This nicely coincides with part of my plans for 2022. Although (as most are aware) I am averse to the current levels of overregulation that are a burden on the hobby, I do not encourage anyone to fly BVLOS because you really do need to manage risk to a much higher level (because the risks associated with such activities are significantly higher). Personally, I rarely fly BVLOS for a number of reasons: 1. it's often pretty boring because BVLOS often means flying higher to get good signal and hikes risk 2. it's too far to walk if/when something goes wrong 3. it's hard to mitigate all the risks to an acceptable level in most places And remember -- this is the "anti-rules" guy talking! I certainly wouldn't fly BVLOS with a commercial camera-drone because they simply do not offer the levels of control needed to take avoiding action, should something unexpected suddenly appear in your field of view. For example, what's the maximum rate of descent for a Mavic, Phantom or Air2 should a helicopter suddenly appear in view at the same altitude you're flying and heading straight for you? And don't think you'll be able to see any approaching aircraft/heli because you have a great HD video feed. Even the good old Mark1 human eyeball (without the handicap of a video link) is sometimes inadequate for this task, as proven by the number of mid-air collisions between manned aircraft that happen all too often. We should recognise that *everyone* wants to know how far their drone will fly and what it's like to fly BVLOS but there are few locations where this can be done with near 100% safety. I plan to change this so that *everyone* can experience BVLOS at least once and learn that for most, it's really just not that much fun and not worth the risk. This is how you safely change user attitudes and behaviours (IMHO). Ken's a nice guy but I seldom have the patience to watch a show all the way through because the bias is more towards lightweight entertainment of a genre that doesn't appeal to me as much as Botgrinder Live. That's not an indictment against Ken's show it's simply showing my own personal preferences and tastes. However, Ken is seen by many to be a figurehead within the community so there is an unspoken responsibility to remind folk about what's safe and what's not. That may sound hypocritical from the guy who constantly rags on regulators and their rules -- but I do not promote the mindless breaking of rules, I promote safety and taking personal responsibility which is a totally different thing. The reality is that YT is filled with BVLOS videos and over the years there have been countless such flights made without incident (unlike paramotor flying and manned aviation where mid-air collisions are sadly a part of life/death). This speaks to the incredibly low intrinsic risk associates with all branches of the hobby. However, that does not mean we ought not still be striving to minimise risk whenever possible and discourage reckless engagement in higher-risk operations in unsuitable areas. Of course this is all just an opinion and, like all opinions, is worth no more than what you just paid for it :-D
Agreed, Bruce. It's ridiculous to strictly interpret as illegal the brief moment a drone passes beyond visual line of sight when flying around a tree at the park. And one could even argue that this long distance flight wasn't particularly dangerous, as "proven" by the fact that no one was hurt by it. But clearly there's a huge difference here. The video does no one any favours. We have two very recognizable and famous TH-cam personalities, with large followings, giggling while naughty and blatantly breaking FAA regulations. Don't be surprised when you deliberately poke a sleeping bear if it then wakes up and bites you. Unfortunately, if it results in even more stringent regulations, EVERYBODY gets bitten. Making stupid videos for entertainment's sake is fun, but not if it creates further potential consequences for the entire hobby.
@@Zbip57 Several people have said that things like this could create harsher regulation but I disagree. If anything, this shows that *regulations* themselves do not ensure good practice. What reguators need to take away from this is that some people WILL fly BVLOS regardless of what the rules allow. The best way to deal with this is to provide areas where people can legally and *safely* fly BVLOS to get it out of their system. One of my goals for 2022 is to set up areas like this around the world. Places where you, I or anyone can go with their drone and fly as high and as far as their craft will allow. It's only by doing this that certain people will be able to get the desire to engage in such activities out of the way. If regulators are going to take their role seriously when it comes to safety then they're going to have to get more pragmatic -- or suffer the consequences.
@@xjet "regulations themselves do not ensure good practice" So true. Some regulations are so stupid that even the authorities are too embarrassed to try enforcing them, like flying a tiny FPV mini-quad in one's own fenced backyard absent a visual observer. :) Regulations are worthless if they are unenforceable. But Ken's video is certainly pushing the boundaries of what is sensible. It has effectively teed up Billy as a hole-in-one enforcement case for the FAA. Ken wasn't flying the drone. He has nothing to lose, other than his integrity. He just gains more TH-cam views by generating controversy. The FAA doesn't need to impose stricter regulations in this case. They merely need to enforce the existing ones. My complaint here is that the video serves no purpose other than to harm the hobby by further portraying us as a bunch of irresponsible hooligans flaunting the regulations. I offered up my drone flying services to our local cottage lake association to help map the spread of invasive aquatic weed growth. I even finally broke down my resistance and passed the tests to obtain my pilot's certificate and registered my Phantom so I can fly it legally again, as it's better suited to mapping than my Mavic Mini. They eventually declined my offer because their association insurance doesn't cover the use of "aircraft". "What if we get sued for VOYEURISM?" (I'm not kidding.) There is so much misinformation out there in the public, I'm afraid to fly my drone for fear of having it shot down someday. That's why I object when otherwise popular TH-cam influencers do obviously stupid things.
@@xjet "... that things like this could create harder regulation but I disagree. If anything this shows that regulations themselves to not create good practice ...". If the regulators were completely open minded and objective that would be one thing, but actually past situations show they are not, and since - as you have pointed out - there are, or at least may be, vested interests who would like to regulate us out of existence, bragging about flouting the rules surely just gives them ammunition.
You know where I stand with this, you made the right call and have nothing but respect for you. Ken is about Ken and money that’s it, took me a while to realize it. He made it seem like Billy was begging for him to remove it. He asked twice and as a friend. Common decency is you set it to private or delete it. That’s what friends do. Here’s to a brilliant 2022 and leave the drama in 2021
Ken is my number one youtuber and will be. I will always trust him. But he was a dick in the discussion with Sean. But that doesn't mean that I hate Ken now and feel the need to choose a side.. I like Dono, and Ken Heron and Geeksvana.. 🤣
@@OneOfTheRobs Ken Heron is by far not my favorite TH-camr for drones. Not even close haha. The only thing he care about is views and money. His content sucks.
I’m sure this was difficult to publish Sean. Thanks for the courage and this further proves to me what a great human being you are. God bless and happy 2022!
Fair play Sean you showed great decorum during the live stream and were very diplomatic in your response tonight, Ken acts the clown that's fair enough but don't try and make peers and 'friends' out to be the same, glad you stayed true to your beliefs.
I found Ken is a *petty troll* . I still watch, as I enjoy the viewer videos, certainly not his humor (corny). Having felt a part of his community, I offered to 3D print some goofy eyebrows, like his stickers. I engineered them to fit on top your glasses, spent time and resources making them, and shipping them to him. We had gone through about 8 emails setting everything up, getting the proper files, he was attentive and interested. My package arrived, the show started, and when it came time to open my package, he criticized the packaging, said he didn't know what it was for since I didn't include a written letter sealed with a kiss ... never asked for input, literally tossed it aside not to be heard of again. Trolled. Check & mate. If you've ever wondered why I seemingly am not nice to him, but am nice to everyone else, that's why. He puts on a decent circus, but is the main clown I have no time for. He wasted my time, and I can tell you with certainty, I have wasted more of his than he did of mine, petty? It's a 2-way street :) Glad you stood your ground and held firm to your values, you'll find Ken has few values and talks of his mom a lot ..... #math. It's all about click rates and subs to him. Guess he's trying to prove something to himself or mama the way he goes about things. *shrug* Anyway, that's my $.02 and next time I see you exit stage left .. it will make more sense 🙂 (in this digital day & age, who needs written letters other than a 90-year old?)
I was surprised to see Ken doing that - especially with a drone weighing more than 250g. I agree it's important for the hobby as a whole that influential TH-camrs are seen to be promoting responsible flying.
Hello Sean, wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! Brillant response, Sir. You took the high road, and I am happy you did during the live show and your response. We ALL need to be accountable for our actions because these are precisely the incidents government agencies will use to over control and regulate hobbyist and commercial drone pilots in your Country and ours. Hoping that the coming year will bring you much happiness, good health, safe flying, and prosperity.
