Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK?

Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? Gallery slideshow

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as Guest

Users viewing this topic: none

Search This Thread

Printable Version

1/4 & 1/3 scale built lasers types gas engine - ARF
Seller: joebiplane
Details: $500.00 | 6/7/2013 | Classified Ad
We will rotate YOUR AD in this spot if you select "Forum Featured" when placing or editing your ad!

All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> The Clubhouse >> Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK?

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 next > >>

[Poll]

Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK?

Yes, I think it is OK to fly FPV directly over people or houses

11% (37)

No, it is never OK to fly FPV directly over people or houses

88% (274)

Total Votes : 311

(last vote on : 10/24/2012 4:20 PM)
(Poll ended: 10/25/2012 9:05 PM)

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 2:53 PM

topspin

Posts: 479
Score: 161
Joined: 5/9/2005
Last Login: 6/15/2013
From: Sterling, VA, USA
Status: offline

Lets see what the general consensus is about flying FPV over a populated area either day or night.

Please vote and provide your thoughs on topic please.

_____________________________

RC Aircraft/ Three Laws Safe.

Hide Signatures

Post #: 1

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 4:14 PM

flyinwalenda

Posts: 1449
Score: 167
Joined: 10/28/2009
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Hunlock Creek, PA, USA
Status: offline

As in the other thread I stand firm in my opinion that there is too much risk flying radio-control craft over homes, developments, roadways, no matter the weight of the craft...especially FPV. Fly that type of vehicle at an organized club field or out in an isolated area. You can't control who comes in/out of their homes,walks on the sidewalk/yards, or drives down the streets. You also can't determine if your vehicle will have a trouble-free flight,crashing ,causing injury to someone or damage to property. As a homeowner with too much to loose , I would never take that gamble.

_____________________________

Brian Ray

Hide Signatures

(in reply to topspin)

Post #: 2

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 4:49 PM

init4fun

Posts: 424
Score: 168
Joined: 5/9/2009
Last Login: 6/16/2013
From: Flyin', USA
Status: offline

I will start by saying that I do not fly FPV of any kind .

Were I to fly in that manner , The only insurance I could count on for an incident would be either my Homeowner's or the AMA , whichever the lawyers squeezed hard enough to pay out the claim . Now , I have never seen a set of safe FPV flying rules from my homeowners ins and I doubt I ever will . Sooo , This leaves me to have to default to the only established set of safe operating guidelines i know of , the AMA document #550 . Within this document is everything that must be done to keep the activity within the scope of the insurance coverage . Fly outside any of 550's restrictions , and fly unprotected . Cause I'm darned sure that once the homeowners ins co gets wind of the AMA's insurer's refusal to pay for not following good ol 550 , they will use the refusal to follow established safety norms as reason to deny the claim as well .

So , In a nutshell , if the Pilot in command does not have visual contact with the plane , with the FPVer on the student end of the buddy box , then they are (he is , the lone flyer without the direct visual pilot in command) in the wrong FROM THE MOMENT THE PLANE TAKES OFF !

_____________________________

up UP and Away !!!

Hide Signatures

(in reply to flyinwalenda)

Post #: 3

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 6:56 PM

brandon429

Posts: 245
Score: 111
Joined: 11/22/2005
Last Login: 10/29/2012
From: Olfen, TX, USA
Status: offline

If a cam was on that little trainer, would it have become dangerous?

Hide Signatures

(in reply to mr_matt)

Post #: 4

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 7:21 PM

mr_matt

Certified

Posts: 8640
Score: 116
Joined: 12/7/2001
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Oak Park, CA,
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: brandon429

If a cam was on that little trainer, would it have become dangerous?

Nope in fact we have done that on a Radian (non FPV). We also drop GI Joes with parachutes but not in the cul de sac.

I also plan on getting a Naza F450 soon for FPV.

What does any of this have to do with the poll question? (that is a trick question, it has nothing to do with the poll)

_____________________________

Matt

Hide Signatures

(in reply to brandon429)

Post #: 5

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 8:06 PM

carrellh

Posts: 6526
Score: 179
Joined: 3/30/2003
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Garland, TX, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: topspin
Lets see what the general consensus is about flying FPV over a populated area either day or night.
Please vote and provide your thoughs on topic please.

