I stand corrected, and apologize for jumping the gun. I stand by the statement, however, that they aren’t online looking for infractions. It’s apparent that someone saw your videos, then contacted them. There are many “Karen’s” out there, and getting to be more. So I’m glad you didn’t have a bad experience with them. Sounds like your FSDO is more strict, because there are countless range tests posted online, and those creators have never been contacted. Anyway, I hope no hard feelings! Keep flying and sharing your experiences. Also, for the rude commenters below - you dudes need to chill! 🤪

As a commercial cinematographer and drone pilot, the FAA will absolutely call you if you're breaking the law. The agency I worked for has been called *multiple* times, and we've called them *multiple* times. What a weird thing for youtubers and youtube comments to get upset about. However, I think someone must have reported you in order for you to get actively caught.

When the FAA gets a complaint, and choose the “educational route” to handle the complaint they will get two options: (1) the informational letter or (2) other type of counseling (even on-site counseling). It looks they went for that second option. That aside, it sucks that people are policing videos and reporting people to the FAA. Keep doing your stuff.

I got reported. They called me once and emailed me. One was for having my MA2 follow me below the tree line without looking at it. Claimed I was violating VLOS. I've really pulled back videos of my drones as a subject. The drone community is as Karen as if people reported sports car videos for speeding. Some of the worst "enthusiasts" I've ever been around.

Thanks for sharing this and being candid. It's a reminder to myself and all drone pilots that we must be aware of the FAA rules and regulations and do our best to comply, Now time for me to see your fun videos!!! Thanks!

Glad 51 Drones apologized. I watch his content too. Pretty clear you were telling the truth. Keep up the good work.

When the FAA call's just ignore them and the problem goes away LOOL

I just appreciate both MilesDeep and 51 Drones making these videos, as well as all the others who educate regarding drones. I spent about a month watching these type vids a couple of years ago before my Mavic Pro ever took to the air. Thanks for what y'all do!

I appreciate your explanation with FAA interactions. It helps other UAS pilots understand what can happen. Good job!!!

Miles, just watched your video. The way you documented the sequence of events/encounters with the FAA staff speaks for your professionalism. Keep up the good work. I, myself, was eyeing to buy a drone sine 2016, and finally bought the dji Mini2. Now that I'm subscribed to your channel, I will be watching your videos to learn from you. Best,

I've loved you're content ever since i found you, i cant wait for some more drone footage!

Thanks for posting these videos. I’m in the Tampa Bay Area as well and about to get my first drone, a Mini 2, so this is really helpful information.

Hahha Tom has called me a few times! Nicest FAA rep around. Reasonable and rational

We want to see you as soon as possible because we love and respect your hard work you put into your videos

Damn... Miles came with receipts! Great info.

Good to know. Thanks for your willingness to share your information. Hopefully we all can learn from it!

Well done young man I know who I believe other tubers should be careful who they call out and really it’s none of their business , glad you got it sorted congrats on passing your test for commercial and have a new subscriber lol

Miles, it is very good of you to share your FAA experience, so that we can all learn. It is very apparent that before anyone places a drone video on KZfaq that it should be screened to comply with the FAA rules of flying drones properly. Otherwise, they may be contacting you as they did with yourself Miles. Again, thank you for sharing and may your future drone KZfaq flights fall under the FAA’s radar screen to keep them and you happy! All The Best! Ed W

I found this video to be very informative. We can all learn from each other. The FAA is definitely watching. You should look into getting the Part 107 certification. Anyone making money with their drone is required to be certified. You will also be able to apply for exemptions such as flying at night or over people, etc... These options are not available without your Part 107. Best of luck.

I’m glad I was redirected to this channel by 51 Drones. Not a drone owner yet but now realize it’s not simply learning to fly one, there are regulations and laws to be aware of. I will definitely be looking those up.

I came over from 51 Drones. look forward to being here.

Keep in mind that unless you actually show your face in posted videos, the FAA cannot prove from a legal standpoint that you were the drone pilot flying. If the FAA cannot definitively prove you were physically flying the drone during an alleged infraction of rules, they cannot legally take action against you. Having said this, if you are contacted by the FAA in this situation, simply do not respond to them. Once you do contact the FAA and admit that you were the drone pilot making infractions, you're automatically screwed. Never admit anything or give the FAA any kind of information they can use against you.

Thanks for making this video buddy. I’ve actually tried to get clearance to do a moving vehicle at Fort De Soto and I’ve been denied. I actually work for a company that sells crop spraying drones and we have FAA consultants on staff. I’m going to have one of them write out my mission and see what the FAA. I like your stuff and would love to meet you. I’m not too far I live in Saint Pete

very informative. I'd rather learn from someone else's mistakes/mishaps/misfortunes than have to discover those things myself. I see from the sidebar that there are several KZfaq vids that address this topic of being contacted by the FAA for apparent drone flying infractions. so, you aren't alone! maybe this is a lot more common than most people realize. as they say -- forewarned is forearmed!

