DroneFlyingRules
Draft 0.93
Drone Flying at MCH2022
Hi drone enthousiasts. We know that you want to fly your drone at MCH for fun and awesome and unique impressions. The organization encourages this, while also providing an (orwellian) helping hand to make sure that flyers are privacy aware and cause a minimal amount of disturbance in the force.
When
In general, drone flying happens at four set moments at the event. If there is no good weather during these times, an alternative will be communicated. Probably the next day.
Before flying, the laws and camp-specific regulations for drones are restated. It's only allowed to take off if you were present during these instructions.
Gather at the INFO desk Sunday at the following times:
- Sunday: 11:30. Flying from 12:00 to 13:30 (sun at highest)
- Sunday: 20:30. Flying from 21:00 to 22:30 (during sundown)
How to ensure privacy
Know that drones, just like modern smartphones, have a quality camera system that can make impressive footage. Use this power wisely: privacy laws and the camp photo policy also apply to drone cameras, so people must not be identifiable (and not be recorded in a recognizable fashion). Only capture people with your camera when you have explicit permission. Also see the photo policy.
Before flying, determine combinations of drone settings and conditions that respects privacy. Every drone has different settings, resolutions and altitudes for this to work. Be aware that night/dark-footage can be greatly enhanced, possibly revealing faces when flying too close to people.
When processing footage, review that it is not possible to identify people. Ask a second set of eyes to help if you're unsure. Reducing resolution may increase privacy if that appears to be needed. After processing delete any footage that contains identifiable people. Don't use cloud storage for drafts or footage (looking at you $populardronevendor).
Note that the organization does not specify a specific altitude, resolution, camera quality or photos/videos/panoramas etc. This balance is in your hands. Good luck, and don't fuck it up.
Laws and regulations
On top of the drone laws there are some special conditions at the camp.
Special conditions
Appropriate distance between the drone and humans is required.
The organization can request to cease flying.
You're using the drone at your own risk.
Flying is forbidden at the following locations:
- Above the river and near the riverbanks. This is a Natura2000 area which is protected.
- The car parks, because of license plates.
Fly responsibly.
Laws
EU drone laws apply.
A quick summary:
- The drone has to have a valid European registration and license and labelling. The operator is trained and licensed to fly (when applicable)
- Flying above 120 meters is not allowed
- You must be able to see your drone
- Respect privacy
- A drone may not weigh more than 25 kg
- Yield to any other air traffic
An overview of drone laws is published at:
NL: https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/drone/vraag-en-antwoord/regels-drone-laag-risico
EN: https://www.government.nl/topics/drone/rules-pertaining-to-recreational-use-of-drones
Special requests / exemptions
For experienced flyers special requests are possible to get the ultimate footage. Such as flying inside (empty) track tents, behind certain closed doors or ad-hoc flying. This has to be arranged on an individual basis and based on your track record as a flyer/publisher. Know that we all want the best footage and want to stimulate the creation of that. TODO: Please request this at the info desk.
FPV (mini) drones can be used outside set times as long as the privacy conditions are met and the goal is the FPV experience. Safety is obviously more of a concern with FPV drones and they cannot be used in nearby proximity of others. Find an edge of a field without people and fly responsibly.
Drones without recording devices can also fly outside of the set times. Meaning: lacking physically recording equipment, like a flying cat.
