Will Audit Channels KILL the drone hobby?

Hey everyone! The topic of audit channels using drones to provoke a response has been something of a hot topic for a good while. However, during the recent CAA Call For Input, we noticed many viewers either asking the question or making assertions that they feel the actions of audit channels will lead to changes in drone regulations in the UK. So, we have sat down with representatives from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the UK CAA to ask them their views and find out what the view from the inside is of this type of drone use. The results might surprise you. Sean will also be giving some of his own updated views and discuss viewers thoughts in this live discussion.
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Sean Hickey, founder of Geeksvana and main channel presenter is a UK registered journalist who seeks to provide accurate information on what is an often misquoted and misrepresented industry and hobby. Sean currently holds certificates from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, including both the A2 Certificate of Competency (A2 CofC) and the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC). Flying all sizes of multirotor aircraft from the small DJI Mini 2 to larger aircraft including the DJI Inspire series for both hobby flights and commercial work.
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[@testpilotian3188]

I’m afraid to say yes, they will, but not because they are breaking the law, but because they are highlighting people in authority’s lack of knowledge over the rules and making them look stupid, and there’s one thing the powers that be doesn’t like and that is being made a fool of.

[@alanthompson7777]

But they're always so willing to make of fool of themselves without help from anyone else.

[@moonshinepz]

Lobby the CIS to include drone awareness in their courses so that security people know what is or isn't a legal flight, then the problem would be at least moving in the right direction.

[@Lee.gRC27]

I've only been approached once from a fellow drone user, he introduced him self and said he would wait for me to land in my own time as he just wanted a general conversation,, If a member of the public approach me with concern about privacy etc, then I would not have a problem in assuring them and even showing them any footage / pics I've took as I don't record of take pics over ppls gardens /homes etc as I wouldn't like that myself, I would just calmly ask said people ppl not to distract me whilst I bring /land my drone and I would go over any concerns regarding privacy /legality etc, it comes down to respect

[@AceAudits]

Hey hey, this is an absolutely fantastic video, well done. It sums up perfectly what I've been explaining to people who are of the opinion auditors who use drones like myself are to blame. Some people like to find a scapegoat unfortunately without fact finding first. I 100% agree with you as well where you say if someone doesn't like audit videos, then don't watch them. On that note, auditors are not all the same, and our methods, attitudes, intentions, and content range vastly. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@eyewitnessmediaderby1805]

Let’s face it as it is. The sole reason you are a frauditor is for KZbin cash. You are in no way shape or form a journalist, no photographer with any artistic content. You’re simply copycat content of all the other frauditor channels.

[@wgh011]

Would it be possible for you to publish your audit criteria and results for us, maybe dispel some of the bad press surrounding the drone audits?

[@RobboRobinson]

Not a problem with auditors but I do think they should be required to provide ID or details of their CAA registration where necessary to negate any criminal use when flying an aircraft in a public place.

[@SteveG4YTK]

Nice to have you back, I kept checking and wondering what happened to you, glad you are on the mend. In my former life wearing blue, some people always knew how to try and push your button. These clowns on AC don't act like the general public would. If you are flying your drone and the police talk to you. Speak calmly and they will, give them all the information they want. Have a conversation and maybe you can help them. You never know they might even join us in the hobby.

[@micksmixxx]

@stevehopleyg4ytk647. That would be an ideal situation, my friend, but sadly SOME police officers aren't aware of drone laws and what's allowed ... the same as MANY of the public aren't aware of photography laws ... or rather what's allowed to be photographed. Having said that, I DO, wholeheartedly agree with you about speaking calmly, both to police officers AND other members of the public.

[@ianjohnson01]

I was thinking of getting a drone for a hobby but flying where I live is virtually impossible. All the councils and CAA seem to be anti-drone and there are so many land restrictions that just makes the whole idea not worth it.

[@Welsh-drones]

Glad to see your well 👍👍 Another great steam and topic. big thumbs up 👍👍

[@L0thl0rien]

If they change the drone hobby will they also change the camera hobby? All of these videos begin with ordinary cameras and the arguments begin before the drone goes up.

