I don’t go to the park to be recorded by random strangers who are not bound by any laws of GDPR like owners of CCTV footage. I don’t record people in the park who I do not know and I expect the same. Sorry but I won’t back down on this. These things are a scourge on our privacy and if someone fly's one so close to me again I’ll be defending myself against it.

But you never know when you are recorded, I am in St Annes almost everyday and I see photographers all the time. Indeed I have often taken photos of different scenes there.
If I inadvertently take one of you will you defend your self and put me at harm?

Hal3000

return guide wrote: »

But you never know when you are recorded, I am in St Annes almost everyday and I see photographers all the time. Indeed I have often taken photos of different scenes there.
If I inadvertently take one of you will you defend your self and put me at harm?

Couldn’t care if a photographer is far away as obviously there is nothing I can do about in a public place. If a photographer comes near with me with a camera in a menacing - threatening fashion just like the drone then yes I’ll be defending myself and I’m within my rights to do so.

hots

Hal3000 wrote: »

Couldn’t care if a photographer is far away as obviously there is nothing I can do in a public place. If a photographer comes near with me with a camera in a menacing - threatening fashion just like the drone then yes I’ll be defending myself and I’m within my rights to do so.

how was the drone flown by the mother and child menacing?

Hal3000

hots wrote: »

how was the drone flown by the mother and child menacing?

Being flown fast and wildly right over my head and near my face at times. If it hit me i I would have been seriously injured by it. I was lying down in the sun and it was purposely flown over me. I got up and left and was then followed by it and it flew very close over my head. If that’s not menacing ? If a person acted in such a way towards you and then proceeded to follow you what would you do ? If they got close to your personal space in a threatening fashion you’d defend yourself right ? So what’s the difference here ? I felt a threat and would have been within my rights to defend myself and next time if it happens again I will.

hots

Hal3000 wrote: »

Being flown fast and wildly right over my head and near my face at times. If it hit me i I would have been seriously injured by it. I was lying down in the sun and it was purposely flown over me. I got up and left and was then followed by it and it flew very close over my head. If that’s not menacing ? If a person acted in such a way towards you and then proceeded to follow you what would you do ? If they got close to your personal space in a threatening fashion you’d defend yourself right ? So what’s the difference here ? I felt a threat and would have been within my rights to defend myself and next time if it happens again I will.

I'd probably ask nicely for them to fly it somewhere else.

Gangu

If I am in a park, a place to go to enjoy nature and being outdoors, the last thing I want is a drone buzzing around me. They should be banned from parks. I don’t want to worry about privacy either. It’s one thing a human holding a camera who might happen to snap me using a very good camera from a distance but it is astonishing to see those in this thread don’t appreciate the different quality of experience that the OP had to that. Good on you for flipping the finger. As for the parents and child it might teach them to consider others in invading natural spaces with noisy, intrusive electronic devices.

Gangu

SteM wrote: »

There are signs up in Corkagh Park saying they're not allowed, I'm surprised there aren't signs about it in all city parks.

Agreed. OP consider writing to the St Anne’s management to ask them to ban drones.

listermint

This didn't happen. The OPs depth perception is clearly off. And he is outwardly angry.

Anyone who wilfully compares themselves to Michael Douglas in a movie needs assistance with social skills

Reati

So much nonsense OP.

Anyway, the real, legal rules related to RPAS usage in Ireland are detailed in https://www.iaa.ie/docs/default-source/publications/legislation/statutory-instruments-(orders)/small-unmanned-aircraft-(drones)-and-rockets-order-s-i-563-of-2015.pdf?sfvrsn=26f50bf3_8

The gist of it is.

Not closer than 30 meters to a person not under the control of the pilot. If that group of people is 12 or more then it’s 120 meters.Permission is required from the land owner and if within class C airspace, a permit from the IAA.In the case of park, it would fall under the 120 meter rule and if operated by a council would require written permission to use the drone.

All the depends on the size of the drone.

Now, regards the nonsense.

1st Drones fall under privacy laws like all cameras. You have no right to privacy in public and I can walk right up to you and take pictures but in actuality, noone is taking pictures of you because your are not as interesting as you think you are in your head.

