Originally Posted by
init4fun
I understand your view , and agree 100% that someone can fly FPV , or any other model aircraft safely without paying AMA dues , simply by following the good common sense laid out in hobby publications like doc #550 . I use #550 as an example of a safe set of operating guidelines only , and have never said anyone can't be safely following good practice without sending in their $58 . If you or anyone else , and I have asked this question before to no response , if anyone knows of any other hobbyist organizations advocating for safe use , I'm all ears . But till the time such becomes available , I can only refer to the only set of safe practices I know to exist . I know if FPV is flown , and #550 is followed , that is considered to be within accepted community best practices . I can't and won't , put the same disclaimer in every post on this subject ; that to fly safely , while following accepted practice , only requires the practice be followed , and anyone AMA member or not is welcome , in fact well advised , to follow the good common sense accepted practices laid out in guidelines like #550 .
Does that clear it up for ya ?
I hope and I I do think you understand my post was not an attack on you.
You make good points about safety when someone follows doc# 550...my point was that safe flying of FPV can be maintained beyond the limits of AMA's doc #550...sure that latitude requires more attentiveness but AMA's document is really just a simple means for members to follow...but that is part of the problem with the ever evolving FPVers... the limits of 550 are just too confining for most hobbyists outside of AMA... Hard to write enough programming to cover the infinite uses of FPV, that is the "problem" we face beyond AMA's finite control... AMA has some of it right...at least the part about not covering commercial ventures...beyond that, a lot is left on the table. Just as many predict, there will be altercations where FPV will make "real" news...but many are not willing to admit that some of those will be AMA members not following doc 550...
Now, before I am tagged again as "anti AMA" again...I believe most of AMA truly cares about safety and I am certainly on board with their cause...the only problem I have is that some staunch AMAers wish to impose the limitations we ascribe to on everyone one else outside AMA. We, as AMA members, should abide by the protocol we have agreed and continue to be a model for the rest... Simply speaking...there are two ways to lead...by example or by legislation...We can take our pick but I can assure the later will only make things worse...there is ample history to support my contention...but who wants to spend their time writing that book?