[@Fly_High_FPV]

You're literally, the only place i ever see drone audit videos....

[@squaddingquads]

This brother

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Dave! They are a little more prevalent here in the UK 🇬🇧 😀

[@IdahoMthman]

Thank you for the information. Here in the states we don't have that YET. It's seems that Karen and Ken's are everywhere. Fly safe mates

[@petemillea8580]

Hi, Sean. Great vid so far. I've had to press pause 14 mins in to leave this comment. I'm a bit bemused with the counter drone fella's response. He seems to be finding fault where there is none; Flying a drone over a police station causes severe mental health, please! Then there's not talking to police, walking away from police, dressed in black, hiding their faces, etc. Nobody has to answer a police officers questions. In fact, when arrested the first thing you're told is you have the right to remain silent. I forget the other two officers names you had on a while back from the drone police, they came across as very friendly and approachable. This guy comes across (to me) like he would have you in handcuffs in a heartbeat for a legal flight because you didn't answer his questions and again only my opinion, but part of the reason auditors exist. When you asked him about the poster, I'm not quite sure that was the answer you were expecting. A word on auditing, if I may. I appreciate they're not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm here now as part of the drone community watching you, because of them. (Before I start let me say I'm not an auditor and I don't know any of them personally. ) I was considering a drone around 2019 but couldn't really make sense of the legal stuff around where you could/couldn't fly so I never bothered. Fast forward to April 2022 whilst on KZbin, a certain Mr DJ Audits pops up. I'd never seen auditing videos before so I watched and kept thinking yep, he's getting arrested. When it finished, I was absolutely gobsmacked he hadn't been arrested! So I watched another, then another. Then I looked again at the laws around drones just to check he was right and the officers hadn't got it wrong. What do you know, everything he said was true and, I too had been educated - as they like to say. I'm grateful for watching that video because I'm now an owner of an A2CofC and a couple of drones. Thanks DJ. Anyway, back to the video. Keep up the great work, Sean. Be safe and clear skies.

[@WAR-22]

And when the police officer knows there is an audit. And they still arrest then. And we're are the fingers on criminals arrested outside the police station,"pretending" to be an auditor. And dose that real happen. Facts and figures???

[@andrewbrandon5351]

Hi bud great show I am new drone flyer great info on flying and other info been on here for hours keep up the good work andy platform great keep up the good work andy from Somerset area

[@petetazflies]

@geeksvana Can the Police OR others Apply for a No Fly Zone over that property ?

[@Aztech_Drones_UK]

Great informative video Sean as always thanks 🙏

[@Geeksvana]

Thanks Mark! Hope you are well.

[@MrDirkles]

No problem with Google maps and the like then🤔

[@lindsayheyes925]

It seems to me from what I've heard that the drone community, by reporting concerns that audit channel activity might prompt restrictive regulations, might be the trigger for the very thing that they fear. STOP WHINGEING ABOUT AUDITORS. If people don't watch them, they won't last. Don't keep bringing your fears to the table: "Why, you may take the most gallant sailor, the most intrepid airman or the most audacious soldier, put them at a table together - what do you get? The sum of their fears." - Winston Churchill (quoted by Tom Clancy in "The Sum of All Fears".

[@tazzy3469]

Absolutely gutted missed this live. Had a family emergency 😮... watching now on catch up. Thank you Sean 🤓🍿

[@tonydoyle4903]

Can't agree with the idea that criminals and terrorists will pose as auditors to check out sensitive sites (Police stations etc). All they need to do is fly from a couple of hundred metres, or a few streets away, completely anonymously. Why do they need to expose themselves outside the site at all.

[@Geeksvana]

Hey Tony! I think there is an intersection of the 'argument' from both sides, if we call it that, which becomes to seem unreasonable to anyone looking in. I feel the same way when I hear that kind of example given. I am hoping that time and exposure will make this issue leave drones alone.

