Interesting Disney Fantasy Video!

[sweetpee_1993]

Actually nothing good will come of this. The person who “stowed away” this model did not have permission nor insurance if anything went wrong to fly such a radio controlled model. It shows a total lack of responsibility of a person who has about $1000.00 to spend on a credit card who THINKS they I’ll get some airborne video on a private/commercial island built by Disney.

I’ve been in the R/C Industry/Sponsored Pilot and developer for the past 28 years. Over the past 2 to 3 years as we develop more items to allow a model to seeming fly almost by themselves more folks who do not understand the liability and responsibility of flying R/C models, be them QUADS; MULTIROTORS; HELICOPTERS etc, get into the hobby and RISK things they don’t understand or know anything about, i.e. doing exactly THIS. It is very concerning to folks like me who see constant postings of aerial videos on social media and etc like this. They fly over schools, busy highways, churches, and in populated neighborhoods. I’m not worried about big brother…or personal privacy…I’m more worried about the failure rate of these toys with their fly-away potential or even more the persons skill set and orientation ability as they fly in an unfamiliar area. These are toys with consumer grade components. They are not military quality by any means. And they are also mislabeled “DRONES” by the media who know even less about them. It takes a lot of things to work right for controlled flight. BUT it only takes 1 thing to fall out of harmony to cause flight failure and loss of control - no matter how GOOD a pilot you are. GRAVITY wins all the time at that point. “Murphy” is always around and can strike at any time for any reason and the result is always an uncontrolled crash.

All of these types of items are flying models with the potential of doing damage to persons if hit or property damage as well. That is why there are CLUBS with airfields to fly ALL R/C. It’s in a designated areas and not to be done in a crowded neighborhoods - because these things "fly-themselves". Are they easy to fly? SURE. BUT do good times go bad often? YES. Anyone ever see an R/C model fly thru a mini-van windshield on the highway at 60MPH+? Ever see the battery that powers these models…the electric motors on them… ignite and see the fire it produces? It’s over 1000 degrees and it needs NOTHING to kindle or ignite it. And it will melt and BURN everything in its path until it goes out. GOOGLE LI-PO fire and watch the video postings. Folks have lost cars, trailers and had house fires from Li-PO charging accidents. AND some are folks who actually knew what they were doing. The batteries are Lithium Polymer, LI-PO, cells. A lot bigger than your cell phone battery and if they go off from abuse or misuse or a crash/damage from another flight gone bad…its real bad when they go off. Normal fire extinguishers won’t put it out…only CLASS-D or sand suffocating it will. Think of that in a DCL stateroom going off.

Still impressed with the video?

Do don’t go to this persons “facepage” or YouTube channel and LIKE it or applaud this activity by any means. This was a huge RISK the person took and it shows a total lack of responsibility and understanding of liabilities when flying such models. Stowing away the model onboard with potential risk of battery failure/charging and fire on the ship as well as flying it around in an area NOT deemed or approved for R/C flying puts safety at risk for everyone. I don’t want to see this on one of my DCL trips. UNLESS it’s being conducted for Disney by Disney. This was not.

This is the beginning of bad things IF more fools attempt the same type of activity for their home movies.

Um....







.....sorry I posted it.....

 

[GMRO]

Um....







.....sorry I posted it.....

SP,

You just brought it to light is all. I'm actually surprised he was not stopped by DCL on the ship. BUT was he a CM? Doubtful...

Praise only "enables" more irresponsible videos.

Just remember the next time you may be at a little league ball game or some outdoor event where something seems neat flying overhead taking pics. There is a reason legitimate companies and folks don't do it in public places. Too much to lose when good times go bad.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

@GMRO,

I do think the perspective of the footage is fascinating & I'd love to see DCL do things to "feed" the fans more.

I get what you're saying. In both videos I kept looking around when the operator was in the picture to see if any officers were about. Never saw any. I was thinking whether or not this was okayed by the cruise line....don't think so.....and definitely see where this can be dangerous. My husband can fly small aircraft (actual planes). I bought him a very inexpensive R/C plane years back....that lasted all of 2 minutes. LOL! R/C operation is definitely a craft unto itself. We enjoy seeing the really crazy detailed R/C jets & aircraft on YouTube as well as out at the club airfields. They're neat.

