QUOTE DON LOWE:
"I fly giant scale, I attend a lot of events and have witnessed this maneuver many times; never with a safety problem. "

Being in this hobby since 74, I'd have to disagree with this statement. Don't misread my intent as I fly many disciplines constantly under revie ie.. Hoverbatics,combat, racing, helis and a current turbine waiver holder.

IMHO the events Don might attend have accomplished pilots. The smaller venue airshows I attend routinely have close calls and crashing in the pits because of hovering antics gone bad in a hurry. What is more troublesome to me as a pilot being in the pits, is that the only means for recovery is going full power till it hits.

I agree that some have mastered safe hoverbatics but during the learning process it is very entertaining on the sidelines. I would be in favor of a 50' seperation. I know some say this is more difficult as the eyes must see small changes, but IMO you can eventually "feel the force" and it will really show how skilled one might be....