In recent weeks there has been a lot of talk about drones and observations around Norwegian airports and oil and gas facilities.
It was also Wednesday at the latest complete chaos at Bergen airport during drone observations it disrupted air traffic and several Russians were arrested with drone equipment in connection with other cases.
All the hustle and bustle makes working conditions, to say the least, more difficult working conditions for those who actually make their living from honest drone work.
FLY: Drone pilot Kjetil Waage in Vestbris says the negative reactions are similar to what he had in the beginning six or seven years ago Photo: Vestbris
The drone pilots of the film and television company Vestbris are some of those who have been given a new daily life.
– We haven’t been directly threatened yet, but you can tell people are reacting. Some roll up their sleeves and seem about to scream, but then calm down when they see that we are standing in profiled vests or cars, Kjetil Waage tells Vestbris.
This week Vestbris actually came out on Facebook and reminded people that “not all drones are Russian”.
RULES: There are strict rules for professional drone pilots. Clear labeling is one of the rules. Photo: Vestbris
– Received threats
He says people’s reactions today are reminiscent of the time the company started with drone videos six or seven years ago.
– At the time, we received threats from people who would shoot down our drones and some accused us of being involved in espionage activities. We were simply reprimanded and people threatened to report us to the police.
Then something happened. Drones have become common and common property for photography and film enthusiasts.
For the past three to four years, drone pilots have been allowed to work in peace, but with the drone hustle and bustle of the past few weeks, unwanted attention has returned, albeit in a slightly milder form.
Fortunately, it’s okay when they see who we’re shooting for, says Waage.
FOCUS: Drone pilots say they are happy to answer onlookers, but preferably not while the drone is in the air. Photo: Vestbris
These are the missions
In recent years, numerous municipal, state and private actors have begun to use drones for various tasks.
Both firefighters, police and municipalities use overview videos in their work.
Vestbris has three pilots who fly the drone almost every day. Waage says they film both construction projects, TV series, ships and boats.
– But most of the assignments are residential photographs for real estate agents. Then we shoot in residential complexes, where there are often many people present.
– Promise to say hello
Waage says Vestbris pilots always position themselves prominently in the area, so people can get in touch if they’re wondering where the drone is coming from.
– It is allowed to come and say hello, but preferably after we have landed. Of course, we follow the privacy rules and never take pictures of people.
– You who fly professionally, do you have a message for people who might be seeing drones and are very skeptical these days?
AIR: – A drone can be many things. It’s mostly just an unmanned ship, says Waage. Photo: Vestbris
– Yes, think about where you see the drone. If it is located above an airport or an oil or gas facility, you must report it. But if you see it in a normal residential area, then in all likelihood it’s not spying. Take a look, says Waage.
The police specify
In connection with Wednesday’s drone observations around Bergen Flesland Airport, the Vest Police District thanks the stream of people’s suggestions.
There they also point out that not all drones are hostile.
“The police are grateful that people are vigilant. However, the police also want to clarify that there are a number of legal uses of drones on a daily basis. “