Thanks for this Sean, I only half understood why you left TNL till I watched this. Knowing about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspect made it clearer. Keep up the good work.
Bloody great, love that you stood up for yourself, proves that your genuine, could see you brewing up to that point, great that you were genuine in teh video, major respect.
Glad you guys worked things out. I think it’s great that you stood up for doing what’s right. Certified pilots like any other licensed professional need to hold themselves accountable. Thank you.
I don't want to comment much, but wanted to show my support and thanks to Geeksvana for your unwavering ethics and morals. It would be so easy to disregard the rules, but you didn't. That goes a long way, and I admire your conviction in the face of adversity and convenience. God bless you. Proud of how you handled it.
I completely understand your view of the situation. And I agree with you that your leaving the show would actually be best for you. I enjoy your content and will continue to enjoy it as long as you keep putting up videos I am interested in. Take care. Tom
Sean I wholeheartedly agree with your opinion. I enjoy Ken’s show and I watch it almost every Thursday. He does use others for his humor with out regard for their feelings or views. I’ve seen it many times.
This is such a shame, but you stood by your principles and did what you had to do. I must admit, I was slightly taken aback by Ken’s obviously planned response of ‘belittlement’ showing that he wasn’t really being sincere throughout your whole conversation. I am a fan of Ken and his general outlook on life, but sometimes things have to be dealt with in a more serious manner, and he clearly failed to do that. I’ll still be a follower of you both, but I’m about to pursue a serious career in UAV piloting, so your professionalism is very much appreciated and extremely useful to me. Keep up the good work Sean. Ps, I’m still eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered Nano plus, I’m assuming we’ll get them at the same time and looking forward to your unboxing video and sharing opinions with yourself.. 👍
Sean I wish you a happy new year. Thanks for standing your ground and giving us your side of the story. I watch TNL to be entertained and educated but this show left me feeling uneasy. I feel that 2022 will be a successful year for you and all those in the drone community. Keep up the great work my friend.
Just a quick message of support Sean after watching Herons show to get balance. Needless to say his arrogance is what I expected after watching 10 mins of his show about 6 months ago. Keep doing what you do Bro and keep true to yourself and subscribers and a Happy New year.
I think you were both right, but you, much more so then Ken. He is a mentor to many new pilots. Rules are rules for a reason and they could have easily put a VO a mile down the boardwalk to show people the correct way of doing that kind of flight, like he has in the past. You gave him a chance on TNL to express how it was wrong and what could have been done differently. Unfortunately Ken couldn't resist clowning around and belittling your opinion. Much respect to you Sean, for standing your ground. I am glad to see you talked and worked things out to get this behind you.
A difficult video to do Sean. Good on you for the explanation. I found the Thursdays show upsetting and I understand your reasons for leaving when you did.
A mature constructive debate is the best way to show respect for an individual with whom you differ in beliefs. If you cannot do that you either lack maturity or respect for the other party. You conducted yourself with sincerity. Cheers to you.
Wow! I didn't see that coming. Hats off to you for sticking to principles by leaving the show. You found yourself professionally embarrassed as a journalist and did the right thing - exactly as I have seen a lawyer do in a County Court. You are right to say that the flight should not have featured, and to stick up for the polity of GB. Weirdly, this video was the first thing I watched after spending ten minutes fretting about how I would handle a MSM channel if, when filming on my company's property, the Presenter tried to assert a political narrative, contrary to our terms and conditions of use. We have, several times declined interviews and filming for those reasons, and it seems increasingly likely that we will have to do it again. Would that other journalists shared your integrity, so that you and I didn't have to make the stand, because it feels bloody uncomfortable. You have my complete sympathy over this, because I know exactly how much it plays in your mind.
Thanks Sean. For what it’s worth there were quite a few viewers of that show who understood the situation and supported your decision. At the very least, it sparked a lively discussion in the comment section the next day.
Thank you for the video. I was only kind of half watching the first part of TNL that night because I was trying to get something else done. So I was not sure what happened. Rewatched that part of the show so I could understand and I have not watched anything Ken has posted since. We all need to understand each of us have our opinion and that we do not have to agree but we do need to respect that. Every time you tried to explain yourself Ken made a joke or cut you off and that is not right. And now knowing you really wished to not be on the show and he was the one really wanting you to be there really shows how far he will go to make money. And that is sad. Ken has a full time job yet I bet he is making more off his youtube, and maybe even several times more. Ken can put on a good show and I did enjoy watching but for his 200th show I signed up to be a patron or whatever it is called to have a chance for some of the prizes that night. But for whatever reason it never showed on the channel like it should have. It was taking my money and I was able to see all the backstage stuff but it never showed that I was a member on youtube. Sent several messages to Ken in hopes of fixing the issue and never heard one thing back. Even posted on several live stream right after that 200th show and never got any fix for it. So I stopped paying Ken any more money and just kind of wrote it off as he was just too busy to care about one person. Now I know is was just about the money.
I left just after you did Sean. After I saw the comments from his audience and moderators (of which there are about 100 of them, kinda like a club more then "moderators") I just couldn't be part of such disrespect anymore. Good for you for taking the high road, I am now a subscriber. Much respect to you. As for the video in question, people don't realize that even if you disagree with a rule, it doesn't make that rule unenforceable if you break it. This is something that could easily ruin someones career. They can be fined and have their 107 taken from them, ending their TH-cam channel and aerial filming company. I would of not even filmed it yet alone throw a "friend" under the bus and post it all over the web. It literally just takes one FAA rep to see it to do the damage. It was just reckless to do it in the first place and to then let someone else film it.
@@MudballDon I do remember seeing your name and that you asked someone to respect the guest and I appreciate that. So many Mods and few did that. I would be embarrassed if I was Ken to have one of my guests treated that way. Just my opinion, but he lost my support and monthly contribution.
You were 100% correct to raise this point to Ken. He definitely tried his best to belittle your stance on abiding by the laws. He even tried to stoop as low as bringing in a stop sign? At the end of the day no matter how much you disagree with any law , it's a law at the end of the day. His philosophy seems to be it's a silly law and he's not going to abide by it! He even went as far as to suggest to his followers his "eyesight" could see for over 2 miles as though this was an argument his followers should use when breaking the law. Totally un responsible by Ken to try and justify a un defensible position and childishly put you on mute to press his point home to his listeners. He might as well of told his followers to ignore speed limits too as his reaction time is far greater than mine and his car has a better breaking system, a totally irresponsible argument his show promoted tbh. The law is the law and I applaud you for sticking by your principles and promoting safe flying within the law (no matter how much we disagree with it). Keep up the great work 👍
Just watched the show and you have my full respect ✊ I fully agree and support you leaving the T.N.L show👍🏼 Keep up with your excellent channel and don’t let these type of people put you off ✊👍🏼 Defacing our queen live on TH-cam is very disrespectful!!
You know I love both you and Ken (You're the only 2 memberships I have on youtube), but Ken did cross a line here. The Queen thing didn't bother me at all, because nowadays she actually DOES have a 'tache! However everyone flies... Fly safe everyone! #DronesForGood. Let's not give the great unwashed public ammunition against our awesome hobby and community of friends.
Try Joshua Bardwell... If you can't build'em and program'em I dont see any reason to talk about regulation.... You just being flown, not flying otherwise
Don't remove this video! After watching this is was good to go see the live as it played out on Kens channel and although I agree with him more so on FAA "rules" I side with you. Both of you had good points, you expressed yourself very well and he flat out disrespected you. To mute you was complete BS on his part and he can say hahah Sean I was just joshing with ya hehehe 🙄but doing it twice and having his cute little game with you spoke for itself. He's all about Ken and Ken only at the end of the day not anyone else which is why he got someone else to do the flights and used their footage. Lessons learned for both you and Billy but this will not change anything about Ken because all he is doing now is sitting in his piss puddle on the floor laughing.
I didn't pick up on him twice muting his microphone. And originally felt Ken was just trying to lighten the air with the silly British rules part. After all I suppose the bvlos rule Billy ignored and Ken showed/defended was an American rule in this instance. But yes after watching it again including Sean's video and reading many of the comments I completely agree with what you've said.