So what constitutes out of line of sight? How would flying in your hero be out of VOS?

Hi Miles and welcome to the Drone & Pt107 community. These drone laws seem burdensome at times, however we must share the airspace with other aircraft, so must avoid accidents. bear in mind that drones are a new phenomena in the airspace and seems like the FAA is still figuring out what regulations need to be. Airspace use is probably one of the most regulated activities. As time goes by, FAA might modify some drone regs as experience proves current ones are either to severe or not enough. In the mean time it is incumbent on upon us drone pilots to follow the regs regardless of how inconvenient or burdensome they are. Violation of the rules will only make the FAA clamp down even harder. Remote ID is already coming to town. In my opinion, the most egregous rules don’t come from the FAA, rather the National Park Service. We are prohibited from take off/landing in any area under their jurisdiction. Seems unreasonable as many parts of these parks are very remote and further, we all pay for these parks with out taxes. Seems to me that the NPS should be making reasonable accommodation for drone operations. I understand regulations in very crowded areas are a safety necessity, but the remote areas should be excluded. The Sierra Club used to say take only pictures and leave only footprints. We take the pictures and dont even leave footprints. Have fun and fly safely.

Ur literally the best person to watch of the mavic mini ur amazing keep up the work,are u planning to get the mini 2 or no

I've heard of countless stories in which the FAA calls people. They also do send letters, but that seems to be more for "extreme" situations that might require more than a simple phone call trying to figure out the situation. But that's just from what I've heard.

I appreciate your honesty and the fact that you’re attempting to help people understand the consequences of violating rules and regulations. Never doubted your story for a second. I’ve always enjoyed your content and was surprised to see you flagged by the FAA given that you were attentive to the rules in the videos I watched. Glad you got it worked out and It’s good to see you posting again. Had an eye opening experience on KZfaq myself a couple of months ago. That experience caused me to unsub a whole bunch of people. Keep on flying and thanks for sharing!

I just wondering if you gonna do any drone video in the future now that you heavily test the mini from moving vehicle,explore island and boat chase etc,or are you gonna get mavic mini 2?

Hi, Milesdeep I am from the UK and unfortunately, here if we break a law then they say that ignorance of the law is not an excuse and you will still be prosecuted, potentially with a prison sentence :( I know that as a new UAV pilot I have broken a few laws here in the UK without intending to do so, like what you did with your long railroad video. Drone Laws are really hard to understand in the UK recently. If I had a call from the CAA in the UK I would think about how did they get my number or email address in the UK? I guess in America the FAA can see or request the identity from KZfaq about your identity, but I am not sure UK police could do the same. Anyway, I agree do not fly beyond VLOS for the safety of everyone on the ground and flying in the air :) Happy Flying

Thanks fir the information ! Are you required to reregister or recertify your drone every few years ?

Good video and info Miles. That's another reason for me to unsub 51 drones. Also, FAA agents must be bored during the pandemic.

Hey Miles, thanks for all of your videos helping me out. Change your title from FFA to FAA when you see this bro.

Yoooooooo. I figured he was referring to you. Your video and experience was mad specific so I was wondering where his energy was coming from.

Great information. I certainly appreciate the shared knowledge.

Keep on flying dude, I've heard of other KZfaqrs getting called by the FAA, I don't know why 51 Drones would doubt it but who cares it definitely happens but not a lot I don't think

Well done on the Deep Dive. Always like your footage.

The FAA is so disorganized when it comes to drones, love the videos Bro!

It's a shame that some people question the authenticity of your claims without knowing the facts. I'm not quite sure why they feel you would make up a story that the FAA called you. They say the FAA never do that. What would be the point of you saying they did if they didn't? I don't know you Miles, I just really enjoy watching your videos, but you don't come across as someone who would go through some stupid pretense for the fun of it. Thankfully, you seem to have the proof to show that everything you said was true and did happen. Maybe '51 Drones' might like to apologize for doubting you (assuming that it was you who he was referring to, although, it does seem pretty clear that he was).

I’m not watching 51 drones again. Keep up the good work.

Well I see the apology from 51 so good. You went through a lot to be sure. I hope out here on the Plains of Far Western Iowa I never have you're problems. I live in the city but I walk 20ft and I'm very much in the Country. You went through a lot but you did get Part 107 Certified so all good. I do find it interesting that the FAA is starting to call out Long Distance flying with no spotters. It needs to be done more as a "Range Test" to me is nothing more than Chest Thumping. Very risky, very dumb. I wish you well and enjoy your videos, 51 Drones got me to you.