[@michellelewis3063]

Since drone's first appearance, authorities and agencies have strategized, or 'gamed' how they could be used, both beneficially by them and detrimentally by others. As any capability becomes publicly available it is inevitable that someone starts using it. Then in response regulation evolves. So to 'blame' those who use the tech, (discovering the boundaries of regulation or breaching them) is to waste your brain cells. It's absolutely inevitable just as drivers still go over speed limits. The idea of no one ever breaching any rule and regulation being all pervasive, full spectrum authority, is the logical conclusion of that kind of thinking. 🙂

[@ericwatt1447]

Welcome back your looking good .

[@wgh011]

I always wonder what is actually being audited? Very often it is just an excuse to antagonise someone, as so often happens and is shown in the videos with no reference to them stating they are doing an audit and the reason for it, but where are the audit facts etc being published? There are very very few 'audits' that are actual audits. Also how do they justify taking off from pavements and so close to roads? As I understand it from the CAA and article 16, there are very specific rules regarding this, am I missing something?

[@snatch709]

Agree no need to fly with any confrontation it will ruin teh future of sub 250g flying freedom we have

[@ThatGoth]

That officer has a terrible attitude! If someone wanted to fly over a police station for terrorist reasons they would do it from a mile away and not the front doorstep, also the last terror attack on a police station was in Northern Ireland in the 70's, terror attacks are far more likely in densely populated areas with crowds where drones can't fly anyway. He's looking in to Auditors to somehow mark them as criminals when criminals do things covertly and not openly. There's nothing wrong with covering your face with a mask in this day and age and again a real terrorist looks like Joe Blogs and again would fly if they did fly from FAR away and wouldn't follow any of the laws including drone laws. Whatever happened to Innocent till proven guilty. I do agree that criminals will sometimes imitate lawful behaviour in order to blend in, fortunately there has never been a case of a Terrorist pretending to be an auditor, there have been MANY cases of Terrorists and Criminals or the absolute worst kind pretending to be Police officers and half of them are actual police officers. I'd trust an Auditor over a Police officer any day of the week.

[@TeamYankee2]

Most auditors don't fly drones.. yet the police treat them like shite most of the time. Photography is not a crime... either a hand held camera or a flying one.

[@Geeksvana]

Those initial interactions between police and auditors flying drones put this 'on the map'. It is a real shame.

[@JoFloss]

Most auditors are not breaking the law or aggravating people because of photography. It is because of trespassing and abusive conduct.

[@StevieProton]

Do we need an input from a member of the "counter drone unit"?

[@Geeksvana]

As the people working on drone enforcement and how rank and file officers deal with the issue, yes.

[@StevieProton]

My point was it’s not really an appropriate title for a section of the police service aiming to regulate the proper and legal use of drones. I’m sure the “counter terrorism unit” doesn’t look into the safe and legal use of terrorism.

[@richardkemp4144]

Audit channels, because they're on the edge of the law, they know the law, and constantly spout it at their subject/victims. I watched a ton of KZbin channels, and read a lot of paperwork, but only after watch a few audit videos did I completely understand every rule and law regarding flying my drone. Sorry, but best learning resource ever!

[@Geeksvana]

Absolute nonsense. Vast majority of audit channels get so much wrong. It is cringe and hilarious in equal measures.

[@richardkemp4144]

@Geeksvana Thought you said you didn't watch them?

[@Lee.gRC27]

They are not auditing I see a audit as a type of reporting / interviewing businesses /problematic areas or persons, but instead these sad people are set to Purley aggravate provoke a negative response / confrontation it's not just about the use of a drone, the way they interact verbally disrespectful and it's cringe and embarrassing because these so called auditors are adults but act / sound & convey themselves in a very immature way,, it's embarrassing to hear and watch, Dj Audits is a problem in my opinion as he goes about things in a way, he makes it so he gets confronted with attitude all for views, he could do better if he actually asked or just informed people of what he wants/why he wants film, (my opinion) especially flying over police station /HQs etc,,, And that idiot ( Pinac) who I think only knows how to say one word (SAUSAGE) This is my opinion and I don't really care if said mentioned people get offended,, deal with it

[@stephenfeldwick3271]

I've only just come across so called 'audit channels' and I agree - they just seem to set out to wind up the businesses they are 'auditing'....all seems a bit pointless....who the hell is interested in flying over a warehouse??