My thought is not limited to FPV. In my opinion it is never OK to fly any model aircraft directly over people or houses at any time.

_____________________________

- Carrell

Hide Signatures

(in reply to topspin)

Post #: 6

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 8:33 PM

RCKen

Certified

Posts: 24210
Score: 421
Joined: 7/10/2002
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Lawton, OK, USA
Status: offline

Ok guys, I've already had to step in and take actions in this thread. Let's keep the thread here on topic of what the poll was asked. The question was asked in a generic form about flying ANY FPV. Not specific planes. Please do not try to drag the discussion from other threads into this poll because they are not germane to what is being asked here. Had the OP wanted to include specific planes, or plane types, in consideration of the question then he would have put that into his poll. The OP asked the question in a certain way for whatever reason he did so, please respect his desires and keep the discussion on that topic.

Since this is a poll it is going to be watched a little bit tighter than for a regular discussion thread because it has a different purpose than a regular discussion thread. For whatever reason he did so, the OP asked his question in this manner so that he can gather data about that specific question. If for whatever reason you feel that you can't answer within the confines of the question then maybe you should refrain from entering into the poll or the discussion.

Ken

< Message edited by RCKen -- 10/17/2012 9:23 PM >

_____________________________

The take off is optional, but the landing is MANDATORY!!
RCU Forum Manager
Ultra Sport Brother #1
www.gettingairborne.com

Hide Signatures

(in reply to carrellh)

Post #: 7

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 9:37 PM

mr_matt

Certified

Posts: 8640
Score: 116
Joined: 12/7/2001
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Oak Park, CA,
Status: offline

Although we may know the risk is low for flying (small or very small) planes over people and houses, many of those people do not know. And although we think this is the funnest thing ever, those people may not.

From what I have seen in and around parks, the local authorities have a big problem when you fly over peoples heads, I am pretty sure they would have a problem in this case as well.

If a local municipality want to ban something, they can. And if we are such a minority we get banned and there is no recourse as there are not enough of us to band together. Our best hope for collective strength (at this point) is the AMA. And I don't think this type of flying would be allowed under AMA rules.

I understand the AMA might be close to relaxing FPV restrictions, I think that is very forward thinking of them. If I were invested in FPV I would get involved at the AMA during the rules making meetings in Muncie, I did this when turbines were coming under scrutiny several years ago and now we have a set of rules I can live with. Hopefully the FPV enthusiast that wants to operate under AMA rules will get involved with the AMA rulemaking to push things in the direction they want.

_____________________________

Matt

Hide Signatures

(in reply to RCKen)

Post #: 8

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 10:34 PM

804

Posts: 1049
Score: 177
Joined: 9/17/2005
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: sheridan, IN, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: mr_matt

Although we may know the risk is low for flying (small or very small) planes over people and houses, many of those people do not know. And although we think this is the funnest thing ever, those people may not.

From what I have seen in and around parks, the local authorities have a big problem when you fly over peoples heads, I am pretty sure they would have a problem in this case as well.

If a local municipality want to ban something, they can. And if we are such a minority we get banned and there is no recourse as there are not enough of us to band together. Our best hope for collective strength (at this point) is the AMA. And I don't think this type of flying would be allowed under AMA rules.

I understand the AMA might be close to relaxing FPV restrictions, I think that is very forward thinking of them. If I were invested in FPV I would get involved at the AMA during the rules making meetings in Muncie, I did this when turbines were coming under scrutiny several years ago and now we have a set of rules I can live with. Hopefully the FPV enthusiast that wants to operate under AMA rules will get involved with the AMA rulemaking to push things in the direction they want.

Number one in the AMA safety code under RC is "All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others."
I've always followed that advice, and always will.
I think others, AMA or not, should as well.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to mr_matt)

Post #: 9

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 10:36 PM

countilaw

Certified

Posts: 845
Score: 229
Joined: 1/18/2012
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Grand Prairie, TX, USA
Status: offline

A local community banned flying in the parks due to the flying over other park goers heads.   (along with flying in parking lots)

They could very easily ban flying anywhere within the city limits.

As a kid I remember the 4th of July bar-b-ques with fireworks when it got dark.      Are there any cities that allow pyrotecnics (fireworks) within there city limits now?    There are not any that I know of.

