UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 3; Flight Crew Total 500; Flight Crew Type 10
Distraction; Workload
Conflict Airborne Conflict
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Flying a UAS on a photo mission near a major road early in the morning. UAS was being flown at an altitude of less than 200 feet and below the level of a nearby cell tower. Aircraft approached from out of the sun and came over the top of the UAS before pilot could take any evasive action. Pilot of the aircraft spotted the UAS and then began to circle around the UAS as if to spot what the UAS was taking pictures of. Eventually left the area.This is at least the second time a transient aircraft has come over to see what a UAS is doing and has hindered operations. In this particular case; the airplane appeared to be lower and closer to the UAS. Landing of the UAS was considered but not done because the airplane left as quickly as he showed up. In previous encounters; I have landed the UAS and waited for the aircraft to depart.
A commercial UAV operator reported that a fixed wing aircraft descended and circled near their drone; interrupting a photo shoot.