ORIGINAL: rw Guinn
ORIGINAL: Rodney
A good test, if you break the physical connection and no longer have control, it is not remote control. So P51, Break that fiber optics cable and see if you still have control. If you do not, it is not remote control.
Pure Hogwash!
Break the radio link by standing in a Faraday cage (with your transmitter) and see if you have control of that RC aircraft. Put a piece of cardboard between the TV and your couch and see if the IR remote works.
The true definition of remote control is whether the operator must be present at and move with the controlled device. If he must move with it, the device is
not remotely controlled. Individual components of the device
may (and likely
are)remotely controlled, but if the operator has to move with the device, the system is
not a remote control system.
Ok, let's take this train of thought one step farther. Einstein's Theory of Relativity. All things are relative from your point of perspective. What is defined as remote? 5'? 20'? a mile? same city? state? country? If the frame of reference it a few feet, then yes we are remotely controlling our planes. But if widen your frame of reference to the same city then no, you are not remotely controlling our planes.
Just trying to throw a bit of humor in here.