I apologise Miles. I am sorry I doubted your story. You did the right thing makeing a video about it. I also hate the fact that the drone police called and complained about you, to the FAA. Sorry I made that comment, I deleted it.

Those guys must be very bored. Maybe defund the FAA?

Great content as I'm into drones. Follow the dream you're doing great.

Quite interesting story about FAA and chasing small business owner...Happy Flying....

By calling you on the phone (instead of sending a registered letter) I wonder if the reason had anything to do with the corona, I mean, it has effected the way alot of companies and people do business. I enjoy your video's and I also enjoy 51 Drone's video's. Thanks for telling your story, it will help all of us.

Well done, great to see someone with the courage to challenge a difficult situation ..........Gary ..........AU

Very interesting and informative for this newbie here. Thanks for posting your experience.

Just came over from 51 drones and subscribed

A couple of weeks ago I was flying near where I live. Right after I landed, an FAA agent walked up to me and introduced himself, and showed his ID. He wanted to see my registration. He was warning me that I was flying too close to the road. He did mention that someone would contact me with useful information about flying in FAA airspace. I have not heard anything yet though. Thanks for sharing your video.

51 Drones sent me!! Subbed. God bless.

This kid’s a professional. First vid I saw of his, the locked down beach in Florida; damn careful and respectful of how he flies. Such integrity also in his demeanour - only to be questioned like this for him to have to prove it. Shake my damn head. This bud’s for you pal 🍺

It’s been a while since I looked at the comments for this video and reading the new ones has been interesting, especially from 51 Drones himself. I’m not going to attack him for being so wrong, but I am glad that he did eventually do the decent thing and apologise. Too many people on here are very quick to write rubbish without knowing the facts, but are far too slow to offer an apology when it’s clear they were wrong. 51 Drones did. I’m just so glad that you were able to provide the proof that what you said was indeed true.

Also. I subscribe to you both. No reason for bad blood. I respect the way you handled being questioned. Doesn’t make 51drones a bad guy. Y’all need to relax. Not really sure why we have to pick a side lol both your channels have helped me

Nice video. Thanks for taking the time to make it.

Can’t stand 51 drones. What a herb

Nice! I bet you are glad 51 Drones doubted your story and mentioned it. He's never hostile but always intends on educating others in the hobby so all in all you taught him something and he likely brought some attention to your channel! Good video and very helpful information!

Rule #1, Don't put your videos on KZfaq. What a sad world we live in.

Thanks for the information.

Thanks for the info. I still do not understand the LOS. Does that mean that you have to see your drone in the air when you are flying. Can anybody? when it is 300 ' above and a mile away? That were where most of the drone videos shown. Anybody care to clarify and explain, much appreciates.

That is the reason I didn't bought any drone yet. Love to have one don't want deal with FAA.

I have a question. Are RC planes subject to the same rules as drones are now?

Wow, BIG Brother or Sister is watching! Or has access to the flight logs from DGI. Thanks

I was a military pilot when the ATC controller said are you ready to copy this phone number. You never want that call, but I called as soon as I was on the ground. I wasn’t sure what I had did, but was happy to apologize. It was the only call I had to explain my actions and those of my crew. I didn’t ask anyone if this was a good idea because I felt we were all family. It turned out well, but my trust in our flying community was upgraded after this.

People are so suspicious of anything on line these days.

I checked all the violations code and they're all about getting a license and registration. They said you violated VLOS, but if you have an observer 107.33 then should be met right? You can operate BVLOS with an observer.

They called me and left the same message. I called right back. We talked and they told me what I did wrong. The person was nice about it and i of course did not argue etc. She emailed me afterword's a follow up to the call

I flew my motorized hang glider 50 ft over the fairway of a golf course, let's see if someone reports me.

I guess 51 Drones feels bad for calling you out. He’s doing a give away and part of it is getting us to subscribe to your channel. I’m down in Fort Myers so I’m enjoying the beautiful winters here in South West Florida. I’m here year round. This season is really weird. Not the typical beautiful winter. Take care. Thanks for posting. By the way, how the hell do you go through so many phones?

Me and my buddy Homeless Tony get called out all the time for our flying videos......Basically FUCK the haters, keep doing your thing and keep up the good work 👍

I had that happen to me except I was flying from my boat near a Waterfall to which i was there first and people show up a short wile later. I land a few minutes later. sat there for 30 minutes, Game warden was there shortly after I landed. Never approached me the whole time I sat there. I left, thinking nothing about it, week later I get a warning notice in mail.. They searched You tube for my videos and found one they could fine me on. The one by the waterfall was legal. They saw my boat in one of the videos. and contacted me using my Boat Number (the day by the waterfall). So now, when i fly, I dont film my boat or vehicles in the videos and i dont place the location where Im flying in the video description. Im not trying to hide anything, just trying to keep the Whiners, Karens, and Snowflakes out of my life.

