I’ve registered my drone with the Indian Government and always fly in green zones as shown on the Digital Sky website. Yet, I’m constantly harassed by security guards and officers who act like I’m doing something illegal.
Just today, I was flying over a river near a forest, which is a completely green zone. An old police officer came over and demanded I land my drone. He didn’t even look at my registration or let me explain. He just wanted to flex his authority and forced me to stop.
Why does this keep happening? It feels like people just assume drones are banned everywhere in India. What can I do to handle this kind of bullying?
You know what works? Wear a high-visibility vest that says something like ‘Drone Operator - Do Not Disturb.’ People usually leave you alone after that.
Jean said:
You know what works? Wear a high-visibility vest that says something like ‘Drone Operator - Do Not Disturb.’ People usually leave you alone after that.
And don’t forget a hard hat and maybe some work boots, just to sell the look.
Jean said:
You know what works? Wear a high-visibility vest that says something like ‘Drone Operator - Do Not Disturb.’ People usually leave you alone after that.
Or you could just record everything secretly. If someone damages your drone, sue them. It might scare people into leaving drone operators alone.
Sometimes showing them what you’re doing can help. Let them watch the video feed and explain that it’s harmless. They might ease up once they see there’s no danger.
Your safest option is to avoid them altogether. Stay out of sight, or look official with a high-vis vest to seem like you belong there. Sometimes being right isn’t enough to keep you safe.
Jessie said:
Your safest option is to avoid them altogether. Stay out of sight, or look official with a high-vis vest to seem like you belong there. Sometimes being right isn’t enough to keep you safe.
Exactly. In India, many guards don’t care about registration or rules. They act first, often violently, and listen later.
Here’s what I say in the US: ‘I’m a certified pilot flying a registered aircraft on a legal flight. Interfering with flight operations can result in fines and even prison time.’ Usually, that scares people off.
Do drone operators in India have any similar protections under the law?
@Ren
Unfortunately, no. All we can do is register the drone. Beyond that, there’s no real protection for pilots here. The system only favors the rich. For middle and lower-class people like me, the law isn’t much help.
Graydon said:
Sometimes showing them what you’re doing can help. Let them watch the video feed and explain that it’s harmless. They might ease up once they see there’s no danger.
Not in India. Here, security guards and cops usually act first and assault people, then ask questions later.
Print out the rules, add some QR codes with links to the official site, and carry them with you. If someone questions you, hand them a copy and show them the map for the area. It might save you some trouble.
@Smith
That’s a good idea. I’ve been thinking about carrying all the documents with me. You never know when someone might lose their temper or get violent.
Eden said: @Smith
That’s a good idea. I’ve been thinking about carrying all the documents with me. You never know when someone might lose their temper or get violent.
I lived in India for a while, and I noticed people are very curious when something unusual happens. They just want to be involved. But yeah, don’t fly alone. It’s too risky when you’re focused on the drone. Have someone with you, and maybe wear something that makes you look official.
Next time, keep a bigger drone in your bag. Land the smaller one, then take out the big one and watch their reaction. Or better yet, leave in your attack helicopter!