[@leemurphy997]

I agree that the audit channels are designed to be confrontational and can give people valid concerns but on the other hand it's simply not illegal and cant be stop. You or the police simply cant stop something because you don't like it. It's more of a moral issue or even just a courtesy to stop filming people and property when asked politely. I believe that we should also push to keep our rights because more and more they seem to be being taken away from us. It's for this reason I support these channels (DJ Audit anyway) and continue to watch and cringe a little at times. It has taught me more about my rights than any other channel but not everyone needs to mimic them exactly but at least now we can challenge as required because not all of us are doing audits but are still sometimes threatened by security guards, people or police for conducting legal activities.

[@JoFloss]

There is no legal right to film in the UK. This is a misunderstanding perpetuated by auditors. It’s largely not illegal but there is no RIGHT to film. Freedom of Expression is a conditional right under the HRA in the UK

[@Gkofilms]

All business who get the grieve from these clowns they should put a privacy complaint in and get the video removed, the auditors do all the time, too faced and hypocritical

[@paddyfarrell7840]

Surely if we have to read and operate under guidelines by cara surely the powers at be should have the same rules before intervening and wasting time

[@welsh-3286]

well laws have too be pass about drone flying in the house commons police cant make up new laws themselves

[@davidadams2823]

One of my big things about Auditors is when they are in packs of wolves... it's intimidating , very intimidating especially to women.... I've watched it , it's not nice......I fly for Recreational purposes , sometimes following the rules can be difficult because the rules change quite quickly...... and not put in simple terms / words......So that can be difficult for me but I do my hardest to keep updated.../////.... however I personally don't like them auditors hunting in packs of wolves.......or covering their faces.......if they are going to audit do it fairly without covering your faces and only go in two's or 3s not 6-7s .....it is intimidating..... My personal opinion.

[@Gkofilms]

I think the only way to sort the Auditors out is the GDPR Regulatory, as they are data handlers and not registered and that's an offence and Utube can de=monetise them

[@daz1969]

Simple solution is geo fence police stations like DJI do for football stadiums and military bases.

[@Gkofilms]

DJ Audits is the most Arrogant, he knows basically NOTHING

[@alanthompson7777]

Look, it's quite simple, certain people don't want drones in the public's hands, they're affraid of the whole concept of hobbyist drones and would stop at nothing trying to kill the hobby no matter what auditors do! I mean, get real. Do you really think that they'll leave hobbyists alone if the auditors stop flying drones? Please...

[@mrlawilliamsukwarmachine4904]

I think the ‘auditors’ are all actually police or the council. I’m a drone hobbyist and have flown the mini 3 everywhere. Police aren’t interested/bothered. Especially as I wear fluorescent bibs! My drone has day/night glo stickers on it. I get asked if I’m one of those auditors 😠 by few people.

[@wgh011]

They've left me alone for the last 50 years flying my scale model aircraft and over the last 15 years flying 4 and 5 foot helicopters with a 1.7m rotor span. I've never had a problem, that is until the advent of the drone and the filming and then the pretend audits. Here we are now with all this bother, CAA, operator id's and flyer id's and it'll not be long before RID is introduced, look it up if you don't know what RID is. How many of the auditors have these and the relevant liability insurance. You need an operator and flyer for any drone with a camera, the weight of the drone is irrelevant if it has a camera on it. I fly my heli with people watching, no grief and nice chats, feedback with them after I land and compliments on my model, a real genuine interest. I keep it this way by NOT flying my drone. Tell me then, just who is to blame, who put it in the public eye, why is it such a big issue now, certainly not the model aircraft flyers who just want to enjoy the hobby of flying, responsibly, legally and without the confrontation that seems to excite these auditors!

