I'm working on a shoot tomorrow where I want to use POI mode to orbit a crowd from 50 meters away. I don't want to fly over the crowd, so is there a way to either A) set the POI center to a position away from the Typhoon H, or B) set the POI center then retain that position for 15 minutes? For B, I could set the position before the crowd arrives, but the H would need to retain that position until the event has started, probably 15-20 minutes. Also, what is the procedure for starting POI mode? Do I need to takeoff first, where does the hex need to be prior to starting POI mode, and how do I stop POI mode? Also, any suggestions on gimbal control in POI?
Thanks,
Where are you?
Not advisable but technically one is allowed to fly over a crowd of less than a thousand people in the U.K. if you have a PfCO, but not as a hobby pilot.
The Air Navigation Order says that one must keep a UAS at least 150m away from a congested area which is what the crowd is. However, the maximum advised height is only 122m which can be stretch a little way but 150m height would not be tolerated in a court...the court would probably see 150m height as not being in VLOS vertically. So, as a hobby flier you would not be able to fly over the crowd. On the other hand, having a PfCO you would benefit from an easement in that you must only keep 50m away from a congested area...the same as that for flying where individuals or small groups of people are. But the 122m height restriction for a PfCO holder is law. But that would allow a flight over a congested area so long as you flew at least 50m above the crowd and that crowd numbered less than a thousand people.
Note: The Air Navigation Order makes a reference that one should keep your aircraft more than 50m away from individuals or small groups of people (30m during take off and landing) and 150m away from a congested area eased to 50m for a standard PfCO holder. That is seen as a sort of bubble by the CAA and so that would allow a flight above a person at a height of, say, 51m and for a PfCO holder 51m over the crowd.
The only reference that the ANO makes that restricts one from flying over people is for large gatherings of a thousand people or more...a football stadium, say.
This is my understanding of the ANO.
Note that the ANO is due to be updated in a few months time so what I have just written may or may not apply after it is updated.
I hasten to say that although it is technically doable to fly over an individual and for a PfCO holder, a crowd of less than a thousand people, I would not ever fly over a crowd. I would never forgive myself if something went wrong and I advise against it. It may be technically legal (in the U.K.), but is it sensible?
Best option is a CCC but like Tuna says, it is very short notice and you would need to practice it to get it right.