Texas modelers, there is a committee meeting in Austin this Wednesday, 02-28-07 where the Honorable John Otto will attempt to get Model Airplanes added to his proposed amendment to the
Texas Recreational Use Statute.
The meeting is at 8AM. Please fax a letter of support; FAX number is 512 463 0315.
Amendment greatly limits land-owner liability for recreational use from Hunting right down to roller blading already included. Having model aviation included could be a big plus for those needing a place to fly, especially you sport-minded electric types. get that fax in right now. It is imperative to get public support because no other type of aero-sport is included in this statute.
Here is my letter faxed to the good Representative of the Polk County Area.
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The Honorable Mr. John Otto:
House of Representatives
State of Texas.
Feb. 25, 2007
Dear Sir:
Thank you for your interest in the Sport of Model Aviation. As a 71 year old citizen, native and land-owner in Polk County, now residing in Harris County, with land holdings in Bandera, Hardin, Harris, Liberty, Polk, and Tyler Counties along with being an avid model airplane fan since before school age, please accept my sincere "Thank-You, Sir", for your support of model aviation as a worthwhile and extremely educational recreation and sport.
Thank you for offering your support to add Radio Controlled (RC) (RC Modelers) Model Aircraft to your Amendment to the Texas Recreational Use Statute. The use of lands for flying facilities is so very important to the pursuit of this activity.
Mr. Don Hirt asked me to provide you with some information about the protective parts of our sport:
1. Many RC modelers belong to the national organization Academy of Model Aeronautics. (AMA)
http://www.modelaircraft.org/
2. AMA provides a Safety Code which all of the "Chartered Clubs" -- most of the larger clubs -- abide by. The AMA, being in direct regular conference with the Department of Transportation and/or the FAA, maintains an FAA definition of model aircraft in that Safety Code.
"10. The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft shall control it during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses that are prescribed for the pilot. No model aircraft shall be equipped with devices which allow it to be flown to a selected location which is beyond the visual range of the pilot."
Other items all reference the safe handling and maintenance of the models.
May I refer you to one Mr. Jim Rice, a member of the AMA's Executive Council, the Board of Directors if you please. He should be able to assist you with any information you may need.
Mr. Jim Rice, AMA District Vice President
118 E Wright Blvd
Universal City TX 78148
(210) 945-8221
Fax: (210) 945-4811
[email protected] www.AMA-Dist-8.org/index.php
One point for your committee. This old man here, because of model airplanes, flew the big ones in the United States Air Force for thirteen years, then had a wonderful career with United Airlines for an additional 28 years prior to the age 60 federal retirement age. What a wonderful life, all because of model airplanes.
Again, Thank You for your support.
Sincerely
Horrace D. Cain
31619 Bohlssen Rd.
New Caney TX 77357
281-399-5627 FAX 5628
[email protected]