We have many many many electric fliers where I fly. Our field is quite large and there is plenty of room for all.

The problem *I* have with some electric pilots (and some slimers too) is that they think is it okay not to follow the basic rules of the field. They take off in the pits, they fly over pilot's heads and behind them and show total disregard for the safety and peace of mind of other pilots. It's a big problem - now, I realize that these little electrics are far less dangerous to a person than the larger glow airplanes. I realize they are made of foam and and don't weigh much but when you've got one cartwheeling to a landing and it cartwheel's right past the pilot box at the runway and your attention is on your airplane it is very disturbing. More often than not these electric fellows also just don't care what we glow pilots think about either - they don't understand and thus they don't care what we have to say on the subject. I welcome the electrics because I think they are quite neat - I have one myself and use it whenever I get the chance. When I take it to the field though I fly in the area designated for electrics (we give them their own runway and they don't use it!) and I stay away from the pilots on the flightline and the pits (as I would with any glow airplane I was flying).

Unfortunately because of the size of these planes the electric fellows at large think that the rules don't and shouldn't apply. The rules are for safety purposes and should be followed on principal alone. But also - to help the electric fellows understand that even with a spotter out at the flightline with me - he's typically watching the area around me for stray glow airplanes and full size, etc - NOT behind me where these rogue electrics are breaking the rules. I can't say how many times I've almost been hit by an electric out of control. I also have lost count how many times an electric fellow will just walk out onto the runway and set his plane down for an ROG without calling out his intentions. Because of the lack of danger in these little airplanes they fly they don't think of how dangerous the big ones are I guess (or they are simply idiots).

Frequency management is another subject entirely and much easier. While it is certainly great that an electric flier can fly as much as his batteries will allow - it is impolite to "sit" on a frequency when other people are on the same frequency. 15 minutes should be the norm with acceptance for someone who pushes it to 20. Being on a popular frequency at my field myself I deal with this every weekend. I know all the guys who are on the same channel as me and we are quite polite with eachother about it and make sure that we "take turns" and give eachother fair use of the channel. If you and your electric fellows can't manage that then you need a lesson in manners.

I support our electric fliers in our club and am one myself. There is no reason why you all can't get along - unless the park fliers don't want to follow the rules as laid out by the AMA and the club at large.