Quote from a previous poster-


"This community of hobbyists really needs to seriously consider the risks to others that they are causing by not following AMA guidelines. this is especially true in high-density areas such as Raleigh."

I feel what many of the posters to this thread don't realize is that many of these folks flying FPV don't even know what the AMA is, let alone their guidelines/rules and the issuance of a NOTAM. Within the rc industry, we are seeing things like flight stabilization systems in a $50 quad, or $100.00 fixed wing. This allows an individual with absolutely no rc flying experience to walk into a LHS, get a quick demonstrations on the product and head off to the local school yard and start to fly. Some will crash and burn, others will get a good grasp on it. The newbies that stay interested in the hobby, then progress more into the hobby. YouTube can be a fantastic influence. Before you know it, the new modeler is advancing into more sophisticated FPV systems, and flying greater distances.

I'm guessing that most of us here on RCU joined a club because we had to, it was the only way to get instruction as to how to operate the aircraft. I tried teaching myself and got tired of destroying aircraft. With joining a club, I got informed about the AMA. I recently convinced two people to join the AMA, one was my brother. He has been building/flying scratch built FPV for several years. He educated himself from the internet. He saw no need for a club, sanctioning body, rules and dues.

As more incidents of knuckleheads flying over stadiums, metropolitan areas, or anywhere there is a high concentration of people get reported in the press, the more restrictive OUR side of the hobby is going to get.
More school districts will ban them from their property, state and local parks will follow suit of the National Park system. I think that what has to happen is if these people flying recklessly over population centers get caught, there has to be some sort of punishment. But the punishment has to be publicized in the media so word gets out that. Then, and only then maybe the AMA will see increased membership thus leading to a more educated hobbyist.

You guys may think I'm crazy, but I am concerned about the health of our hobby. It's the small baby steps the FAA is taking against all rc. Ignorance of a few, will effect all involved! I just hope it doesn't follow the same path as our 2nd amendment rights, free speech, and illegal search and seizure.
Thanks,
Gary