If a city can ban the fireworks, they can ban the flying of model aircraft.

How many flying clubs have flying sites within the limits of a city?    I have no idea, but I could venture a guess that   50% of the clubs have flying fields within a city limit.     If cities banned the flying of aircraft within their city limits, how many clubs would lose thier flying field?

A stunt of flying a FPV   at night or during the day over persons homes, vehicles or children could be the act that opens the door for such bans.

Clubs all over the country are doing everything can to protect their flying site and this activity jepordizes all that we have done to foster comminity good will.

Frank

_____________________________

It''s a hobby, not a job.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to mr_matt)

Post #: 10

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/17/2012 11:51 PM

JNorton

Certified

Posts: 4265
Score: 149
Joined: 1/29/2002
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Coopersville, MI, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: countilaw

A local community banned flying in the parks due to the flying over other park goers heads.   (along with flying in parking lots)

They could very easily ban flying anywhere within the city limits.

As a kid I remember the 4th of July bar-b-ques with fireworks when it got dark.      Are there any cities that allow pyrotecnics (fireworks) within there city limits now?    There are not any that I know of.

If a city can ban the fireworks, they can ban the flying of model aircraft.

How many flying clubs have flying sites within the limits of a city?    I have no idea, but I could venture a guess that   50% of the clubs have flying fields within a city limit.     If cities banned the flying of aircraft within their city limits, how many clubs would lose thier flying field?

A stunt of flying a FPV   at night or during the day over persons homes, vehicles or children could be the act that opens the door for such bans.

Clubs all over the country are doing everything can to protect their flying site and this activity jepordizes all that we have done to foster comminity good will.

Frank

A big thumbs up. This post echos my thoughts.
John

_____________________________

Have desk ... Will Fly.... Saito Member #467
Ultimate Brotherhood #11, Ultra Sport Brotherhood #90

Hide Signatures

(in reply to countilaw)

Post #: 11

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 12:02 AM

flyinwalenda

Posts: 1449
Score: 167
Joined: 10/28/2009
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Hunlock Creek, PA, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: RCKen

Ok guys, I've already had to step in and take actions in this thread. Let's keep the thread here on topic of what the poll was asked. The question was asked in a generic form about flying ANY FPV. Not specific planes. Please do not try to drag the discussion from other threads into this poll because they are not germane to what is being asked here. Had the OP wanted to include specific planes, or plane types, in consideration of the question then he would have put that into his poll. The OP asked the question in a certain way for whatever reason he did so, please respect his desires and keep the discussion on that topic.

Since this is a poll it is going to be watched a little bit tighter than for a regular discussion thread because it has a different purpose than a regular discussion thread. For whatever reason he did so, the OP asked his question in this manner so that he can gather data about that specific question. If for whatever reason you feel that you can't answer within the confines of the question then maybe you should refrain from entering into the poll or the discussion.

Ken

Kudos for actually stepping in and moderating all these forums and threads , not just this one. It's refreshing to see this activity as opposed to just letting the threads run amok and/or waiting for a user to "report" something like ........uh'hum.....another rc site operates.
Thanks!
Brian

_____________________________

Brian Ray

Hide Signatures

(in reply to RCKen)

Post #: 12

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 12:47 AM

rowdyjoe

Posts: 589
Score: 105
Joined: 6/2/2009
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Arlington, TX, USA
Status: offline

There's a problem with the question. It doesn't clarify whether it's a commercial or government operated FPV vehicle. For us peons, the answer is NO. For "big brother" the answer is "we'll do what ever we want whether you like it or not".

Frankly, the commercial and gov't drones don't bother me in a security or law enforcement sense (ie. privacy) but, it does bother me for safety reasons. We already have eye-in-the-sky helicopters so, privacy is already compromised. However, who pays the bill when one of them falls out of the sky into someone's roof or car or on person? I'm willing to bet it will be the taxpayers and that's where I have a problem.

