Recreational/Hobby UAS pilot reported flying at an uncontrolled airport; conducting a photo shoot of a manned aircraft. Prior to the flight; the Airport Manager told the pilot that UAS were not allowed at the airport but the reporter cited regulatory guidance to the contrary and conducted the operation as planned.

Narrative

On Date at approximately XA:10 PM a friend of mine and I decided to do a video of his plane. We decided to fly our aircraft up to ZZZ since we knew it would be a quieter and safer location for drone operations. The valley is also beautiful place to film. Before setting out on this trip I did what I would do for any flight I intended to make whether it be done in a manned aircraft or not. I checked weather conditions as well as airspace and any flight restrictions that may exist. Upon arrival on site I also made note of people that were around as well as other aircraft/property parked on the ramp. I met with my friend and we spent the next 30 minutes or so discussing the plan of action and procedures we would use to ensure safety of flight for each aircraft involved. We discussed the conditions of our operations. How emergencies would be handled; as well as contingency plans for loss of radio contact from one another. We also discussed each others roles and who was responsible for different things. Finally we ended our brief by talking about potential hazards and things to watch out for. One such item was that if another aircraft was within the vicinity of the runway; that I would land or hover my drone near to myself on the ramp area. This would be done as not to cause a distraction or undue delay to others operating in the area. If this all sounds familiar; it's because it has been taken right out of AC107-2 (5.9.1 Prior to Flight). I've found this advisory circular very helpful and try to review it before each operation. Before the flight; my friend pointed out the Airport Manager to me; and I suggested that we give him a heads up as to what we were about to do. The conversation started with small talk regarding the fuel prices at the self serve and his demeanor was friendly as can be. After chatting a few minutes; I told him our purpose for coming to the airport that day and that we would be conducting drone operations near and around the runway for filming of my friends aircraft. His attitude quickly changed and he attempted to tell me that drones were not allowed at airports. I politely explained that according to Part 107 drones are indeed allowed to be operated on airports and do not require permission if that airport happens to be in uncontrolled airspace. I also explained that I was not asking permission rather trying to be courteous. We went back and forth for a few minutes until he said that its actually about liability and that he could not give me a clear yes because of the risks involved. I assured him that I understood the risks and that I fully accepted the liability of the flight. He then stated that the board of directors of the airport have a no drone policy; yet never showed any proof of this. He stated that there are cameras at the field and that he did not want to be seen giving me permission; and that they would see me if I flew. Reading between the lines and seeing how his attitude seemed to be more on the friendly side at the end of the conversation; I took it that we had reached an understanding. He did not want any part of it and was leaving it up to my discretion. My friend and I conferenced about it at the airplane and I called a friend and DPE that has also been into drones for a while to get his take. We discussed that there were no regulations prohibiting flight and that the airspace was uncontrolled. Based on this; he recommended I proceed with my mission. My friend climbed into his aircraft and started up. I flew the drone and was able to get some very nice shots as he taxied out. Any time he was taking off or landing I remained over the ramp area or in the grassy safety area off to the side. When I needed to cross the runway; I visually looked for traffic and communicated with him to see whether it was safe to do so. I made sure not to interfere with or cause undue delay to other aircraft. At the time there was Aircraft Y in the pattern doing full stop taxi backs. I made sure that any time that aircraft was in the vicinity that the drone was landed or hovering next to me. The last thing I would want to do from a moral or legal standpoint is cause a distraction and jeopardize safety of flight. My friend made a few landings and passes communicating with traffic and myself each time. He mistakenly called the airport ZZZ1 when calling downwind on one pattern; but other than that his flying was flawless and beautiful. During his final approach I had my drone over the grass between the ramp and taxiway at approximately 50 feet. I heard a voice behind me say something to the affect of 'I guess you totally disregarded our conversation earlier'. I responded that I did consider the conversation and that it ended on kind of a vague note. I also stated 'i am not here looking for trouble'. He told me he was clear in the earlier conversation that drones were not permitted on airports; and yet again I reminded him of the regulations. I then asked if he was willing to violate the regulations which gave me full right to be there. He claimed that he felt I was a safety concern but again gave no examples. He then asked if we were from 'ZZZ1'. And asked why we had to do this at ZZZ. All of this occurred while my aircraft was still aloft. I started walking away thinking it was the safest thing to do. He walked back towards the FBO clearly upset. He looked back at me as he proceeded to make a phone call from the fuel pits. I landed my aircraft and was upset as well. I felt as if the situation could have been handled better. In one regard I was frustrated that I had to defend my rights as a remote pilot. In another I understood that he probably was like I used to be before I accomplished my Part 107 training. Uneducated on the subject. I felt frustrated because I had no intent of causing anyone to be upset or feel slighted. Interfering with a pilot at his or her duty station whether in a manned aircraft or not is not a good thing. This could definitely have caused a deviation from safe operations. I felt I had conducted the mission in a very safe manner and struggled to see where he could be coming from other than the fact that there are many things that could happen; and I was a complete stranger that he had not met before. I packed my drone in its protective case and my friend and I decided to take one of the crew cars into town for a late lunch. We shared a meal together and then returned to the airport. Before heading to the aircraft I used the restroom in the FBO and asked the Airport Manager what the name of his dog was. He replied 'Name' and after petting it a few minutes I washed my hands and wished the manager a good evening as I exited the building. I taxied my airplane to the self serve and bought a few gallons of gas before flying back to my home airport. After all; I wanted to show that I do have an appreciation for the airport and like to support it in any way that I can.