Points 8 and 9 in JR's email make perfect sense. First, why would anyone want to put themselves that close to a pair (or three) whirring blades, much less another pilot who is tryin to pay attention and maintain his own aircraft. And why would someone want to reach out and "touch" "catch" or "fondle" an aircraft in high AOA/ high risk maneuvers. Yes, it looks cool when you get away with it, and YES, its going to be a gigantic mess to clean up when something goes wrong.

As for the comment about only top rated pilots flying in that manner, I dont think that argument has any merit. 3d flying is definately a showstopper, and I am sure it has attracted more than a few new pilots. What's to keep a newbie whos got a few weeks of soloing under his belt from trying to copy one of the "top rated pilots"? Everyone has a learning curve, and I am sure youre very good pilot 3dbatixkid, but everyone crashes, and poop happens that we have absolutely no control over (Mike Caglia's incident shows that). People by nature try to emulate and copy things they think are cool, its just that some go about it in a little more cautious and safe manner than others.


Key things to remember here, tolerance and common sense. If we are unable to excercise common sense, and monitor/police ourselves, then it will be done for us. Then we will all gripe and moan about the changes. If youve seen someone get caught by a prop on a .40 size engine (1.2 hp, 10x6 prop), imagine what damage a DA150 (16 hp, 32/10 prop) would do. That combo is larger than most lawnmower engine/blade packages. I for one do not want to be on the receiving end of either the prop, or the bloodsplatter from the prop hittin someone else.

Steve