Originally Posted by
Chris Smith
Bob nailed it again. Some of us fly turbine models and full scale. The proliferation of quad-copters is going to grow as a problem. Many of these people are not model aviators. They don't give two-hoots about airspace issues, model airplanes, etc.
In full scale helo flying quad-copters are a real potential threat. However, no one wants to see them banned yet. Idiot operators combined with large powerful government may take it out of AMA's hands eventually.
In Model aviation we bring it on ourselves sometimes. In jets we meet at airports. It's surprising that hasn't resulted in more problems. We love the large runways. Ever wonder though,how full scale pilots may feel if they can't get in and out of their airport and their hangars are blocked by RVs and people? If we haven't wondered about that, then that's part of the problem.
Chris,
At all of the jet meets that I attend that are at airports, the airport authority as well as the local pilots welcome the activity. The event organizers and pilots *always* defer to full-scale aircraft and their operators so that they are minimally impacted - if at all. At the same time, all of us are aviation geeks so full-scale guys like to watch models and visa versa. Finally, the airport and the local businesses *always* make money from us as visitors from outside the area and they *really* like that!
We also fly our jets at a local airport on occasion. We monitor the radio and defer to full-scale aircraft. Generally, the only time they know we are there is when they taxi past us on the ramp - which usually results in thumbs up all around as we admire each other's aircraft.
Jet flying at full-scale airports is *not* a problem - at least not that I have ever seen...
Bob