Darcy,

Ed some good points and it is always worthwhile giving some thought and consideration to safety.

I have been asked by the authorities not to fly my noisy radio control model airplane in a couple of locations - even though both times it was a catapult launch free flight chuck glider, one time at an Ottawa park and the other at a school yard.

I don't have the reference to hand but the discussion comes up frequently about the Ottawa city bylaw with regards to this subject (and I paraphrase and perhaps incorrectly) that "flying model airplanes is not permitted on puplic property within the Ottawa City limits". A quick search of the Ottawa bylaws will confirm or deny and add clarity.

Soccer balls, base balls, golf clubs, base ball bats, hockey sticks (and on and on) can be dangerous. In fact, I see teenagers walking around with baseball bats all the time and obviously appear to have no intent on playing baseball (not a ball or glove in sight). They will often carry them around (as many do with anything that can be used as a weapon) for the intimidation factor - but it isn't against the law to do so. It is always hard to draw the line and unfortunately when the knee jerks and causes "yet another bylaw" to come into existance, silly laws about flying model airplanes or kites in the city parks are created.

Never say never

cheers, Graham