RJ

_____________________________

Rowdyjoe
Saito 783

Hide Signatures

(in reply to flyinwalenda)

Post #: 13

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 2:12 AM

mscic-RCU

Posts: 1100
Score: 100
Joined: 3/29/2002
Last Login: 6/6/2013
From: New London, OH, USA
Status: offline

Not only is it unsafe, i think it is an invasion of privacy and just might get shot down in my neighborhood.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to rowdyjoe)

Post #: 14

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 3:00 AM

2walla

Posts: 289
Score: 100
Joined: 3/29/2003
Last Login: 6/12/2013
From: walla walla, WA, USA
Status: offline

There are a whole bunch of issues with this. From the safety aspect you could probably come up with a plane that could be flown with minimal risk based either on size or redundant systems. From a rights perspective what privacy should people be afforded? In reality big brother can read the expiration date on your hot dog wrappers from a satellite as you stand out by the bbq. But should every yahoo with a $50 camera and a slow stick be able to fly around and look at you over the fence??

Hide Signatures

(in reply to mscic-RCU)

Post #: 15

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 3:56 AM

topspin

Posts: 479
Score: 161
Joined: 5/9/2005
Last Login: 6/15/2013
From: Sterling, VA, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: rowdyjoe

There's a problem with the question. It doesn't clarify whether it's a commercial or government operated FPV vehicle. For us peons, the answer is NO. For ''big brother'' the answer is ''we'll do what ever we want whether you like it or not''.

Frankly, the commercial and gov't drones don't bother me in a security or law enforcement sense (ie. privacy) but, it does bother me for safety reasons. We already have eye-in-the-sky helicopters so, privacy is already compromised. However, who pays the bill when one of them falls out of the sky into someone's roof or car or on person? I'm willing to bet it will be the taxpayers and that's where I have a problem.

RJ

Let me clarify for everyone, not just rowdyjoe. This is a model airplane site and we are talking about model airplanes being controlled by FPV. Government systems are a completely different topic for discussion somewhere else.

Also, this thread is not about privacy issues, it is about your thoughts on flying an FPV controlled model aircraft over people and houses. You might want to weigh in on that issue and we can discuss the other issues in another thread.

_____________________________

RC Aircraft/ Three Laws Safe.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to rowdyjoe)

Post #: 16

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 5:47 AM

WB6JGD

Posts: 29
Score: 100
Joined: 8/12/2012
Last Login: 5/31/2013
From: Modesto, CA, USA
Status: offline

I agree with Carell's post 100%.

- Allan B

_____________________________

Cub Brotherhood #180

Hide Signatures

(in reply to carrellh)

Post #: 17

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 6:54 AM

ira d

Posts: 2011
Score: 123
Joined: 5/29/2003
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Moreno Valley, CA, USA
Status: online

I think it is unsafe I would not do it myself.

_____________________________

Ira d

Hide Signatures

(in reply to topspin)

Post #: 18

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 11:39 AM

bruceal

Posts: 41
Score: 100
Joined: 1/19/2008
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: West Haverstraw, NY, USA
Status: offline

Besides not being in accordance with AMA rules, when a person sees a model airplane flying over their house, they have no idea what FPV is. All they see is a model being being flown where it is not supposed to be. FPV is a truly amazing thing,however it also opens up a whole set of problems. We have all seen flying fields go away because people don't want the noise. Imagine residents appearing at a Town Hall meeting complaining about model airplanes flying over their houses with their kids playing outside. Try explaining that this is a "safe" practice because my plane has a camera and I can see without being able to see the plane.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to ira d)

Post #: 19

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 12:48 PM

lopflyers

Posts: 1221
Score: 140
Joined: 6/21/2010
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Orlando, FL, USA
Status: offline

Hmmmm, let me think.....

.... Absolutely no

_____________________________

Keep your wings level
Club Saito Member #693

Hide Signatures

(in reply to bruceal)

Post #: 20

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 1:57 PM

ArcticCatRider

Posts: 808
Score: 115
Joined: 5/19/2009
Last Login: 10/26/2012
From: Chicago, IL, USA
Status: offline

No. Conventional wisdom in our hobby dictates that model aircraft, regardless of operating mode, be kept away from houses, roads, parks, schools, etc. There's already enough uncertainty when it comes to the future of our hobby and we don't need to give the non-RC crowd anymore ammo than they already have.

