Bob,

Thanks for inserting a bit of sanity into the 2.4 GHz "hype." It was pretty amazing to hear the descriptions of the 2.4 GHz systems from the announcers at Fl Jets as the manufacturer's reps. flew the systems. You would have thought that the "old" 72 MHz systems were rubber-band powered escapements in comparison...

The 2.4 GHz systems have some potential, but dispite what the manufacturers are saying, they are NOT a panacea! In addition, it has yet to be determined how the different systems are going to play togther and how they will perform at a flyin like the Joe Nall where, in the pits, on the main flight line, down at the pond, and at the "foamy" area, there can easily be 50+ pilots with their radios on (or attempting to turn them on).

As far as the "failsafe autopilot" system is concerned, my students and I have pretty much developed a system that can do just that (even "land" it in a fairly controlled manner) for about the same price as the Weatronics receiver. However, before a system like that can be perfected for commercial use, the AMA will have to change its safety code - which right now, prohibits the operation of any aircraft with an autonomous flight system...

Bob