I was disappointed when I saw that video, especially because Ken was winking like it was all a joke. Ken helped me get educated and interested in sUAS flight and this was a real blow to my respect in him. In the end, I think he needs to grow up. I respect what you said in this video. TNL will be missing out. And, I just subscribed to Geeksvana.
As noted, he continues to promote and document bad behavior on occasion. And also as noted, he is primarily about "entertainment" and money (especially). Your point about someone professing to represent the hobby to thousands exhibiting bad behavior is well taken. Thanks. (Late to this party, but noting same things going on today).
Sean, I admire the way you have handled this situation and conducted yourself. You don’t need to be associated to such a narcissist as Heron and I think you are better off not engaging with him again. I suspect that your professionalism and natural decency has tempered your use of words in your explanation and the cuts in your relationship with him are deeper than you want to admit publicly. I am a casual drone hobbyist and greatly relate to your shows and content. Thank you for what you do. Wishing you all the very best going forward. Dave Roberts
I had been mulling unsubscribing from Ken for a while, and his benile humour was the tipping point. I have spent so much time and effort to build a compliant drone business and I am proud of my flying and the pictures that I sell. I am not helped by a growing reputation of drone pilots fuelled by a minority, less still when that minority has a wide audience. You did the right thing, especially at that time of the night, and I remain subscribed to yourself.
Bit of an awkward watch but well done for you standing your ground and standing up for your beliefs. Love both of your video's and glad you have been able to speak man to man and hopefully all parties can move forward without impact
I totally understand and agree with your decision to leave, even the young lady who came on later looked like she felt awkward too about what Ken did, I suspect she was watching previously. Here in the U.K. we have a far busier airspace that large parts of the USA especially around Heathrow. I live 28 miles away from Heathrow , and regularly see motorised paragliders , they quite often take off and land in many fields and open areas and take a lot longer to climb so spend some time below 400 feet than usual light planes etc , I’m sure although really rare occurrence they wouldn’t appreciate a Mavic 3 in the face. Yes they should be looking looking around all the time for all types of other aircraft , seeing a consumer drone approaching you if at full speed would be tough as it could be mistaken as a bird (which would normally get out of your way) And by the time you realise it isn’t it’s probably hit you already. These paragliders have really loud engines so you wouldn’t hear the sound of the drone to give you a clue. Yes accidents of this nature is exceptionally rare , but the authorities are unsure of the actual risks by the mass take up of consumer drones by the public, so they make rules tighter than what’s required and given time due to data being collected may decide to loosen some rules at a later date which I’m sure will happen and some has happened already..
I fly paramotors and I can assure you that we can not see a drone coming unless it has the sky in the background or if it is a white drone. Same with powerlines. You just don't see them.
@@12vibaba grey drones just disappear against trees at any sort of distance so I agree with what you say. Only if it’s bright orange you’d have some sort of chance seeing it, and by then it would be too late . It’s far easier for a drone pilot to see a paramotor than the other way around. To only operate by VLOS totally makes sense and should remain law.
Glad you two worked it out. I will not comment on the issue. You two are power houses in the drone world and it's good to have you talking again. Missed you the rest of the evening.
Whether VLOS is right or wrong, it simply needs to be followed. Ken was incredibly annoying in that video. Instead of mansplaining a thousand times how stupid it is, maybe he could spend that energy trying to lobby against VLOS in a constructive way.
Sean, I’m sorry to hear of this situation. I’ve always thought of Ken Heron and yourself as an odd match with views and values at opposite ends of the spectrum but who am I to judge? I’ll leave commenting on Ken to others. I haven’t watched his content for a very long time but as far as yourself; My impressions are that of someone who has values and adheres to them even when it is not always convenient. I also appreciate that you don’t do “comment for cash’ and that your personal values are not for sale. I will continue to watch your content with interest going forward. Regards Ari
I knew there would be blowback from that range test when I saw the video and was surprised that Billy allowed himself to be filmed doing it but that's his funeral. After watching the TNL nonsense I can only commend you for your restraint. He ambushed you after he knew you had concerns about being on the show and he was totally out of order. Happy New Year!
Complete respect on this, I managed to find the vid through Ken's episode. They tried to joke about the legalities but knew it wasn't legal. This is the difference between entertainment vs factual/intelligent conversation, but the entertainment in this case crossed a line that was documented (and potentially used as evidence). You being muted whilst trying to make a point had me cursing his behaviour. Happy new year!
Sean, You are a perfect gentleman . You handled this perfectly sir always maintain your respect and dignity. No need for childish behaviors, shutting down the Mike was in my opinion the end for me. I have found youtube creates many followers and few leaders, especially within this hobby. I'm just a jersey guy that wanted to reach out to you saying great job I look forward to supporting you as you lead the way.
One of the hazardous negative terms that are expressed in the 107 exam is "Macho" and Invulnerability" that Billy Kyle expressed as a PIC. and Ken expressed "Machoism" by posting both are negative attributes of a responsible 107 Pilot.
I’m just glad some people are finally seeing Ken for what he is! I’m also glad you spoke up and then stood up for yourself. I refuse to watch him because Ive seen in him for a long time what many people finally saw in that segment. However, I had to watch the segment to see the exchange. He treated you with no respect at all. I think you handled yourself well and probably with more restraint than I would have if I was in your shoes.
Well said Sean, I have lost all respect for Ken a long time ago. The impression I get of his show is it’s all about the money. If you watch he like to start the “money train” near the beginning. His ego and practices will eventually be his downfall. Keep up the great work.
Shawn I just wondered how you were doing and I Was trying to find your channel And I have been very busy with my business with my drone but you were always on the back of my mind and I wanted to try to find you and subscribe to your channel and to be able to be in touch with you I have a Lotta respect for you and I am very proud to know someone like you out there with your views and some of them may be different than my views but I respect that and I was very proud of you to do what you did by stepping away on Ken’s show I have a great respect for you because of that and I was glad to be able to find your channel and I subscribe do you and was glad to be able to find this particular explanation that you had put out I will be following what you put out there from now on I was very impressed with you when you actually knew who I was and what I did where Ken didn’t really know me and that made me feel good that you knew who I was and I appreciate that and I do have respect for you so I will be watching your stuff take care I’ll see you in the chat Dyna- Drone Bert French
Hi Sean, I’m normally don’t comment on TH-cam videos but watch TNL last night and left after you left. I really admire you because of what you did for the MD4.0 community. Keep up your excellent work please. And btw, you know that there’s another guy who needs subscribers who posted a very similar video from the same event? I live in a country where there are almost no rules about drone flying and still try to abide common sense and I really hate it when major drone channels incite to break rules.
Who is the other guy as I would love to watch it. I don't think that Billy Kyle posted it, but will look again. Ken's post would scare most away from that event as great as it actually was.;
I have been hearing a ton about something Ken did... and it seems like it has more than a few professionals riled up. I appreciate what you do and thank you for it... even if you are halfway around the world. Happy New Year! And best wishes!!
Wow. I've just seen that show. No misunderstanding there. Ken was very rude to you, England and our Queen. Nothing he did or said was funny. Well done Sean. You did the right thing. Hold your head up high. You acted professionally. He did not
I thought it was OK until Ken started the stupid attack on British laws and I agree he was belittling you, I too would have walked. I think Billy will be getting a visit from FAA. That flight along the beach next to the boardwalk, could have been done perfectly legally, all they needed was to place spotters along the boardwalk at say 350 meter spacings with two way radios. Over the sea a different issue, possibly could have asked the FAA to approve it. I also agree with you that influencers need to be cautious and not push the FAA buttons as it will come back to bite all of us.
Well done for sticking to your guns Sean. As a smaller TH-camr I know how hard it is to turn down ‘opportunities’ due to principles. Keep up the good work!
Sean total respect, rules are rules and perhaps you tube should be giving Ken a slapped wrist for showing/supporting illegal drone flying. You cannot look a fool if you do no wrong, this video shows your professional approach to your work 👍👍
Hi Sean. Well said. I think Ken is a loose canon. He may be doing more harm that good for the drone community. You are a diplomate. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
I’m not into the GPS side of the hobby but through friends the video was shared and I saw it (video and the livestream) I agree with you whole heartily.
