I learned to fly RC at a full scale airport. In spite of flying RC for many years at an active full scale runway, I never witnessed or heard of any event where an RC model was even remotely near a full scale airplane. The model aircraft operation was safe because the RC pilots (nearly all I flew with were also full scale pilots) were responsible people. If full scale entered the pattern, or even if an airplane happened to be flying by at altitude, the model aircraft land immediately. It really can't be any safer or easier when responsible people are involved. Unfortunately, the recent incident in Colorado proves our sport/hobby does not always involve people capable of normal levels of responsibility.

Actually, incidents such as the Colorado event are what brings us ever closer to regulation and licensing. And why wouldn't it? Here are three people, FS pilot, air boss and RC pilot all participating and responsible for the potential loss of life and property in an operation that should be properly regulated and licensed. What I'm saying is simple - if full scale and model aircraft share airspace the model aircraft pilot should be licensed. I'm the last person on earth that thinks we need more government regulation, but this incident sadly shows how foolishly irresponsible people can be.

And the popular question, who's most to blame? Follow the bouncing ball of potential law suits. Which of the three individuals has the least leverage, the least number of people to sue? Obviously the air boss is odd man out.