ORIGINAL: Phoenixangel
I was out flying my big stik today after visiting Mom, I was by myself all was well. During the second flight 3 cars full of people pull up to watch, they were all one family out for the day going to the park or something, they decided to stop when they seen the plane in the air. Normally I would not be there alone but I guess because it was kind of windy no one else wanted to fly today. Usually the guys are there and any one coming to watch is talked to by the guys in the pits. I was alone on the flight line with a plane in the air and I have kids wanting to come over and stand with me and several adults trying the same. I politely said I need to land and could you please get everyone behind the orange barrier thing.`The guy acted a little put out I am not sure about how the best way to handle this is.
this is why i dont like to fly alone. enough people stop (right by a highway) that is could be very dangerous. while flying you may as well be defenseless, someone could take you out easily. will it happen, no, but if for some reason a wacko decided to drop by you dont stand a chance.
most visitors are good at my field and they just stop about 100 feet from where im flying and watch the plane.
then ill land and i invite them over and show them the plane, let them ask questions ect. by that time you will understand the person's attitude and intentions.
i just hate it when someone walks right next to me, someone i dont know (visitor), when im flying. i usually walk a few feet away and say something like "1 second im almost out of fuel and im going to land"
if i hear them talking w/ club members and such i dont worry.
as i said. is this going to be a problem 99.9% of the time? no, but their are creeps in the world and you have to be aware.