This is just a series of thoughts or notes. It’s not in response to a specific person or comment.
There is a discussion running at the moment concerning RC plane flying locations, frequencies, safety and rules. This has been fueled by a few club flyers concerned about their models being “shot down” by other non-club flyers.
In the past clubs have had their designated flying sites and park flyers have flown on and off at their local parks or large open spaces.
It has been mentioned that most local toy shop models don’t last very long. This is probably true and limits the exposure to these flyers. There is a growing group of dedicated park flyers who for various reasons choose not to join and fly under club rules. It seems that the park flyers tend to be blamed by the club flyers for anything that goes wrong; or worse, could go wrong.
What frequencies are the cheap “Wharehouse/DSE” type models on? Maybe with some cooperation they can be restricted to a few bands that are not reserved for model aircraft; maybe 27, 29 and 36 MHz, leaving 35, 40 and 72 MHz for the “real flyers”. This is the sort of thing MFNZ should work out.
2.4GHz is obviously open for any use and reliability is a function of your equipment design and the number and type of other users in the area.
IMO if the “big boys” are so worried about being shot down, they should go 2.4GHz and hope the hype is correct or minimize the risk by using a frequency or band dedicated to RC aircraft such as 35MHz. These only minimize the chances of a problem. Without special equipment you cannot expect more.
The danger for everyone is that a problem that doesn’t really exist is going to be blown out of all proportion and result in rules that cripple a hobby that should be available to every kid of any age. Apparently some councils have banned RC aircraft in local parks. This is just stupid. Before banning models they should ban alcohol, paint and anything that can break bus stop windows.
As a few club flyers seem to exaggerate the safety issue up we will have MFNZ and local councils making rules and banning flying in all but a few locations that only suit those few flyers. Is this really just a few manipulating the situation to suit their own ends.
There is always the possibility of a shoot-down; or a gear failure, or a bird strike, or act of god; shit happens, get over it.
Park Flyers seem to cop too much flack from the club crowd. It’s too easy to blame a less organized group, too many generalizations.
Paul