Well I am majorly bummed out, depressed and almost speechless. I went to the flying field today and found out that our field has been shut down untill August 1st and maybe forever. Apparently what happened was that one of the guys that was flying last Thursday lost control of his plane and it sailed out of our flying area and crashed into some trees on an ajacent neighbors land. As the story goes, he went over to get his plane and got into a confrontation with the neighbor and she threatened to call the police. (that is her side of the story anyway) She then called the ranger of the park where we fly and complained to him about. He shut down our field pending investigation of the incident and the neighbor lady also called the regional office for the parks dept. and complained so at this point we're not sure if the park will still let us fly there any more. ARRRGGGHHHHH!!! I don't know where I can fly now. Land is at a premium around here. It's just not that easy to find any place to fly around here.
Now that really put's a frown on my brow! I could see it going to that point if a pet or heaven forbid a resident was injured or nearly injured even, but a lousy mess in a tree! People can be the most awful things! Now, I am having to base this on the assumption that the guy wasn't upset about the loss of the plane and "spilled" over on the residents. Some people can turn anything into a confrontation. Still, this seems to be sign of the times. If a guy or a group of guys (and a few gals I guess) is having a good time, then somebody is going to have some sort of problem with it.
I am a licensed HAM radio operator and the same thing is happening to that hobby. Neighborhood associations that wont let you put up antennas. Unwanted "key ups" from people to screw with you while you are having a legitimate conversation with someone. Frequencies that are being constantly "auction blocked" for use in the new wireless world, interference in HAM bands, especially VOIP, (voice over internet) and the fact that a lot of HAMs that were radio men in the military are dropping off like flies. Children aren't interested in it and are no longer being recruited anyway. It's a dying hobby.
Even the government is looking to shut down some things if they have their way. Model rockets, chemistry sets and other such hobbies are at great risk of being rendered un-American. Very tight controls on the industries and the fear of people using them for harm.
I think I'd better stop this at that, and my apologies to being so off topic here. However, I hated so to hear that such a small thing could end up so sour, since I assume that your feild is sanctioned and all are AMA carrying flyers, right? If so, they're covered as far as liability arent they? What's the big issue? I don't see why they would have the right to "ground" your field? Your whole group is being treated like criminals. I can just picture a bunch of guys with airplanes and transmitters in their hands while armed troopers blockade them from entering!
We should all go flying ASAP in honor of your "R/C Ruby Ridge!!" [:@] (OK, so that was out of line a bit) But seriously folks, the way things are going, we should enjoy and appreciate every day we spend at the airfield, smelling that castor and synthetic oil and nitro-methane burning as the growl of the motors pull these miracles of balsa and plastic film through the sky!! It's in our blood! We must fly! I'm sure you'll be back flying at your site. I just don't ee how they could keep you from doing your thig as long as all the T's ar crossed and I's dotted. Good luck. I'll be thiking about you as I jump the fence in my back yard and enter the most beautful, green mowed grassy field and fly to my hearts content! You never know, some day they could say that all R/C planes are outlawed! Give 'em Hell Harry! Sometimes we have to fight to keep our toys! There is just too much joy to be derived in this hobby.
Rob AKA Blisster