Sean well done for standing by your principles I wondered what was going on when I was reading other you tubers about something that had happened Had no idea it involved you
Unfortunately Ken won’t change his ways or listen to anyone outside of his followers unless he’s fined steeply or something drastic happens. I don’t ever wish any harm on anyone but Ken believes he’s above everyone else because there’s not ever been any consequences for him.
You was right what you did Sean, the laws are there for a reason so we sick by them, I would have done the same thing if I was in your situation, respect 👊
I watched the TNL live … until it became too painful to watch in live stream. Then I went back the following morning to watch it all. I had also watched the post he did of Billy Kyle’s “ten mile flight” and commented I thought Bill K. had “nerves of steel,” but that I thought the viewer numbers may have been pumped by the number of FAA bureaucrats looking at it. Billy K. is entertaining, but has flaunted the rules before - a few years ago - night flying (before it was authorized) over parts of Manhattan (totally restricted airspace). Since he has been so blatant about it, I do not know how Billy Kyle escapes the FAA’s oversight. But, moving on - some thoughts: • Ken has an entertaining format and has garnered a large “dronista” audience. I have had the opportunity to meet Ken in person. He is a nice person. He has provided a focal point platform for the “recreational” drone community. • Ken has spoken out on many of the FAA’s maladroit attempts to integrate recreational drone use into the national air space. And, we need that. The FAA comes off as an anachronistic fixed wing pro-business government bureaucracy and too many of its representatives come off as “living dead bureaucrats.” Nevertheless, it is the bureaucracy with which we have to work and we need to “bring them along.” I think blatant flaunting of the rules and then posting it all as a YT video does not well serve the “bring them along” playbook. • Ken is bright, full of personality and, obviously, a professional at media-based presentation. But, the technology, the hobby and the dialog has quickly evolved. We need an adult in the room. • I posit Ken’s sophomoric posting of the Billy Kyle flight may have measurably mitigated Ken’s effectiveness in his ongoing dialog with the FAA. This affects more than just Ken Heron. It affects us all as recreational drone owners/pilots. • The recreational drone owners/pilots community needs an informed, effective and wholly adult representative, preferably one with a “media presence” such as a polished TH-cam channel. After the posting of Billy Kyle’s flight followed by Ken’s “performance” on the recent TNL, I think, quite frankly, Geeksvana offers a more responsible platform for those of us who care to preserve/enhance advocacy for recreation drone piloting. I sub’d your channel. Thank you for your continuing work on our behalf.
Sean, doing what you do is a great service to drone flyers in general, anyone hoping to keep doing what we do is more likely if we follow rules, rather than promote otherwise! The main reason for following any of the rules is so not to endanger anyone around us, especially when we are above them! Morals and Standards you live by, are what makes us who we are! Keep the channel as it is, Great....✔
Happy New Year, Sean. As a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot I personally feel that it is my responsibility to promote safe use of the regulated national airspace. I work in crowded urban airspace where BLOS also means risking RF interference and the IF reflective glass on towers that scatter the GPS nav signal. My comments have always reflected that I think some in the "drone community" on YT are toxic. One of TNL's moderators blocks all my comments in the live chat, for instance, even though I'm a paid member on Ken's channel. I know a bit about humor and comedy writing. The comedy monologue is styled on repressed hostility. The less you repress the less funny you are.
@@dogstar7 Nightbot was very prevalent in the chat and deleting and timing out many comments. Unfortunately, mods aren't able to unhide or un-timeout wrongly targeted comments by nightbot
Ken Heron just dropped a livestream where he giggled and laughed while a video played depicting a 12 year old boy becoming addicted to pron... it was shocking and disguising and many of my viewers told me about you and that you might have more insight to the story.
Thank you Sean, I'm glad you stood your ground and I completely agree with you. We may not always agree with rules, but we must try to follow them. I'm trying to grow my little channel and there is absolutely NO way I would have posted that video to try and get subs and views. Ken really surprised me with the way he treated you on the show. Last Thursday, during TNL, I canceled my membership and not sure I will watch again. If you treat your friends that way I'm out.
Having watched both your channel and Ken Heron I think your decision to leave was the right one, the fact that you took part in the first place was a suprise. As a UK drone flyer only as a hobby I watch your channel to keep up with things that could effect me whilst out flying my DJI MINI2. You endeavour to give good advice, news and information regarding drone flying which is both appreciated and welcome. Ken Heron has a cavalier approach to flying and is always happy to bend or ignore the rules in favour of entertainment value this is something you do not do, I hate all these rules but need to know about them, your channel made me go do my CAA test and get my drone registered and a flyer ID. Keep up the good work. CUDOS to you. I have unsubscribed from Ken`s Channel
I have lost all respect for Ken Heron. What he did in the video was bad enough, but on TNL he not only blew it off like it was nothing, but he also came at you, disrespected you, insulted your country and tried to make a mockery of the whole situation. I lost a lot of respect ken when he made a video where he flew the new FPV drone for a maiden flight in a park full of people. Flying over kids heads, coming ridiculously close to people walking by. No one said anything then because, well he's Ken Heron, everyone worships the ground he walks on. The guy needs to step back and evaluate his actions. If he doesn't, the drone community will see him for what he really is and his popularity will crumble. At the very least, he owes you a very public apology.
Happy New Year Sean. Glad to see your side of this and the blindside after the conversation was morally wrong. I don't subscribe to the "DO as I say, not as I do" mentality. Especially since he is sponsored by a flight school. Keep up the professionalism on your channel.
Thank you for explaining your viewpoint. I was also surprised by him publishing a video that clearly violated the FAA VLOS regulations. It was a fun video and I watched it, but it had the potential of throwing the pilot under the proverbial bus.
"In 20 years of flying Fixed wing RC, I have never been questioned by the police or in an altercation with the public. Avoiding people and the things they love, protected me from FAA regulations." I thought originally that he was being wrongfully hounded for enjoying the hobby, but his repeated video recorded efforts to attract confrontation became obvious. IMO the tag lines he uses on his videos to attract views were his intent from the start. After watching this, your video, his goal became even more apparent.
![[TH] 2024 PMGC League | Survival Stage วันที่ 1 | PUBG MOBILE Global Championship](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/FVFT-PFwU80/mqdefault.jpg)
This nicely coincides with part of my plans for 2022. Although (as most are aware) I am averse to the current levels of overregulation that are a burden on the hobby, I do not encourage anyone to fly BVLOS because you really do need to manage risk to a much higher level (because the risks associated with such activities are significantly higher).
Personally, I rarely fly BVLOS for a number of reasons:
1. it's often pretty boring because BVLOS often means flying higher to get good signal and hikes risk
2. it's too far to walk if/when something goes wrong
3. it's hard to mitigate all the risks to an acceptable level in most places
And remember -- this is the "anti-rules" guy talking!
I certainly wouldn't fly BVLOS with a commercial camera-drone because they simply do not offer the levels of control needed to take avoiding action, should something unexpected suddenly appear in your field of view. For example, what's the maximum rate of descent for a Mavic, Phantom or Air2 should a helicopter suddenly appear in view at the same altitude you're flying and heading straight for you?
And don't think you'll be able to see any approaching aircraft/heli because you have a great HD video feed. Even the good old Mark1 human eyeball (without the handicap of a video link) is sometimes inadequate for this task, as proven by the number of mid-air collisions between manned aircraft that happen all too often.
We should recognise that *everyone* wants to know how far their drone will fly and what it's like to fly BVLOS but there are few locations where this can be done with near 100% safety. I plan to change this so that *everyone* can experience BVLOS at least once and learn that for most, it's really just not that much fun and not worth the risk. This is how you safely change user attitudes and behaviours (IMHO).
Ken's a nice guy but I seldom have the patience to watch a show all the way through because the bias is more towards lightweight entertainment of a genre that doesn't appeal to me as much as Botgrinder Live. That's not an indictment against Ken's show it's simply showing my own personal preferences and tastes.
