Letters to the Editor - 2001/02
Correction
The radio-control helicopter that Curtis Youngblood is shown holding on page 61 of the December 2000 issue was mistakenly identified as a Raptor. The model is a Vigor.
Our apologies.
MA staff
Park Flier Frequencies
I am deeply concerned with the proliferation of the so-called "backyard or park fliers." I make reference to the advertisement in the October 2000 issue of Model Aviation, page 124, and other publications such as Radio Control Modeler, Model Airplane News, et al.
These are radio-control model airplanes regardless of their size and power. There is no mention of the need to prevent frequency interference when flown in close proximity to authorized flying sites. The fact that they are electric hides their existence from serious modelers.
Last week I was in the Seattle area. My son and I were at an AMA-sanctioned flying club site. There was frequency interference on channel 48. One airplane went into the tree-lined perimeter and two others crashed in a marsh area adjacent to the runway.
During a walk through the staging area, we did not find any radios that were turned on. Further investigation revealed that there was one of these park fliers approximately 200 yards away, using a soccer field for flying.
When questioned, the flier was not aware of the potential for causing a crash. He stated that his airplane had been acting "funny," but he did not know why.
The AMA, of all people, should be watching very closely what the industry is doing. It would appear, however, that you are not, inasmuch as you printed their ad without any mention of frequency control.
Hobby shops do not inform potential buyers of the hazard, and the magazines print the ads without any mention of the risks involved. The results could be disastrous.
Dale E. Singleton Sun Lakes, Arizona
(Editor's note: Please refer to the sidebar in this issue's "Newcomers" column by Bob Underwood, which addresses the preceding issue.)
Likes District VI Report
How interesting and exciting to read Chuck Foreman's District VI report. For those of us who fly control-line models, it was refreshing to see a vice president giving his time and column to Control Line flying. Contrast his page, 153, November 2000, with Don Krafft's District I report.
Splendid pictures, but who are the persons, and especially, what is the engine? It certainly is special to rate three pictures. I read page 150, November 2000, twice, and still do not have an inkling of what the pictures illustrate or who the persons are. Thank heavens Model Aviation has both Mike Keville and Bill Boss as columnists. They make the scene for at least one person who is not totally enamored with radio control.
David H. Shipton Delavan, Illinois
Focal Point
I would like to commend Model Aviation on the "Focal Point" section of the magazine. It is a great way to start reading the magazine, and right at the beginning. There has been so much commercial advertising of the type of models such as the Cap/Extra/Laser/Stinger, that many newcomers get the idea that this is the way most models are today. "Focal Point" shows a broad spectrum of the hobby with all kinds of models — everything from rubber power to turbine jets. It lets the reader know that there is something for everyone. Keep up the good work; the magazine is fantastic.
Jim Hainen Vicksburg, Mississippi
Microhenry's Fan
I enjoy the Microhenry's in Model Aviation. As a member of the Northeast R/C Model Club, I found the coverage to be very comprehensive and informative. An extensive list of vendor addresses and Web sites topped it all off.
Keep up the good work.
Kirt Blattenberger Loveland, Colorado
Food for Thought
As with any organization, the AMA does not do things that every member will agree with or approve of.
Often people complain about both state and federal government organizations, which have their imperfections. Now compare these to other world governments. Most people would agree that we live in the best country, which is a result of good government.
So you have to look at the AMA in the same light. Members can and do make changes come about. Each member has a district vice president listed in Model Aviation magazine. Please write and express your concerns. Your VP votes on issues set as association policies.
Karen Saunders Niceville, Florida
Letters to the Editor - 2001/02
Indoor Guidelines
Several months ago you posted some guidelines concerning safety issues for indoor flying. These proposals were very simple and well thought out, and everyone could live by them.
Then you posted these new proposals, and I am shocked. I've been flying indoor for over three years now, and, from experience, can say that these new proposals hurt the intelligence of the indoor modeler. I realize you need rules, but three and a CD [Contest Director]? Where did this come from?
This is not a requirement for any other branch of this hobby which I have been part of for the last 45 years. I've been flying jets/turbines for years, and except for a sanctioned contest, I don't require a CD present when a couple of my friends get together to smoke the skies at 180 knots, and it is proposed that I need a CD when I go into the gym to hold my hand.
Also, classifying flying sites and weights of aircraft allowed to fly in each class facility is next to unreal.
I've seen people flying a five-ounce aircraft in an indoor soccer facility that needed to be somewhere else, and I fly a larger Bleriot that can weigh up to 14 ounces, that flies very gentle and is extremely maneuverable. I've flown it looking through a one-inch monocle TV screen, including figure eights and takeoffs and landings staying head-down all the time, with no real problem.
Flying sites and aircraft sizing don't always go hand in hand. Let's stick with your earlier published guideline, not something that wants to shut the hobby down before it starts.
I personally do not like the idea of indoor racing, although it's great for crowd appeal. Most of the pilots I fly with get too serious and most can't fly for a hill of beans anyway. The little models look great, but either need to be smaller or carry a couple more batteries to go a little bit faster.
Again, I applaud the folks trying to come up with something, but we need to step back and get real. Over the years, I've seen things come and go, but this is one segment of the hobby that is about to bust wide open; give it a chance before we choke it with restrictive rules such as just published.
Ed Couch North Richland Hills, Texas
The AMA Safety Committee had the following response:
AMA has approved simple guidelines for indoor operations. It is intended to observe operations for some time before imposing any changes. The proposed guidelines (new) are intended to stimulate thought in this area for the future.
The skill of the pilot makes all the difference in the world as to what model can be flown in a given site. A skilled pilot can fly a heavier and faster model on a basketball court, whereas novices can't fly such a model safely.
Since we have so many novices getting involved in indoor radio control, the skill factor needs to be considered.
Hi-starts
[Mike Garton's RC Soaring] article on hi-starts in the July 2000 edition of Model Aviation is excellent work.
The amount of effort put into assembling the information and photos resulted in a very comprehensive and informative review of all aspects of available products. An extensive list of vendor addresses and Web sites topped it all off well.
Keep up the good work.
Kirt Blattenberger Loveland, Colorado
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
