ORIGINAL: J_R
There certainly are no plans to impose speed limits on others. The primary concern with turbines is fire, something other models don't have nearly the problem with. The turbines have made good advances in this area, but, still present a risk.
It's going to take some serious proof that speed limiters are reliable before the jet jockies are going to accept them, which is understandable.
JR-
I understand the fire concern, but how fast does a model have to go to catch fire?
This whole rationalization for speed limits is a non sequitur. Yes, it is obviously true that a fast airplane is capable of getting out of sight more quickly than a slower one, and if it goes out out sight of the pilot it is certainly more likely to crash and start a fire. That seems to be the essence of the rationale.
Lets see how an AMA rule limiting the speed of turbine models works for me. I don't fly turbines now. Several members of my club do, including my closest flying buddy, and several have urged me to join in the fun. I have not done so and have no intention of doing so. I'm a reasonably competent R/C pilot and have served as a club and AMA Intro Pilot instructor for many years. I can afford it if I chose to - a 'checkbook modeler' if you please - I could have one RTF with all the ancillary equipment to get airborne and folks standing by to sign off on the waiver within a week, just by making a phone call. Tempting, but it is my choice not to.
I have watched many turbine model flights by my friends, and from that experience I know that I have limitations that would keep me from flying one confidently and safely. My eyesight isn't up to it, and likely reactions as well. From experience, I know that a Q500 model with a good sport engine pushes my senses and ability to the limits of what is responsible.
So, any rule regarding speed limits on turbine models is utterly superfluous to me. It will have diddley squat to do with making me a safe turbine model flyer. If it were mandated at 120 mph instead of 200 it wouldn't make a damned bit of difference. Common sense is what makes me a safe flyer as far as turbines are concerned. Common sense, recognition of personal limitations, and individual responsibility is why 95% of the members of this club choose not to fly turbine models at any speed. We don't need arbitrary AMA rules to do this, neither the majority nor the relatively fewer turbine flyers. One has been clocked at better than 230 mph (without catching fire). So what - he can do it competently and he well knows it, else he wouldn't be doing it. Would the world be a safer place if he had a 200 mph limiter in his model airplane and macular degeneration in his eyes? Try as they insistently do, AMA EC cannot rationally legislate pilot ability.
Abel