However, Ken is seen by many to be a figurehead within the community so there is an unspoken responsibility to remind folk about what's safe and what's not. That may sound hypocritical from the guy who constantly rags on regulators and their rules -- but I do not promote the mindless breaking of rules, I promote safety and taking personal responsibility which is a totally different thing.
The reality is that YT is filled with BVLOS videos and over the years there have been countless such flights made without incident (unlike paramotor flying and manned aviation where mid-air collisions are sadly a part of life/death). This speaks to the incredibly low intrinsic risk associates with all branches of the hobby. However, that does not mean we ought not still be striving to minimise risk whenever possible and discourage reckless engagement in higher-risk operations in unsuitable areas.
Of course this is all just an opinion and, like all opinions, is worth no more than what you just paid for it :-D
Agreed, Bruce. It's ridiculous to strictly interpret as illegal the brief moment a drone passes beyond visual line of sight when flying around a tree at the park. And one could even argue that this long distance flight wasn't particularly dangerous, as "proven" by the fact that no one was hurt by it. But clearly there's a huge difference here. The video does no one any favours. We have two very recognizable and famous TH-cam personalities, with large followings, giggling while naughty and blatantly breaking FAA regulations. Don't be surprised when you deliberately poke a sleeping bear if it then wakes up and bites you. Unfortunately, if it results in even more stringent regulations, EVERYBODY gets bitten. Making stupid videos for entertainment's sake is fun, but not if it creates further potential consequences for the entire hobby.
@@Zbip57 Several people have said that things like this could create harsher regulation but I disagree. If anything, this shows that *regulations* themselves do not ensure good practice. What reguators need to take away from this is that some people WILL fly BVLOS regardless of what the rules allow. The best way to deal with this is to provide areas where people can legally and *safely* fly BVLOS to get it out of their system. One of my goals for 2022 is to set up areas like this around the world. Places where you, I or anyone can go with their drone and fly as high and as far as their craft will allow. It's only by doing this that certain people will be able to get the desire to engage in such activities out of the way. If regulators are going to take their role seriously when it comes to safety then they're going to have to get more pragmatic -- or suffer the consequences.
@@xjet "regulations themselves do not ensure good practice" So true. Some regulations are so stupid that even the authorities are too embarrassed to try enforcing them, like flying a tiny FPV mini-quad in one's own fenced backyard absent a visual observer. :) Regulations are worthless if they are unenforceable. But Ken's video is certainly pushing the boundaries of what is sensible. It has effectively teed up Billy as a hole-in-one enforcement case for the FAA. Ken wasn't flying the drone. He has nothing to lose, other than his integrity. He just gains more TH-cam views by generating controversy. The FAA doesn't need to impose stricter regulations in this case. They merely need to enforce the existing ones. My complaint here is that the video serves no purpose other than to harm the hobby by further portraying us as a bunch of irresponsible hooligans flaunting the regulations. I offered up my drone flying services to our local cottage lake association to help map the spread of invasive aquatic weed growth. I even finally broke down my resistance and passed the tests to obtain my pilot's certificate and registered my Phantom so I can fly it legally again, as it's better suited to mapping than my Mavic Mini. They eventually declined my offer because their association insurance doesn't cover the use of "aircraft". "What if we get sued for VOYEURISM?" (I'm not kidding.) There is so much misinformation out there in the public, I'm afraid to fly my drone for fear of having it shot down someday. That's why I object when otherwise popular TH-cam influencers do obviously stupid things.
@@xjet "... that things like this could create harder regulation but I disagree. If anything this shows that regulations themselves to not create good practice ...". If the regulators were completely open minded and objective that would be one thing, but actually past situations show they are not, and since - as you have pointed out - there are, or at least may be, vested interests who would like to regulate us out of existence, bragging about flouting the rules surely just gives them ammunition.
Thank you Bruce, well said!
You know where I stand with this, you made the right call and have nothing but respect for you. Ken is about Ken and money that’s it, took me a while to realize it. He made it seem like Billy was begging for him to remove it. He asked twice and as a friend. Common decency is you set it to private or delete it. That’s what friends do.
Here’s to a brilliant 2022 and leave the drama in 2021
"leave the drama in 2021". Let's hope.
Exactly, i fully agree with you Ken. And with Sean!
Told you before , you’re the only Ken worth watching.😉
Ken is my number one youtuber and will be. I will always trust him. But he was a dick in the discussion with Sean. But that doesn't mean that I hate Ken now and feel the need to choose a side.. I like Dono, and Ken Heron and Geeksvana.. 🤣
@@OneOfTheRobs Ken Heron is by far not my favorite TH-camr for drones. Not even close haha. The only thing he care about is views and money. His content sucks.
I’m sure this was difficult to publish Sean. Thanks for the courage and this further proves to me what a great human being you are. God bless and happy 2022!
Love seeing this support for Sean
Thank you Russ. I really appreciate the support from the drone community, especially from the creators I and so many other respect. Have a great 2022!
Fair play Sean you showed great decorum during the live stream and were very diplomatic in your response tonight, Ken acts the clown that's fair enough but don't try and make peers and 'friends' out to be the same, glad you stayed true to your beliefs.
If you buy a drone to fly 200 ft around your back yard, just save money and buy a kite, just as boring.
@@johnfranks1 great input John 👌🏻
I found Ken is a *petty troll* . I still watch, as I enjoy the viewer videos, certainly not his humor (corny).
Having felt a part of his community, I offered to 3D print some goofy eyebrows, like his stickers.
I engineered them to fit on top your glasses, spent time and resources making them, and shipping them to him.
We had gone through about 8 emails setting everything up, getting the proper files, he was attentive and interested.
My package arrived, the show started, and when it came time to open my package, he criticized the packaging, said he didn't know what it was for since I didn't include a written letter sealed with a kiss ... never asked for input, literally tossed it aside not to be heard of again. Trolled. Check & mate.
If you've ever wondered why I seemingly am not nice to him, but am nice to everyone else, that's why. He puts on a decent circus, but is the main clown I have no time for.
He wasted my time, and I can tell you with certainty, I have wasted more of his than he did of mine, petty? It's a 2-way street :)
Glad you stood your ground and held firm to your values, you'll find Ken has few values and talks of his mom a lot ..... #math. It's all about click rates and subs to him.
Guess he's trying to prove something to himself or mama the way he goes about things. *shrug*
Anyway, that's my $.02 and next time I see you exit stage left .. it will make more sense 🙂
(in this digital day & age, who needs written letters other than a 90-year old?)
You definitely did the right thing. He interrupted and mocked you. Bang out of order and disrespectful.
I was surprised to see Ken doing that - especially with a drone weighing more than 250g. I agree it's important for the hobby as a whole that influential TH-camrs are seen to be promoting responsible flying.
Hello Sean, wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! Brillant response, Sir. You took the high road, and I am happy you did during the live show and your response. We ALL need to be accountable for our actions because these are precisely the incidents government agencies will use to over control and regulate hobbyist and commercial drone pilots in your Country and ours. Hoping that the coming year will bring you much happiness, good health, safe flying, and prosperity.
Thanks for this Sean, I only half understood why you left TNL till I watched this. Knowing about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspect made it clearer. Keep up the good work.
Good for you. We all got to stand up for what is right
Bloody great, love that you stood up for yourself, proves that your genuine, could see you brewing up to that point, great that you were genuine in teh video, major respect.
Glad you guys worked things out. I think it’s great that you stood up for doing what’s right. Certified pilots like any other licensed professional need to hold themselves accountable. Thank you.
I don't want to comment much, but wanted to show my support and thanks to Geeksvana for your unwavering ethics and morals. It would be so easy to disregard the rules, but you didn't. That goes a long way, and I admire your conviction in the face of adversity and convenience. God bless you. Proud of how you handled it.
I completely understand your view of the situation. And I agree with you that your leaving the show would actually be best for you. I enjoy your content and will continue to enjoy it as long as you keep putting up videos I am interested in. Take care. Tom
Sean I wholeheartedly agree with your opinion. I enjoy Ken’s show and I watch it almost every Thursday. He does use others for his humor with out regard for their feelings or views. I’ve seen it many times.