2nd Your right to defend yourself is with reasonable force to protect yourself. You were never in danger from what was likely 50 quid toy drone being flown by a child and parents (for your education the destruction of a proper RPAS that is registered with the IAA is classed as attacking an aircraft) so your defense wouldn’t hold much water given you could have, call the gaurds, asked the person to stop, left the area, weren’t in any actual danger of harm etc etc

But good on you giving them the finger instead of acting like a grown up and talking to them. We need more rational, level headed people like you in society

Hal3000

listermint wrote: »

This didn't happen. The OPs depth perception is clearly off. And he is outwardly angry.

Anyone who wilfully compares themselves to Michael Douglas in a movie needs assistance with social skills

That was a joke, lighten up.

Hal3000

Reati wrote: »

So much nonsense OP.

Anyway, the real, legal rules related to RPAS usage in Ireland are detailed in https://www.iaa.ie/docs/default-source/publications/legislation/statutory-instruments-(orders)/small-unmanned-aircraft-(drones)-and-rockets-order-s-i-563-of-2015.pdf?sfvrsn=26f50bf3_8

The gist of it is.

Not closer than 30 meters to a person not under the control of the pilot. If that group of people is 12 or more then it’s 120 meters.Permission is required from the land owner and if within class C airspace, a permit from the IAA.In the case of park, it would fall under the 120 meter rule and if operated by a council would require written permission to use the drone.

All the depends on the size of the drone.

Now, regards the nonsense.

1st Drones fall under privacy laws like all cameras. You have no right to privacy in public and I can walk right up to you and take pictures but in actuality, noone is taking pictures of you because your are not as interesting as you think you are in your head.

2nd Your right to defend yourself is with reasonable force to protect yourself. You were never in danger from what was likely 50 quid toy drone being flown by a child and parents (for your education the destruction of a proper RPAS that is registered with the IAA is classed as attacking an aircraft) so your defense wouldn’t hold much water given you could have, call the gaurds, asked the person to stop, left the area, weren’t in any actual danger of harm etc etc

But good on you giving them the finger instead of acting like a grown up and talking to them. We need more rational, level headed people like you in society

It’s great that you were there to witness this 50 quid toy drone flying over my head and in my face. I can tell you now it was not a 50 quid plastic drone and I can tell you this if it happens again I’ll be protecting my space. I’ll take my chances with the law. I won’t have anyone fly something near me in a dangerous fashion and think that I just have to deal with it. As far as I’m concerned this drones posed a danger to my person. To mitigate this danger to myself I can defend myself using reasonable force. Just like if a dog was off his leash and running at me in a threatening manner. The law doesn’t just protect drones.

jochenstacker

Hal3000 wrote: »

It’s great that you were there to witness this 50 quid toy drone flying over my head and in my face. I can tell you now it was not a 50 quid plastic drone and I can tell you this if it happens again I’ll be protecting my space. I’ll take my chances with the law. I won’t have anyone fly something near me in a dangerous fashion and think that I just have to deal with it. As far as I’m concerned this drones pose a danger when flow close to people. If I feel my life was under threat then I can defend myself using reasonable force. Just like if a dog was off his leash and running at me in a threatening manner. The law doesn’t just protect drones.

Yeah, blablabla, Keyboard Warrior.
One question, o mighty hardman, how do you know they were recording you? Did it have a camera attached? Was it recording at the time?
You see a family doing something fun together and the first thing you do is give them the finger?
I'd recommend counseling and anger management for you.
If you suddenly start windmilling like a nutter and smashing someone's property, you will most likely traumatise their kids as they see a complete lunatic attacking their property. But you don't strike me as the kind of person who cares. I guess you don't have kids, or they're with their mother after the inevitable divorce, so you carry a lot of unresolved issues.
You may want to address those.