Am I allowed to fly with the european Drone licence?

Amanda Quevedo use to be in the Miami office. that definitely tells me you are telling the truth as I've talked to her several times. She is a very nice person and never had any issues with her

Watched a couple of your videos, thanks for sharing. I'm studying for part 107. I'm wondering if you'd be willing to share your Anki flashcards? Thanks

The FAA does not browse through social media looking for violations. But if they get a complaint, they will. I know this from an FAA employee.

I believe you and never doubted your claims in your original video! 👍😎

Good, but sad info man! Thanks! Subbed🏁

I have a question if you can answer it plz can you still fly far like you did in the video but not post it one youtube so they dont find out

How odd. They definitely call regular pilots, usually just some quick followup from a local field office.

Very good for you. Here is the reality. Confusion reigns. There are so many gray areas that are not settled law. What is the definition of VLOS? What is "furtherance of a business?" It is very very difficult to fly in accordance with all FAA regs in all but very remote areas in the US. Part 107 solves none of these restrictions.

All these commenters are wrong. There are so many accounts of FAA calling people from 2016 and onwards. I'm disappointed in those critics.

Hi Miles ,you did well , Russ is not a bad guy either but I wish we all would try to make contact with each other first and try to find out what is going on (since we are all in this together) , before we put certain stuff out to the Public but it is what it is ,anyhow , all is well that ends well ,take care Miles .

I suspect that a self-righteous KZfaq viewer who considers him/herself to be a "YT cop" filed a complaint with the FAA. While "51 Drones" might have been out of line by not communicating with you to get a clear version of your story before posting his particular video, he stated with evidence, where his opinion originated. Having followed both of you since my entering the world of drone flying, I believe that he was a tad premature with his post only using information he had which did not relate to your experience. That said, I think it might be a good idea to reach out to "51 Drones" to share your experience with him as having both of you on the same page can only benefit the entire drone flying community. I saw your Boca Grand video before I bought my first ever drone, and that video was one which convinced me that I could enjoy drone photography to supplement my stills photography, particularly in this time of C-19 restriction. Not long after seeing your flight to Boca Grand I bought a Mavic Air 2 in May 2020, and I have been having fun ever since.

They called me, I was flying in class b airspace in Downtown Charlotte, NC

WoW

MILESDEEP, I think Russ is a stand-up guy who, tries his hardest to explain to his viewers his own opinions on things. This is exactly what happened in your case, obviously. I don't think he needs to be ostracized by viewers who don't know what went on between you two and apologies extended to you by Russ. Now, he has taken it one more step forward in asking his audience to support your channel and I am happy to be a new subscriber of your channel due to his recommendation.

Definitely legitimate. Thanks for sharing.

Yes they call people,send letters, faxes, personal visits, ask pilots to visit them in person, ect. The FAA is educating Drone Pilots to the rules right now, this is a good thing for obvious reasons. With an approved Wavier you can fly your drone as far out of sight as it can go

I was a small airplane pilot years ago almost 2 decades ago. I know NOTHING about Drones they didn't exist when I flew a Cessna. I No Joke Really dreamed on 6-25-23 I went down and saw the wreck of the titanic 2-1/2 MILES DEEP. Then the wreck & 2nd sub wreck vanished as the same floor got white like daylight. I'm not making this up.

Do u have a mini or mini 2? Your footage looks great on your videos!

I 2 are coming from 51drones, & I will check U out, takeCare

Hang in there buddy you have trolls all over you. Thanks for the info.

How they got your number the mini dont need to registered

The FAA will most definitely call to speak with an individual about a potential violation. It’s an opportunity for them to utilize compliance philosophy, or not. Regardless they can call you. They can also send a LOI.

Here's a question... I am not a business, do not intend to sell anything or receive anything, but I also do not like to just film people or things if it looks invasive, so the question... If I pay someone to allow me to film them for ex: say i would like to film a shrimp boat under way in the morning going thru glassy water and if I offer the captain $50 to do so, do you think that constitutes a commercial biz? I am receiving no monetary gain as it's just for a hobby. Do I need a them to sign a waiver as well...

Know the LAW! Codes are not laws and only apply to people who sign an agreement to follow them. NO ONE can make you buy a License. A License is contractual in nature and IS NOT required to fly your drone non-commercially. Just trying to help. I love your videos!

It really shouldn’t be posting personal information he didn’t block out any of the guys name or phone number

Looks like Drone 51 or whatever his name is doesn`t really knowing much about is hobby and the regulations lmao

Your video gets hung up and keeps buffering at the time of the FAA phone call? I cant get past that point after three attempts?