Originally posted by William Robison
Gentlemen;
I will start by stating that I do not hold an AMA turbine certification. What AMA is giving is a certification, it isn't really a waiver, except insofar as it allows the use of a power plant other than piston or electric.
The AMA's rationale is speed. This is nonsense.
Where is the certification for the unlimited pylon racing planes? The turbines have an AMA imposed speed limit of 200 mph, the unlimited pylon planes will exceed 225-230 mph.
The 200 mph impact of a 40 lb airlane will do significant damage regardless of its motive power source, and I submit the gasoline fuel of the unlimited makes its crash potentially much more dangerous than the kerosine fuel of the turbine.
It is therefore proposed that all "Turbine Waivers" be eliminated.
Replacing the previous "Turbine Waiver" AMA will issue instead a "High Speed and High Performance" certification.
This "HS/HP" certification will be required for operation of ANY model aircraft of more than 25 pounds dry weight, or capable of more than 150 mph sustained air speed in level flight.
All holders of the eliminated "Turbine Waiver" will automatically be issued this certification.
All other AMA members will be issued this certification on their written affidavit of ability to fly this type aircraft safely, such affidavit being countersigned by an AMA leader member, contest director, or a current holder of the certification.
The AMA membership card/license will have the member's certification level indicated on the face, added in the area under the member's name.
Biennial flight review (a la FAA) could be added to the requirement for continuing certification, I am open on that. But as shown, the current condition is neither reasonable nor is the turbine waiver available to the many who would like to get into this branch and can afford the airplanes but either have time restrictions or other reasons why the current qualification process keeps them out.
Comments, please.
WLR
I personally disagree with the above. It is IMHO that the waiver process in itself is a very good thing! I would say the above is more of a reason to further regulate the Unlimited than to deregulate the turbines. I think everyone needs to come to the rational that Turbines ARE different and do require some form of regulation and safety management. The potential for serious bodily injury or property loss is significantly higher with turbine ops as opposed to reciprocating engines. Fire risk is a serious issue we all need to be concerned with. True, the heavy racers are just as dangerous and should be put under some sort of regulation as well.
To put the waiver process in perspective one only has to attend a jet meet to see the quality of todays aircraft and pilot skill levels. Mishaps are minimal and the aircraft are built top notch. I can tell you I feel more at ease at a jet rally over most other meets, because of the waiver process the newbie pilot, uneducated and unskilled modelers are all but eliminated from attending these meets. Thats not to say there is not a few that manage to slip through the cracks but for the most part, wavered turbine pilots are skilled, competent and educated.
I agree whole heartedly wit Matt that we are truly lucky to have the AMA, JPO and the like that work to establish policies that get us the coverage that we need to enjoy this hobby. But...I think there are times when some have their head too far up their A** to see the light of day and it makes you wonder what they are thinking.
From a Turbine CD point of view the new Flight Demo rule is useless! Too vague, too many holes and too confusing for us or the applicant to understand. IMHO they need to scrap the whole thing and either stick with what they had or work with the JPO to enhance the process.
my .05
Todd