Interesting post. Just yesterday, there was a newbie who showed up with one of those SPAD things. There was also a NexStar trainer in the truck, but he left it there. Lots of wind; I had elected not to go up just yet, but this fellow was determined. I'd never seen him before, but I don't get out there every week-end. I asked him how long he'd been flying. "Three weeks," was the response. Hmmm....
He actually did okay, considering the relative aerodynamic efficiency of that SPAD thing's wing (the leading edge was rolled over and held on each end by a piece of wire
) and the wildly varying wind. Later, when the rest of the crew showed up, he went aloft again; and promptly planted the thing rather close to two other pilots who were flying at the time.
Now, far be it for me to judge another. But if ever there was a demonstrated need for a instructor "check off", here it was. This fellow knew just enough to be dangerous. We supposedly have such a system in place at our club, but I spoke with two of the other three club IPs and they hadn't worked with this fellow. Since I gave up my IP status this year, I let it drop; but you can bet your next case of fuel I'll be keeping a close eye on any unfamiliar new members.
I think the Brits have the right idea; one has to become licensed, certified, whatever you want to call it, before being allowed to fly solo. The independent-minded among us will scream communism, socialism, don't abrogate my God-given right to fly, etc., etc., ad nauseum. All well and good; but we license drivers, and if you get right down to it, the situations are similar; a person is in control of a potentially lethal instrument in and around other folks.
I believe we've skated on this for so long because most modelers are indeed conscientious. During my 18 years in the hobby, I can say I've witnessed very few truly unsafe acts; and almost all of those were followed by contriteness on the part of the transgressor. IOW, they were unlikely to do it again. But all it will take is one high-profile fatality, and the government will likely get involved. If that happens, we're all hosed.
Food for thought...