Originally Posted by
Badger Flyer
I have been full-scale pilot for 30+ years but am new to the RC world (also a first time poster). I certainly look forward to learning a lot from this forum!
I think there may be a slight misunderstanding of FAR 91.119, regarding what constitutes an "open air assembly of persons". Nowhere does the FAA actually define this term, and I don't think anyone can claim to really claim to know what it means (unless of course they are charged with a violation). In my experience most most pilots and flight instructors assume it means large organized events involving hundreds or thousands of people, not a few dozen people at a flying field. I am not aware of any FAA enforcement action that has suggested otherwise.
Given this uncertainty it is incorrect to assume that a pilot who overflies an active RC field at 500 feet is automatically breaking the rules. If they fly over at LESS than 500 feet then yes, they are definitely in violation. If they are intentionally buzzing an RC field then FAR 91.13 comes into play (prohibiting “careless and reckless” operations). I would certainly encourage you to report such behavior if you can get a tail number. The FAA can and routinely does go after such pilots, who give us all a bad name.
Finally I would note that a fairly large proportion of full scale pilots are also RC pilots; we all share a passion for flying. The likelihood of a conflict between a full scale aircraft at flying at 500 feet and an RC aircraft at 400 feet seems pretty close to zero, so is there really a problem here?
When I recieved my ticket I was told an assembly is only several people. Later somewhere I read it was at least two people. I did not know of any pilots that believe it has to be a stadium full of people. Open means it has to be outdoors.