[@droningwesternaustralia]

Sean, I would disagree with you regarding the audit channels flying drones legally. In particular one frauditor channel DJ Audits he will break the UK CAA regulations to get his views. DJ Audits forgets that when he is on private property he needs the express written permission from the land owner to operate on that land

[@Geeksvana]

Hey! Hope you are well? The issue surrounding take-off permission in the open category is not as straightforward as to state you need express written permission. Even on a site where a sign tells you not to fly or you are aware of a policy not allowing it, the issue remains a civil one, (unless aggravating factors), but also something not within the laws around drone flight. As I stated in the video, you could well be flying your drone perfectly legally but committing other non drone related offences. The legislation itself is the only factor a police officer would be able to act under and where the pilot is taking off from would more often not be a factor in any criminality.

[@JoFloss]

There is also DJE audits who uses his drone to target individuals by flying too low and following people. He rarely has full sight of his drone and he regularly initiates and carries on conversations while he is flying and not remotely watching his drone

[@Gkofilms]

watching this back, the live chat just shows me that Auditors are just arrogant and full of it

[@michaelandreas2177]

"Severe impact on people's mental health ...." Really?

[@UnderdogOverlander]

Hello

[@lambo_drives]

goodbye?

[@TooBarFoo]

Tell the police to play taylor Swift when they speak to them, No video audio, no likes, they will leave.

[@jeromerobinson7064]

It not nothing wrong with the audits channels why is this a subject nobody owns the airspace it only regulated. Be careful of what messages people out on social media it they start regulating what a person can fly over then the hobby will be dead.

[@PhantomandtheDrone]

This is all about interaction and enforcement, and has nothing to do with regulations. It is easy to actually deal with..." Hi I see you are flying a drone, does it have the capability of capturing Data? Can you please land so I can check the operator number on your uav, thank you" any uav that can capture data must be registered as an operator with the CAA...if it isn't, now we have the angle for enforcement, if it is you now have information about the person who owns it and you can investigate from there. That investigation could include tax and national insurance contributions if they earn a living through social media...we could go a long way with this and it is simple to do.

[@PhantomandtheDrone]

@@Boyson66 the police can ask to see that at anytime, it is a requirement that it is displayed on the uav.

[@PhantomandtheDrone]

@paulmarsh7754 Has to be on the UAV, that is the regulation. so if it isn't its easy to deal with and if it is they can then do checks with the CAA. Don't forget, these youtube channels are making money, and that changes things when it comes to the registrations, it becomes a commercial use.

[@PhantomandtheDrone]

@paulmarsh7754 The police can ask at any time to see it, its no different from your driving licence. If you are out in public and flying your uav, they can ask to see it... This is something we all have to accept and understand, especially with enforcement and fines on the way.

[@wgh011]

@@PhantomandtheDrone Absolutely agree with you and they even specify the size of the letters and numbers to be compliant.

[@danbrit9848]

will free speech lead to genocide ...rights lead to freedom not the other way around ...so dont go blaming those exercising them for the gov taking more power

[@Lee.gRC27]

There's no such thing as free speech or giving / sharing opinions, well when it comes to FB, so many snowflakes get offended over a difference of opinion or simple words, What ever agenda the msm gov push you know the truth is the total opposite, I've never before noticed the blatant corruption and a total disregard for the truth

[@danbrit9848]

@@Lee.gRC27 right ...i dont even use fb anymore its just a ball pit of npcs

[@davelamb2094]

anti drone copper needs auditing lo🤣🤣🤣🤣l ... they may be made to stop flying over commercial buildings they will just launch from outside an not go over the perimeter unless they put up 125 metre fences or walls

[@paulwillmott8931]

Just make auditors get permission to fly over companies, and if they say no, you can't fly. Then, if you do you should get arrested. They just want to cause trouble to get views

[@TeamYankee2]

This is a slippery slope... what is you have a business and next door want you to fly... tough right? Auditors are about photography.. drone is secondary.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

As the bulk of the land in this country is in private (i.e. company) ownership that would make almost the whole country a no fly zone.

[@barrieshepherd7694]

@@TeamYankee2 I agree , the audit activity is valuable in maintaining the right to 'normal' photography from a public place. The problem seems to be the understanding of a public place and the nature / reason for the photography. Some auditors have weaponised the drone - it's their ultimate wind up "I don't care what you say I AM going to fly my drone over your precious site AND I'm going to photograph it AND I'm going to put the video on KZbin AND there is nothing you can do about it"