UAV - Unpiloted Aerial Vehicle
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 0; Flight Crew Total 130; Flight Crew Type 120
Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
Several helicopters were circling over the Minnesota State Fairgrounds covering a protest when a multi-rotor drone copter was seen over the intersection of Como Avenue and Snelling Avenue. It appeared that one [helicopter] pilot maneuvered away from the drone as he came toward the intersection from the North. The drone was operated over people going to the fair. The FAA needs to emphasize the extreme danger of having a lost link near a manned helicopter over a large crowd of people. This hazard has not been reduced to an acceptable level of risk through certification. Furthermore; it is impossible to see nearby helicopters in time to see and avoid in urban areas like where the amateur pilot was working. Such a collision would be catastrophic (resulting in multiple fatalities).
An observer; pilot qualified; reported a UAS at about 400 feet in conflict with several helicopters circling near the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.