Nick,

I also saw the multiple multirotors flying at the starting line, which is why I did not fly there.  When I was asked by Beargrease about shooting aerial footage at the race start I told Beargrease officials that I only fly if no other UAVs are in the area.  I also observed the tight fly conditions and big crowds at the race start and due to safety concerns I would not have flown there regardless. I choose to hike 1/4 mile up race route to get away from the crowds and cameras and find a more open area to shoot aerial footage.   I did talk to one of operators (surprise he was a rookie) after the fact about his negligent flying and he agreed with my assessment. I made him more aware of the major safety hazards and the fact that not everyone is comfortable with a 6 lb drone buzzing (loudly) over their heads. Other people are there trying to enjoy this event, what gives us as operators the right to disrupt that.  He says he learned a lesson and will put more thought into safety and will be more conscientious of others when choosing when and when not to fly his drone.  As for multiple UAVs flying in the same area at this event or in other areas, the operators,  mostly all with little experience, are in control to avoid each other with out any set courtesies or rules... yet...   So yep its basically same as paparazzi at Ness appearance,  maybe next book signing I should fly one of my drones and really stir things up.

@Chloe -  I agree. Education and regulation is needed for both recreational and commercial use of drones.  Until then I feel the drone community needs to help educate the new operators and hope accidents are kept to a minimum. I think public discussion is also a good way for those new operators to learn and understand, so this conversation is good. We need more of these conversions on bigger platforms, not that PDD isn't big, I mean PDD is huge, but even bigger. haha..

From my post about Drones. (More here)
"People often ask what I think about the ban on drones at National Parks and other landmarks. I agree 100 percent with those bans. Many people go to those places to experience nature and they should be able to have that experience without disruptions. You are allowed to have your experience as you choose, only if you do not affect the experience of those around you. If you are a drone pilot you need to understand and respect that flying a drone does affect others around you — they can be loud, dangerous and bothersome in certain situations. I am very conscientious of my surroundings when flying, not just to respect others experiences but also for safety reasons. "