I did envision a sudden burst or draft catching that aircraft and flinging it. Especially when he was over water near the ship.

What I wonder is how this fella got this thing onboard? How did nobody see this operation and say anything? What safety concerns in regards to security does this bring to light? What if someone wanted to use one of these for delivering an explosive? Curious.

 

[Ralphlaw]

Obviously it's all fun when someone does it somewhere cool, like on Castaway Cay. But when it's invading my backyard, or when someone gets hurt, then we'll all jump on the Prosecute the Bum bandwagon. Drones are an emerging area of controversy right now, with very little settled law to say what's legal and not legal. In the coming years, it will all play out. In the meantime, yeah, it's cool. But I hope no one tries to replicate the maneuver--I guess--yeah . . . okay.

 

[Cesar R M]

What if someone wanted to use one of these for delivering an explosive? Curious.

Arent you being a bit over-paranoid on this?
there is a huge difference in an explosive and a simple RC toy/drone.

 

[flynnibus]

Arent you being a bit over-paranoid on this?
there is a huge difference in an explosive and a simple RC toy/drone.

LiPo batteries are no joke. They burn like a flare (but much hotter) and they can spontaneously ignite, and are a significant fire hazard when charging.

 

[Cesar R M]

LiPo batteries are no joke. They burn like a flare (but much hotter) and they can spontaneously ignite, and are a significant fire hazard when charging.

but do all drones have these batteries?

 

[flynnibus]

but do all drones have these batteries?

They are common in the R/C scene because of their high capacity and high output. The way they are assembled, used, etc varies. Failures can be quite catastrophic.

Watch this to see just how violent a battery failure can be

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Arent you being a bit over-paranoid on this?
there is a huge difference in an explosive and a simple RC toy/drone.

Are you kidding me? No. I pay attention to that type of thing, where things could happen. Just because its vacation & its Disney doesn't mean nothing bad can happen. I wouldn't not go on vacation out of fear but I go with my eyes open ever-diligent.

 

[GMRO]

Would I like the opportunity to fly and record airborne video at the Disney properties? YES. Will I try it on my own less any authorization/approval? NO WAY! I know better. The vantage points and perspective of these types of videos are very neat but the cause can’t justify the means and risk factor at all.

Point is many are now getting into flying such R/C models since they are VERY easy when all goes well. They have GPS, self leveling and other things to keep the model stable. IF all goes well and the onboard controller is functioning correctly that is. Unfortunately the folks buying these items lack good judgment to know where and when it’s safe to fly. Humidity and other factors in the air affect all efficiencies of flight. Hotter it is and muggy the more the craft struggles to fly and uses more battery power. AND these folks have no clue on what to look for and plan for WHEN things go wrong as well. Again when it’s out of control a crash is always the result. Where it crashes…well that’s up to fate.

YES – LI-PO’s are serious. Chargers can malfunction and the batteries can ignite and they BURN HOT. They can go OFF for over use, abuse or just because they are cheaply made and lack quality when they are assembled. They are NOT a ticking bomb but they must be respected. I’ve been flying and testing LI-PO’s for 10 years. Never had an issue but I WATCH them constantly. I fly a LOT of electric powered models that use these packs. Even airlines have restrictions in the size of the batteries you can take on an airplane. When you ship or purchase these batteries they must be NOTED they are LI-PO’s too and some sizes cannot be shipped. So NO I don’t want these packed in my checked baggage and THROWN around per possible damage.

Do all "drones" use these LI-PO's? YES! If the model is electric powered, these are, they are using LI-PO batteries. Different sizes but still LI-PO's. We could not fly anything like these models without them. Older standard batteries, Ni-Cad and Nickle Metal/NIHM, do not deliver enough high power or current plus they weight too much to fly. The evolution of LI-PO batteries has revolutionized R/C flight. And recently power tools at Home Depot and Lowe's etc are beginning to use them tool. More RUN time and more power at a higher cost.