There are informative and general useful TH-camrs and then there are those that want likes and subs only, your doing the best job which helps people
Happy New Year Sean! It’s simple…Safety is #1.
This is such a shame, but you stood by your principles and did what you had to do. I must admit, I was slightly taken aback by Ken’s obviously planned response of ‘belittlement’ showing that he wasn’t really being sincere throughout your whole conversation. I am a fan of Ken and his general outlook on life, but sometimes things have to be dealt with in a more serious manner, and he clearly failed to do that. I’ll still be a follower of you both, but I’m about to pursue a serious career in UAV piloting, so your professionalism is very much appreciated and extremely useful to me. Keep up the good work Sean. Ps, I’m still eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered Nano plus, I’m assuming we’ll get them at the same time and looking forward to your unboxing video and sharing opinions with yourself.. 👍
Sean I wish you a happy new year. Thanks for standing your ground and giving us your side of the story. I watch TNL to be entertained and educated but this show left me feeling uneasy. I feel that 2022 will be a successful year for you and all those in the drone community. Keep up the great work my friend.
Just a quick message of support Sean after watching Herons show to get balance. Needless to say his arrogance is what I expected after watching 10 mins of his show about 6 months ago. Keep doing what you do Bro and keep true to yourself and subscribers and a Happy New year.
I think you were both right, but you, much more so then Ken. He is a mentor to many new pilots. Rules are rules for a reason and they could have easily put a VO a mile down the boardwalk to show people the correct way of doing that kind of flight, like he has in the past. You gave him a chance on TNL to express how it was wrong and what could have been done differently. Unfortunately Ken couldn't resist clowning around and belittling your opinion. Much respect to you Sean, for standing your ground. I am glad to see you talked and worked things out to get this behind you.
A difficult video to do Sean. Good on you for the explanation. I found the Thursdays show upsetting and I understand your reasons for leaving when you did.
A mature constructive debate is the best way to show respect for an individual with whom you differ in beliefs. If you cannot do that you either lack maturity or respect for the other party. You conducted yourself with sincerity. Cheers to you.
Wow! I didn't see that coming. Hats off to you for sticking to principles by leaving the show. You found yourself professionally embarrassed as a journalist and did the right thing - exactly as I have seen a lawyer do in a County Court. You are right to say that the flight should not have featured, and to stick up for the polity of GB.
Weirdly, this video was the first thing I watched after spending ten minutes fretting about how I would handle a MSM channel if, when filming on my company's property, the Presenter tried to assert a political narrative, contrary to our terms and conditions of use. We have, several times declined interviews and filming for those reasons, and it seems increasingly likely that we will have to do it again.
Would that other journalists shared your integrity, so that you and I didn't have to make the stand, because it feels bloody uncomfortable. You have my complete sympathy over this, because I know exactly how much it plays in your mind.
Thanks Sean. For what it’s worth there were quite a few viewers of that show who understood the situation and supported your decision. At the very least, it sparked a lively discussion in the comment section the next day.
Well done ! very dignified and balanced response.
Keep up the great work and have a great new year
Thank you for the video. I was only kind of half watching the first part of TNL that night because I was trying to get something else done. So I was not sure what happened. Rewatched that part of the show so I could understand and I have not watched anything Ken has posted since. We all need to understand each of us have our opinion and that we do not have to agree but we do need to respect that. Every time you tried to explain yourself Ken made a joke or cut you off and that is not right. And now knowing you really wished to not be on the show and he was the one really wanting you to be there really shows how far he will go to make money. And that is sad. Ken has a full time job yet I bet he is making more off his youtube, and maybe even several times more. Ken can put on a good show and I did enjoy watching but for his 200th show I signed up to be a patron or whatever it is called to have a chance for some of the prizes that night. But for whatever reason it never showed on the channel like it should have. It was taking my money and I was able to see all the backstage stuff but it never showed that I was a member on youtube. Sent several messages to Ken in hopes of fixing the issue and never heard one thing back. Even posted on several live stream right after that 200th show and never got any fix for it. So I stopped paying Ken any more money and just kind of wrote it off as he was just too busy to care about one person. Now I know is was just about the money.
Well said Sean you made the right choice - unfortunately I have unsubscribed from Ken as I do not like what he is doing !
I left just after you did Sean. After I saw the comments from his audience and moderators (of which there are about 100 of them, kinda like a club more then "moderators") I just couldn't be part of such disrespect anymore. Good for you for taking the high road, I am now a subscriber. Much respect to you.
As for the video in question, people don't realize that even if you disagree with a rule, it doesn't make that rule unenforceable if you break it. This is something that could easily ruin someones career. They can be fined and have their 107 taken from them, ending their TH-cam channel and aerial filming company. I would of not even filmed it yet alone throw a "friend" under the bus and post it all over the web. It literally just takes one FAA rep to see it to do the damage. It was just reckless to do it in the first place and to then let someone else film it.
I’m a mod and I almost left. I stayed to do my part in keeping the conversations civil.
@@MudballDon I do remember seeing your name and that you asked someone to respect the guest and I appreciate that. So many Mods and few did that. I would be embarrassed if I was Ken to have one of my guests treated that way. Just my opinion, but he lost my support and monthly contribution.
You were 100% correct to raise this point to Ken. He definitely tried his best to belittle your stance on abiding by the laws. He even tried to stoop as low as bringing in a stop sign? At the end of the day no matter how much you disagree with any law , it's a law at the end of the day. His philosophy seems to be it's a silly law and he's not going to abide by it! He even went as far as to suggest to his followers his "eyesight" could see for over 2 miles as though this was an argument his followers should use when breaking the law. Totally un responsible by Ken to try and justify a un defensible position and childishly put you on mute to press his point home to his listeners. He might as well of told his followers to ignore speed limits too as his reaction time is far greater than mine and his car has a better breaking system, a totally irresponsible argument his show promoted tbh. The law is the law and I applaud you for sticking by your principles and promoting safe flying within the law (no matter how much we disagree with it). Keep up the great work 👍
Just watched the show and you have my full respect ✊ I fully agree and support you leaving the T.N.L show👍🏼 Keep up with your excellent channel and don’t let these type of people put you off ✊👍🏼 Defacing our queen live on TH-cam is very disrespectful!!
Well said, thank you for keeping the high ground. Happy New Year and Happy Flying!
You know I love both you and Ken (You're the only 2 memberships I have on youtube), but Ken did cross a line here.
The Queen thing didn't bother me at all, because nowadays she actually DOES have a 'tache!
However everyone flies... Fly safe everyone!
#DronesForGood. Let's not give the great unwashed public ammunition against our awesome hobby and community of friends.
Try Joshua Bardwell...
If you can't build'em and program'em I dont see any reason to talk about regulation....
You just being flown, not flying otherwise
Glad you two have come to an understanding!
Don't remove this video! After watching this is was good to go see the live as it played out on Kens channel and although I agree with him more so on FAA "rules" I side with you. Both of you had good points, you expressed yourself very well and he flat out disrespected you. To mute you was complete BS on his part and he can say hahah Sean I was just joshing with ya hehehe 🙄but doing it twice and having his cute little game with you spoke for itself. He's all about Ken and Ken only at the end of the day not anyone else which is why he got someone else to do the flights and used their footage. Lessons learned for both you and Billy but this will not change anything about Ken because all he is doing now is sitting in his piss puddle on the floor laughing.
I didn't pick up on him twice muting his microphone.
And originally felt Ken was just trying to lighten the air with the silly British rules part.
After all I suppose the bvlos rule Billy ignored and Ken showed/defended was an American rule in this instance.
But yes after watching it again including Sean's video and reading many of the comments I completely agree with what you've said.
As someone that has been setup before to be a patsy I understand and appreciate your transparency and integrity.
I was disappointed when I saw that video, especially because Ken was winking like it was all a joke. Ken helped me get educated and interested in sUAS flight and this was a real blow to my respect in him. In the end, I think he needs to grow up. I respect what you said in this video. TNL will be missing out. And, I just subscribed to Geeksvana.
Happy New Year 🎉🎉🎉 Sean I am glad y'all worked it out like you said we are grown men we all have different views.
Well said Sean. Happy New Year!!!