Hal3000

Gangu wrote: »

If I am in a park, a place to go to enjoy nature and being outdoors, the last thing I want is a drone buzzing around me. They should be banned from parks. I don’t want to worry about privacy either. It’s one thing a human holding a camera who might happen to snap me using a very good camera from a distance but it is astonishing to see those in this thread don’t appreciate the different quality of experience that the OP had to that. Good on you for flipping the finger. As for the parents and child it might teach them to consider others in invading natural spaces with noisy, intrusive electronic devices.

Thanks but we are in the minority here. People on this thread seem to be in a favor of a world where citizens with drones willfully capture our every move for their personal or kids entertainment. Christ it’s like an episode of Black Mirror.

Hal3000

jochenstacker wrote: »

Yeah, blablabla, Keyboard Warrior.
One question, o mighty hardman, how do you know they were recording you? Did it have a camera attached? Was it recording at the time?

Defending myself is not acting a hard man. I’m a very placid person. Recording or not it got too close and I’m within my rights to defend myself. Similar to a dog running to attack me. If people don’t take responsibility for their drones then it’s not my problem.

jochenstacker

Hal3000 wrote: »

Defending myself is not acting a hard man. I’m a very placid person. Recording or not it got too close and I’m within my rights to defend myself.

You gave the finger and expressed a desire to smash the drone.
You should consider therapy.

Hal3000

jochenstacker wrote: »

You gave the finger and expressed a desire to smash the drone.
You should consider therapy.

Never said I would smash it sorry. Gave the finger because my privacy was rudely invaded. You might be ok with that but I don’t have to be. Maybe I could have acted more diplomatically but I still stand on defending myself if they fly near me again.

Reati

Hal3000 wrote: »

It’s great that you were there to witness this 50 quid toy drone flying over my head and in my face. I can tell you now it was not a 50 quid plastic drone and I can tell you this if it happens again I’ll be protecting my space. I’ll take my chances with the law. I won’t have anyone fly something near me in a dangerous fashion and think that I just have to deal with it. As far as I’m concerned this drones posed a danger to my person. To mitigate this danger to myself I can defend myself using reasonable force. Just like if a dog was off his leash and running at me in a threatening manner. The law doesn’t just protect drones.

That's some chip on your shoulder to be carrying around. Do you also go around looking for fights or just with kids and on boards?

delly

OP, what distance in mathematical measurement terms was the drone to your face? Based on your hysterical descriptions, it seems as if they were focused specifically on you, which as a complete randomer in a large park, I find a little implausible.

listermint

Hal3000 wrote: »

That was a joke, lighten up.

Lighten up ?


Lol.

I'm not the one sticking my fingers up in public at inanimate objects.

You are nicely tying a bow in my assumption that you have anger issues. Why didn't you go over to the family and punch someone. Let it all out.

Effects

Hal3000 wrote: »

People on this thread seem to be in a favor of a world where citizens with drones willfully capture our every move for their personal or kids entertainment.

Why would they have any interest in recording footage of you?

Lots of people have this unwarranted idea that if a drone is nearby then it must be recording them. It’s crazy. You aren’t that interesting.

Hal3000

Here we go. Drag the OP down into the doldrums and make them look like a lunatic for not wanting a airborne recording device flying dangerously close to them. My position remains. I’ll let you throw out insults here and hopefully it will make you all feel sensible. Good luck.

The J Stands for Jay

Hal3000 wrote: »

I’ll plead self defense as it’s an unwarranted invasion of my privacy and my space.

Ah yes, the expectation of privacy in a public park.

The J Stands for Jay

Hal3000 wrote: »

Madness. So a drone can hover over my head and record me and there is nothing I can do about it ? If anything flies close to me I’ll be defending myself. I’ll take the risk. Sorry, but that is complete madness how a permit is not required to fly something that has the same rights an aircraft. Most drone owners don’t have permits so how could any law be applied ?

Do you have a permit to be in a park? Hey, where's your shoe permit?

The J Stands for Jay

Hal3000 wrote: »

Couldn’t care if a photographer is far away as obviously there is nothing I can do about in a public place. If a photographer comes near with me with a camera in a menacing - threatening fashion just like the drone then yes I’ll be defending myself and I’m within my rights to do so.

Here we have a person promising to engage in illegal activity against anyone they see acting in a specified legal manner.