I don’t want these products on my DCL voyage period. IF the person knew better they would not have tried such a stunt. It was selfish and irresponsible. Don’t ever think, “what could go wrong”? The list is endless…

And most of these crafts…the one that made this video too…can carry enough to do damage should someone have malicious thoughts and want to harm folks by carrying some form of toxin or explosive be it solid or fluid base with some form of video down link to see where you are flying thru FPV goggles so you can fly farther than the eye can see the model. They can be used as a weapon of sorts. Any R/C model can be but again since these multirotors have a lot more sophistication in them to self level and almost require no training to get airborne vs. an R/C Helicopter and don’t require any landing strip like an R/C plane would they are very attractive.

I wondered how long it would take for someone to get the “bright idea” to try this while on a DCL cruise. Guess now I know…

 

[DrewmanS]

While I understand some of the concerns by individuals regarding the use of the R/C model, lets look at if from another perspective. This individual likely legally purchased a consumer grade radio controlled model aircraft (either pre-built or requiring assembly) with a camera mount. There is no license required to operate such an aircraft and it is NOT classified as a drone. Except for regulations regarding operation of flying objects in proximity of airports, I do not believe there are any other laws regarding their operation.

Certain jurisdictions may have passed privacy laws regarding video taping, but I do not know if any would be in affect in international waters or the Bahamas. As most map applications now demonstrate, even recording arial footage over cities and private property from airborne cameras (not just satellites) is legal.

Castaway Cay is a privately owned island and of course the ship is owned by DCL. So Disney may be able to restrict bringing an R/C aircraft onboard or transported onto the island, but once it is airborne I do not know if they have any legal standing (until it lands). Does anyone know if Disney has expressed rules regarding the use of r/c toys? What is someone wanted to bring an R/C car to race down the runway?

Yes, operating these aircraft over the heads of people is dangerous and even reckless, but so is throwing a baseball near a crowd of people. Yes, defective batteries may explode or burn, but they are approved for use in consumer electronics. That risk exists for any rechargeable battery.

So while you may not like the actions of this individual, unless it has been expressly forbidden by Disney (on its private property) the individual has done nothing wrong. If you want this type of action restricted (not just on DCL) then that would require the government to begin regulation of recreational R/C aircraft. This is something hobbyists have long fought against.

 

[GMRO]

Are you an R/C modeler?

I'll stand by my comments as being a developer; sponsored pilot and avid responsible flyer of ALL types of R/C models that leave the ground. Poor judgment and high risk was exercised by this person. And YES regulate it IF folks won't consider the safety issues as well as the personal safety of the innocent persons around them. Airborne video and privacy is my least concern. The means of getting the footage - that’s the point.

R/C car? Using the same LI-PO high energy/high density batteries capable of putting an R/C model car or truck at 60 plus MPH? Same LI-PO battery - same risk of fire. Sure lose control of the vehicle and hit someone in the ankle and it will definitely break their ankle. Crash a flying model into a crowd of unsuspecting persons on the beach and hit them in the head or face? You decide which is worse and which will do more damage.

Tossing a ball around and getting whacked in the head will not force a complete deck or multiple rooms on the ship to be evacuated when one of these LI-PO batteries burns.

This item is not a toy. Don't confuse that with the fact that it can be purchased on a consumer level. Its hobby quality with a lot of energy on board as well as a lot of potential for things to go wrong. The one used in this video operates in the 2.4ghz range for the R/C portion/control. No clue if the ship or island has HIGHER frequency items being used to navigate or communicate around the ship that could disrupt this models control as well. Lose control and it makes no difference HOW good a pilot you are. You will not control it - hence a crash.

When I pay to go on a DCL cruise I do not want to be evacuated out of my room because a LI-PO battery caught fire. Nor do I want to have to look overhead while I enjoy the beach and other activities on Castaway Cay. Both disrupt my vacation and put my personal safety and my families at risk. And that I will not have...