As noted, he continues to promote and document bad behavior on occasion. And also as noted, he is primarily about "entertainment" and money (especially). Your point about someone professing to represent the hobby to thousands exhibiting bad behavior is well taken. Thanks. (Late to this party, but noting same things going on today).
Sean, I admire the way you have handled this situation and conducted yourself. You don’t need to be associated to such a narcissist as Heron and I think you are better off not engaging with him again. I suspect that your professionalism and natural decency has tempered your use of words in your explanation and the cuts in your relationship with him are deeper than you want to admit publicly.
I am a casual drone hobbyist and greatly relate to your shows and content. Thank you for what you do. Wishing you all the very best going forward.
Dave Roberts
I had been mulling unsubscribing from Ken for a while, and his benile humour was the tipping point. I have spent so much time and effort to build a compliant drone business and I am proud of my flying and the pictures that I sell. I am not helped by a growing reputation of drone pilots fuelled by a minority, less still when that minority has a wide audience. You did the right thing, especially at that time of the night, and I remain subscribed to yourself.
Hey Sean, sending best festive wishes to you and family, and as a long time supporter of yours sending support in reference to this topic, much love
I fully agree with you Sean. You made the correct decision.
Well said. I didn’t see the original show but appreciate you keeping consistent. 👍
Great Statement and agree with what you did. Happy New Year to you and your family and will always support your channel.
Great statement Sean, much respect! Happy 2022!!!
Well said Sean. I'm a Welshman living in the USA and I was getting personally upset while watching that part of the show. Keep on keeping on sir.
Totally on your side Sean. Fully behind you on your decision.
Bit of an awkward watch but well done for you standing your ground and standing up for your beliefs. Love both of your video's and glad you have been able to speak man to man and hopefully all parties can move forward without impact
Happy New Year Sean im completely with you on this one...
Same here
I totally understand and agree with your decision to leave, even the young lady who came on later looked like she felt awkward too about what Ken did, I suspect she was watching previously.
Here in the U.K. we have a far busier airspace that large parts of the USA especially around Heathrow.
I live 28 miles away from Heathrow , and regularly see motorised paragliders , they quite often take off and land in many fields and open areas and take a lot longer to climb so spend some time below 400 feet than usual light planes etc ,
I’m sure although really rare occurrence they wouldn’t appreciate a Mavic 3 in the face.
Yes they should be looking looking around all the time for all types of other aircraft , seeing a consumer drone approaching you if at full speed would be tough as it could be mistaken as a bird (which would normally get out of your way)
And by the time you realise it isn’t it’s probably hit you already.
These paragliders have really loud engines so you wouldn’t hear the sound of the drone to give you a clue.
Yes accidents of this nature is exceptionally rare , but the authorities are unsure of the actual risks by the mass take up of consumer drones by the public,
so they make rules tighter than what’s required and given time due to data being collected may decide to loosen some rules at a later date which I’m sure will happen and some has happened already..
I fly paramotors and I can assure you that we can not see a drone coming unless it has the sky in the background or if it is a white drone. Same with powerlines. You just don't see them.
@@12vibaba grey drones just disappear against trees at any sort of distance so I agree with what you say.
Only if it’s bright orange you’d have some sort of chance seeing it, and by then it would be too late .
It’s far easier for a drone pilot to see a paramotor than the other way around.
To only operate by VLOS totally makes sense and should remain law.
Glad you two worked it out. I will not comment on the issue. You two are power houses in the drone world and it's good to have you talking again. Missed you the rest of the evening.
Whether VLOS is right or wrong, it simply needs to be followed. Ken was incredibly annoying in that video. Instead of mansplaining a thousand times how stupid it is, maybe he could spend that energy trying to lobby against VLOS in a constructive way.
Sean, I’m sorry to hear of this situation. I’ve always thought of Ken Heron and yourself as an odd match with views and values at opposite ends of the spectrum but who am I to judge? I’ll leave commenting on Ken to others. I haven’t watched his content for a very long time but as far as yourself; My impressions are that of someone who has values and adheres to them even when it is not always convenient. I also appreciate that you don’t do “comment for cash’ and that your personal values are not for sale. I will continue to watch your content with interest going forward.
Regards
Ari
I knew there would be blowback from that range test when I saw the video and was surprised that Billy allowed himself to be filmed doing it but that's his funeral.
After watching the TNL nonsense I can only commend you for your restraint. He ambushed you after he knew you had concerns about being on the show and he was totally out of order.
Happy New Year!
Great reply Sean I fully support your channel and your response
Keep up the great work Happy New year
Complete respect on this, I managed to find the vid through Ken's episode. They tried to joke about the legalities but knew it wasn't legal. This is the difference between entertainment vs factual/intelligent conversation, but the entertainment in this case crossed a line that was documented (and potentially used as evidence). You being muted whilst trying to make a point had me cursing his behaviour. Happy new year!
Just watched some of it. I think you showed great patience considering he wouldn’t let you speak. He really set you up to be the fall guy.
Sean,
You are a perfect gentleman . You handled this perfectly sir always maintain your respect and dignity. No need for childish behaviors, shutting down the Mike was in my opinion the end for me. I have found youtube creates many followers and few leaders, especially within this hobby. I'm just a jersey guy that wanted to reach out to you saying great job I look forward to supporting you as you lead the way.
Well said, Sean. Complete respect for you and how you handled the situation. Happy New Year, sir.
One of the hazardous negative terms that are expressed in the 107 exam is "Macho" and Invulnerability" that Billy Kyle expressed as a PIC. and Ken expressed "Machoism" by posting both are negative attributes of a responsible 107 Pilot.
I’m just glad some people are finally seeing Ken for what he is! I’m also glad you spoke up and then stood up for yourself. I refuse to watch him because Ive seen in him for a long time what many people finally saw in that segment. However, I had to watch the segment to see the exchange. He treated you with no respect at all. I think you handled yourself well and probably with more restraint than I would have if I was in your shoes.
Well said Sean, I have lost all respect for Ken a long time ago. The impression I get of his show is it’s all about the money. If you watch he like to start the “money train” near the beginning. His ego and practices will eventually be his downfall. Keep up the great work.
I would say that it is all about him, the narcissist first, and then the cash!
You have my hundred percent support and respect sir!
Shawn I just wondered how you were doing and I Was trying to find your channel And I have been very busy with my business with my drone but you were always on the back of my mind and I wanted to try to find you and subscribe to your channel and to be able to be in touch with you I have a Lotta respect for you and I am very proud to know someone like you out there with your views and some of them may be different than my views but I respect that and I was very proud of you to do what you did by stepping away on Ken’s show I have a great respect for you because of that and I was glad to be able to find your channel and I subscribe do you and was glad to be able to find this particular explanation that you had put out I will be following what you put out there from now on I was very impressed with you when you actually knew who I was and what I did where Ken didn’t really know me and that made me feel good that you knew who I was and I appreciate that and I do have respect for you so I will be watching your stuff take care I’ll see you in the chat Dyna- Drone Bert French
You are a gentleman all the way. Cheers!
Hi Sean, I’m normally don’t comment on TH-cam videos but watch TNL last night and left after you left. I really admire you because of what you did for the MD4.0 community. Keep up your excellent work please. And btw, you know that there’s another guy who needs subscribers who posted a very similar video from the same event? I live in a country where there are almost no rules about drone flying and still try to abide common sense and I really hate it when major drone channels incite to break rules.
Who is the other guy as I would love to watch it. I don't think that Billy Kyle posted it, but will look again. Ken's post would scare most away from that event as great as it actually was.;
@@vonheise look for ron "the idiota" brown
I have been hearing a ton about something Ken did... and it seems like it has more than a few professionals riled up. I appreciate what you do and thank you for it... even if you are halfway around the world. Happy New Year! And best wishes!!
I appreciate the way you’ve handled this. Great job.
Sean. Happy New Year. Love you and your content and you are entitled to your comments just like anyone on TH-cam.
Well stated, Sean. Happy New Year
That wasn't cool. You are amazing and I think you did the right thing!
Happy New year Sean 🎉. Great video. Your a top stand up guy. 100% behind you on this ..
