We Are Not ALL Idiots... by RodS
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
After reading a comment posted on Daddywolf's wonderful dedication to me (thank you, brother!), I feel compelled to respond.
The comment was, and I quote:
"Actually, as a serious RC-Pilot, I really hate those idiots without any knowledge of aerodynamics and flying, don't know better than buying a muticopter (that's what those "drones" are called effectively) and going to harass other people. They are actively destroying a wonderful hobby and causing the governments more and more to restrict RC-Flying in a manner, that responsible RC-pilots have to face registrations, controls, limitations and a bad image. I really 'd love to slap them in their face for acting so irresponsible, dumb, selfish and idiotic."
To lump all "drone" (or multicopter) pilots into the category of "idiot" is irresponsible and demeaning and It's just not true.
There are a lot of misconceptions out there, and a lot of misinformation, gladly and enthusiastically supplied by the media. Of course, there are just as many stories about "drone" pilots locating missing flood victims, lost hikers, and even towing a rescue line to trapped flood victims in one case.
Just for the record, for the first 15 years of my life, I grew up around aircraft of all types. Fixed wing, helicopters of all kinds, and everything from prop-driven cargo planes to jet fighters and bombers. During the Vietnam conflict I serviced some of the most modern (at the time) aircraft while in the Air Force. The F4 Phantom was my baby - I still love that beast! So yes. I know how aerodynamics works.
And the reason that I bought two drones (not that I owe this person an explanation) was as part of my photographic repertoire of tools. I do not use them to "spy" on people, or harass wildlife. I do not fly over wildfires or emergency response teams. I sure as hell do not fly near airports or where there are likely to be aircraft present (i.e. most hospitals have heliports). So yeah, being lumped into a group and labeled "idiot" because of something I enjoy doing - responsibly - kind of raises my ire just a little.
I would say that 99% of the "drone" owners out there follow the same practices that I do, and happily comply with all laws and guidelines. This person's tirade is just one reason the vast majority of us DO use these fun and amazing aircraft in a responsible and legal way.
And by the way..... If you want to slap my face for doing something I enjoy, be advised I'm not the type that turns the other cheek. 'Nuff said. Rant over.
The photo was taken using the Inspire 1 in the image. I composited the Inspire into the image - I wasn't flying formation with myself! LOL
Thanks for dropping by and enduring this lengthy rant!
Back soon with more T.N.A.

Comments (23)
Very impressive rant! AND I agree with you all the way and I can add another to the list - the bicyclists who cut in and out of traffic, who don't obey the basic rules of the road (most cities have the bicyclists follow the same rules as motor vehicle operators). I am a responsible bike rider who realizes that i basically have a target on my back when I ride and I do everything to ensure that I will not be a statistic.
enough of my rant! this is a fabulous image.
Right on the button, Rod! I loved your reply! Now, I was a bit presumptuous, thinking you had gotten another drone. Fantastic compositing work! PARTICULARLY the prop blur! Very well done! As for you being called an idiot, I was called a racist and a nazi yesterday by a drunk boarder at work! Man, was I ticked! I ceased answering the commie bastard which ticked him even more. So, I hastily finished lunch and went to my office and phoned the proprietor, who was shocked. So, now we'll see if there come more misadventures from this. So, dear friend, you aren't alone in being insulted. Sheesh! WWIII under way? Why can't people be civil? (And Kitty bit me real bad after 1 hour of smooching. Why?) Keep up the good work! :-)
Fantastic capture my friend!!!Bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx Whylma
You raise an excellent point. No one gets to define the art (or hobbies for that matter) of others for them. People think they have exclusive right to define what is the proper bar that others dare not contradict.
Too bad you were not flying tandem taking photos, I'll bet they would be even more breathtaking.
No that right Rod your word are so true
Fabulous capture you taken take care my friend.
Very well said my friend!!!.... I guess this person did not understand that you'd never do anything like this for real!..... and that Daddywolf was just making a funny image!... but I guess some are like that. I got a kick out of it. awesome shot, even if you weren't flying formation....
Actually it was me, taking the shot, while I hanged from the other drone!....
Agree with what you said was really impressed as I thought you were flying in formation. Just figured you had a partner (Like the wife), oh well .
Great looking capture & LOL!
Well you had me fooled, I thought you had bought a new drone and I was imagining what you had pasted on the nose, ah well. A wonderful capture and manipulation and I agree there are some, well a lot really, of really dumb people out there. Keep flying. π
Very great shot my friend !!!
Wow.
Really?
sometimes I fail to read everything and usually end up with egg on my face.
... and I saw some kids playing with RC-cars the other day who were too young to have a license, or understand how an engine really works. It was disgrgaceful. Lol.
So many a holes ruin fun for the true hobbiest of this fun adventure. I incredibly love the photo you do share Rod when you take them. Great statement my friend. Hope you and Jo enjoy the upcoming labor day weekend. And such a killer aerial view my friend. Most impressive and beautiful. I'm amazed at how crisp and well taken these shots are from your drones.bet it's breathtaking for AR & G4 being up there.
Some people are irresponsible as f* and completely ruin it for people like you who have a brain. But then, some people are all to quick to judge people without considering that they may in fact, not be an idiot.
I mean, people were flying remote control helicoptors and RC planes since the 70's at least, it's not like they're a new hobby.
Fly on bro, fly on.
Iγthink that drones take the splendid photograph which does not take by the manned flying object, RodS-san.
Yes I love to see them fly we have no wings like those sweet little birds but each time we push the thumb forwards we rise with her in to the sky to go to the clounds and with luck land again yes I see people up to no good with them but they are used over here to hunt for those who step out side the law
Oh Boy! Did I Ever Open A Can Of Worms!
First, the image is marvelous! I thought you were flying both of your drones at once. Your rant is well thought out and a perfect answer to the complaint.
Great Text, Great image!
wonderful work
I hear you Rod. That goes for a lot of things. One bad apple and all that. I did look at the post and I'm not sure if Furnose was picking on you, but I would say his comment is too vague and generalizing to be a constructive.
Of Course not...!
Hey, Rod Thanks for your reply! I appreciate your opinion, and if you think, I'm going to throw all "Drone pilots" into the same bin, then please know, that I don't. I just commented to a (by the way excellent made) picture of Daddywolf depicting a situation, which I do not approve and i was (with the "idiots") referring to those who do not act responsible. In no way I was saying, that the one, this picture was dedicated to, belongs to those kind of pilots I mentioned. Should you ever feel attacked by my comment then I'd like to apologize and clarify my comment. I was called names by my self of people who where victims of irresponsible "drone pilots" and some of my relatives where victims by them self already. My brother in law told me about a drone, zipping by his windows and trying to peek inside. Such situations make me mad (which might hopefully be understandable for you). So I'm not saying that you are one of these "idiots", but you have to admit, there are some around and the more the prices drop for these more advanced "drones" the more it gets bought as well by irresponsible people. I hope I could clarify and deescalate a little bit. Otherwise you are invited to contact me by Sitemail.
Thank you
Thank you very much for the clarification and congenial reply - it is appreciated. I'll be sending you a sitemail soon, but for the record, those who fly irresponsibly, and do things they know is dangerous/discourteous/illegal make me just as mad as they do you. The best way to combat this is to join forces as responsible pilots of all types of aircraft, work with the AMA and FAA, and be part of the solution. We are on the same side, my friend. :-)