_____________________________

Club Saito Member #657
Carl Goldberg Ultimate 10-300 Brotherhood #52

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)

Post #: 21

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 2:30 PM

coachdavis10

Posts: 143
Score: 100
Joined: 8/17/2006
Last Login: 5/28/2013
From: Cusseta, AL, USA
Status: offline

No.... my understanding of the AMA insurance is that it will not cover an incident..... Some guys at our club are flying FPV and keep it over the field and are having more fun than they can stand....

_____________________________

Coach Davis

Hide Signatures

(in reply to ArcticCatRider)

Post #: 22

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 2:30 PM

Sport_Pilot

Posts: 12532
Score: 233
Joined: 1/22/2002
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Acworth, GA, USA
Status: offline

No. In fact you could get into trouble for trespassing. Rare but it has happened.

_____________________________

“I Saw Elvis at 1000 Feet” John Force

Hide Signatures

(in reply to topspin)

Post #: 23

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 2:58 PM

jester_s1

Posts: 3855
Score: 233
Joined: 12/17/2006
Last Login: 6/18/2013
From: Fort Worth, TX, USA
Status: offline

I voted no for obvious, common sense reasons, but since the OP is so determined to push the issue I'll offer a set of requirements that would make it ok in my mind. The standard I would have to see met is that the average person with little knowledge of the RC hobby wouldn't be uncomfortable with it, and there would be no actual danger to people or property.

1. An autopilot system that acts as a failsafe in case the radio link is lost that can guide the plane either back to its takeoff point for landing or to a crash site away from houses. We're talking something either with a GPS or some type of homing signal system. Of course, this would need to be independently powered and able to work with any failure of the radio system.

2. In the event of a mechanical failure that would render the plane unflyable by either the pilot or autopilot system, a parachute recovery system that will keep the plane from impacting the ground (or whatever it hits on the way to the ground) with any significant force.

3. A radio and FPV range at least 3 times your intended flying distance. That allows a safety margin for atmospheric conditions that affect your range.

4. Stay at least 500 feet above any house with people in it.

5. Notification of local law enforcement of the plane and its capabilities in case reports come in so they can refer concerned people to the pilot if necessary.

Even with all of this, there is still the possibility of hitting someone's house and causing a PR incident, but that would be pretty minimal with the failsafes in place. The established safety rules for RC flying are there or good reason- our radio connections are fragile and non-redundant, and our planes are pretty rickety by modern aviation standards. Pilot skill is also suspect since nearly none of us are professionally trained like a full scale pilot is. Go to any airfield on a busy day and you'll see a crash, usually of a good plane whose pilot was trying hard to fly right. The odds are simply against you to do this safely, and I suspect if your neighbors knew about it they wouldn't like it. That's reason enough to stop unless you can put a bird in the air like the one described above that would put their minds at ease.

_____________________________

For me, an ARF is an airplane that someone else just crashed.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Sport_Pilot)

Post #: 24

RE: Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK? - 10/18/2012 3:57 PM

Antares100

Posts: 34
Score: 105
Joined: 3/14/2011
Last Login: 6/17/2013
From: Agawam, MA, USA
Status: offline

I used to fly at a high school field with a friend. When we flew, there were no people at the field, except once, and those people were at least 100 yards away. Some smart-alec pilot flew at the field one time, but also flew past the field over some homes, after which we were informed the high school was no longer allowing the field to be used for R/C (there was no damage done by the pilot, the complaint was for noise and privacy).
Now whether or not someone has a legal right or is allowed to use an area to fly, flying over a built-up area is not smart in my opinion. No matter how well you pre-flight your aircraft, something can go wrong, or someone may complain. As has been mentioned before, a local government can restrict us from flying. It doesn't matter if it was a once-in-a-million chance, once something goes wrong, you can't take it back. Even if a plane lands (crashes) in a yard with no damage, the possiblity of the homeowner going ballistic and causing an eventual restriction or ban is not worth (to me) gambling with.

_____________________________

Don''t use force, use a bigger hammer!

Hide Signatures

(in reply to jester_s1)

Post #: 25

Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 next > >>

All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> The Clubhouse >> Is Flying FPV Over a Neighborhood OK?
Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 next > >>

Jump to:

Charities we support that also need your help
Yorkie Rescue | Humane Society | ASPCA | Crohn's-Colitis America

2.266RCU1