Wow. I've just seen that show. No misunderstanding there. Ken was very rude to you, England and our Queen.
Nothing he did or said was funny.
Well done Sean. You did the right thing. Hold your head up high. You acted professionally. He did not
I thought it was OK until Ken started the stupid attack on British laws and I agree he was belittling you, I too would have walked. I think Billy will be getting a visit from FAA. That flight along the beach next to the boardwalk, could have been done perfectly legally, all they needed was to place spotters along the boardwalk at say 350 meter spacings with two way radios. Over the sea a different issue, possibly could have asked the FAA to approve it.
I also agree with you that influencers need to be cautious and not push the FAA buttons as it will come back to bite all of us.
The FAA says that VOs cannot be used to extend VLOS.
Well done for sticking to your guns Sean. As a smaller TH-camr I know how hard it is to turn down ‘opportunities’ due to principles. Keep up the good work!
Well said. I agree with you. You’re a true professional!
Sean total respect, rules are rules and perhaps you tube should be giving Ken a slapped wrist for showing/supporting illegal drone flying. You cannot look a fool if you do no wrong, this video shows your professional approach to your work 👍👍
Hi Sean.
Well said. I think Ken is a loose canon. He may be doing more harm that good for the drone community. You are a diplomate. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
I’m not into the GPS side of the hobby but through friends the video was shared and I saw it (video and the livestream) I agree with you whole heartily.
Sean well done for standing by your principles
I wondered what was going on when I was reading other you tubers about something that had happened
Had no idea it involved you
The brook park example was a great point!
Sean Happy New Year! Sorry this happened to you because you're a Great guy.
Unfortunately Ken won’t change his ways or listen to anyone outside of his followers unless he’s fined steeply or something drastic happens. I don’t ever wish any harm on anyone but Ken believes he’s above everyone else because there’s not ever been any consequences for him.
You was right what you did Sean, the laws are there for a reason so we sick by them, I would have done the same thing if I was in your situation, respect 👊
I watched the TNL live … until it became too painful to watch in live stream. Then I went back the following morning to watch it all. I had also watched the post he did of Billy Kyle’s “ten mile flight” and commented I thought Bill K. had “nerves of steel,” but that I thought the viewer numbers may have been pumped by the number of FAA bureaucrats looking at it. Billy K. is entertaining, but has flaunted the rules before - a few years ago - night flying (before it was authorized) over parts of Manhattan (totally restricted airspace). Since he has been so blatant about it, I do not know how Billy Kyle escapes the FAA’s oversight. But, moving on - some thoughts:
• Ken has an entertaining format and has garnered a large “dronista” audience. I have had the opportunity to meet Ken in person. He is a nice person. He has provided a focal point platform for the “recreational” drone community.
• Ken has spoken out on many of the FAA’s maladroit attempts to integrate recreational drone use into the national air space. And, we need that. The FAA comes off as an anachronistic fixed wing pro-business government bureaucracy and too many of its representatives come off as “living dead bureaucrats.” Nevertheless, it is the bureaucracy with which we have to work and we need to “bring them along.” I think blatant flaunting of the rules and then posting it all as a YT video does not well serve the “bring them along” playbook.
• Ken is bright, full of personality and, obviously, a professional at media-based presentation. But, the technology, the hobby and the dialog has quickly evolved. We need an adult in the room.
• I posit Ken’s sophomoric posting of the Billy Kyle flight may have measurably mitigated Ken’s effectiveness in his ongoing dialog with the FAA. This affects more than just Ken Heron. It affects us all as recreational drone owners/pilots.
• The recreational drone owners/pilots community needs an informed, effective and wholly adult representative, preferably one with a “media presence” such as a polished TH-cam channel. After the posting of Billy Kyle’s flight followed by Ken’s “performance” on the recent TNL, I think, quite frankly, Geeksvana offers a more responsible platform for those of us who care to preserve/enhance advocacy for recreation drone piloting. I sub’d your channel. Thank you for your continuing work on our behalf.
Sean, doing what you do is a great service to drone flyers in general, anyone hoping to keep doing what we do is more likely if we follow rules, rather than promote otherwise! The main reason for following any of the rules is so not to endanger anyone around us, especially when we are above them! Morals and Standards you live by, are what makes us who we are!
Keep the channel as it is, Great....✔
Never seen it before so had a look and I'm not keen so no loss. Good for you sticking to your principles
Happy New Year, Sean.
As a FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot I personally feel that it is my responsibility to promote safe use of the regulated national airspace. I work in crowded urban airspace where BLOS also means risking RF interference and the IF reflective glass on towers that scatter the GPS nav signal. My comments have always reflected that I think some in the "drone community" on YT are toxic. One of TNL's moderators blocks all my comments in the live chat, for instance, even though I'm a paid member on Ken's channel. I know a bit about humor and comedy writing. The comedy monologue is styled on repressed hostility. The less you repress the less funny you are.
Wasn't me Hawkwind. I let all comments pass unless they're offensive on grounds of politics, race, religion etc, or foul language.
I’m with Andy. It has to be pretty aggressive before I block it.
@@El_Smeghead It's actually my comments never make the live feed. Hmmm... maybe it's in the studio.
@@dogstar7 Nightbot was very prevalent in the chat and deleting and timing out many comments. Unfortunately, mods aren't able to unhide or un-timeout wrongly targeted comments by nightbot
Ken Heron just dropped a livestream where he giggled and laughed while a video played depicting a 12 year old boy becoming addicted to pron... it was shocking and disguising and many of my viewers told me about you and that you might have more insight to the story.
Thanks Sean! Appreciate you.
Appreciate the up front approach. 🙏
Love your channel, as a newbie its helped me a lot.
God Save the Queen 😉
Thank you Sean, I'm glad you stood your ground and I completely agree with you. We may not always agree with rules, but we must try to follow them. I'm trying to grow my little channel and there is absolutely NO way I would have posted that video to try and get subs and views. Ken really surprised me with the way he treated you on the show. Last Thursday, during TNL, I canceled my membership and not sure I will watch again. If you treat your friends that way I'm out.
Well said Sean. Thank you for this explanation even though I know it must have been difficult to publish. Happy New Year sir.
Having watched both your channel and Ken Heron I think your decision to leave was the right one, the fact that you took part in the first place was a suprise. As a UK drone flyer only as a hobby I watch your channel to keep up with things that could effect me whilst out flying my DJI MINI2. You endeavour to give good advice, news and information regarding drone flying which is both appreciated and welcome. Ken Heron has a cavalier approach to flying and is always happy to bend or ignore the rules in favour of entertainment value this is something you do not do, I hate all these rules but need to know about them, your channel made me go do my CAA test and get my drone registered and a flyer ID. Keep up the good work. CUDOS to you.
I have unsubscribed from Ken`s Channel
I have lost all respect for Ken Heron. What he did in the video was bad enough, but on TNL he not only blew it off like it was nothing, but he also came at you, disrespected you, insulted your country and tried to make a mockery of the whole situation. I lost a lot of respect ken when he made a video where he flew the new FPV drone for a maiden flight in a park full of people. Flying over kids heads, coming ridiculously close to people walking by. No one said anything then because, well he's Ken Heron, everyone worships the ground he walks on. The guy needs to step back and evaluate his actions. If he doesn't, the drone community will see him for what he really is and his popularity will crumble. At the very least, he owes you a very public apology.
Happy New Year Sean. Glad to see your side of this and the blindside after the conversation was morally wrong. I don't subscribe to the "DO as I say, not as I do" mentality. Especially since he is sponsored by a flight school. Keep up the professionalism on your channel.
Thank you for explaining your viewpoint. I was also surprised by him publishing a video that clearly violated the FAA VLOS regulations. It was a fun video and I watched it, but it had the potential of throwing the pilot under the proverbial bus.
"In 20 years of flying Fixed wing RC, I have never been questioned by the police or in an altercation with the public. Avoiding people and the things they love, protected me from FAA regulations."
I thought originally that he was being wrongfully hounded for enjoying the hobby, but his repeated video recorded efforts to attract confrontation became obvious. IMO the tag lines he uses on his videos to attract views were his intent from the start.
After watching this, your video, his goal became even more apparent.