 

[flynnibus]

While I understand some of the concerns by individuals regarding the use of the R/C model, lets look at if from another perspective. This individual likely legally purchased a consumer grade radio controlled model aircraft (either pre-built or requiring assembly) with a camera mount. There is no license required to operate such an aircraft and it is NOT classified as a drone. Except for regulations regarding operation of flying objects in proximity of airports, I do not believe there are any other laws regarding their operation.

Incorrect. And why this is such a contested topic currently as it relates to commercial use of these R/C craft for filming, etc. The FAA regulations are behind and are suffocating compared to what they should be, especially as it relates to commercial use.

Yes, defective batteries may explode or burn, but they are approved for use in consumer electronics. That risk exists for any rechargeable battery.

No, Lithium Polymar Batteries are in an entirely new class of risk. And simply because you can buy them off the shelf you can not assume they are inert. Your dismissive attitude is the exact same that has lead to many people losing significant amounts of property or sustained injury.

This is not the same as the R/C hobby from the 80s or 90s.

 

[Bolna]

Sounds like these batteries are worse than extension cords and irons, so I guess they ought to be banned from being taken on a cruise ship...

 

[ChuckElias]

Yes, operating these aircraft over the heads of people is dangerous and even reckless, but so is throwing a baseball near a crowd of people.

I think I'd have to disagree with this comment. Forcefully throwing a baseball INTO a crowd of people is dangerous, and doing so intentionally is reckless. But baseballs and softballs are thrown near large crowds every day, during warm-ups of every little league or high school or over-30 game all across the country. This isn't considered inherently dangerous. Just my 2 cents.

 

[DrewmanS]

Incorrect. And why this is such a contested topic currently as it relates to commercial use of these R/C craft for filming, etc. The FAA regulations are behind and are suffocating compared to what they should be, especially as it relates to commercial use.



No, Lithium Polymar Batteries are in an entirely new class of risk. And simply because you can buy them off the shelf you can not assume they are inert. Your dismissive attitude is the exact same that has lead to many people losing significant amounts of property or sustained injury.

This is not the same as the R/C hobby from the 80s or 90s.

Commercial use of R/C aircraft is (somewhat) regulated, recreational use is not. That was my point. You may not like it, but there is little restriction to where they can be flown. There is only liability if injury or property damage results from their use. (i.e. the baseball analogy. I can throw a baseball anywhere, but I am liable if it hits someone or something).

As for the battery, I don't have knowledge of their failure rate, only that they are approved for use in R/C aircraft. Types of LiPo are used in everything from e-cigs and tablets, to electric cars.

I am not trying to be dismissive or even take a position if this is an activity the person should or should not do. I only pointed out that he did nothing 'wrong' unless expressly prohibited by Disney on their private property.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

Prohibited items from Disney Cruise Line's website:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...plans/faqs/prohibited-items/prohibited-items/

Technically it's not a prohibited item. I guess it should be added.

 

[5thGenTexan]

Prohibited items from Disney Cruise Line's website:

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/...plans/faqs/prohibited-items/prohibited-items/

Technically it's not a prohibited item. I guess it should be added.

And probably will be since I am sure the higher up grand poobas at DCL have been made aware of this video(s).

 

[wogwog]

I was on youtube looking for something else when I happened across this video. It's shot from a radio control flying craft off an upper deck of the Fantasy while docked at Castaway Cay. Very neat perspective!

OK. Not the brightest bulb flying his toy. Having been on DCL and other cruise ships more than a few times I will be not be surprised if Disney has him on a security camera tape and have already started a legal investigation. It was not real smart of him to provide them with such a good close up of his face since the cruisers on this forum know we all have a picture on file every time we board a ship for ID. Not smart. Now I should look up that email address of the a DCL poo-bah I happen to know.

 

[sweetpee_1993]

OK. Not the brightest bulb flying his toy. Having been on DCL and other cruise ships more than a few times I will be not be surprised if Disney has him on a security camera tape and have already started a legal investigation. It was not real smart of him to provide them with such a good close up of his face since the cruisers on this forum know we all have a picture on file every time we board a ship for ID. Not smart. Now I should look up that email address of the a DCL poo-bah I happen to know.

Do let me know what you might hear. Shoot me a private message if you want.