A neat idea in need of refinement

[sirenwerks]

The unsteadiness nearly gave me a seizure and the proximity to the windmill blades made for a seat gripper, but in all this has potential.

[Philip H]

Except for the Homeland Security issues and FFA clearences needed in most major metropolitan areas . . . yeah, neat!

[sirenwerks]

Details, details  ...

[conrail98]

Except for the Homeland Security issues and FFA clearences needed in most major metropolitan areas . . . yeah, neat!

I'm going to assume you meant FAA and you need FAA clearance to fly model plans in metro areas?

Phil

[Philip H]

Yes, I meant Federal Avaition Administration, not Future Farmers of America.  And it all depends on how big the "model" is.  We have remotely piloted vehicles that aare the size of some larger R/C planes, and the FAA has forced us to put them through a lengthy process to fly them over the ocean from coastal airspace.

[sirenwerks]

You must have asked before you did it. The trick is, don't ask, then they can't say no.  ;D

[Philip H]

yes, weel when flying in controlled airspace, if you don't ask, they tend to shoot . . .

[DKS]

As I see it, the problem with this approach (aside from airspace issues) is the rather limited range of a typical RC plane. One advantage, though, may be the ability to photograph some areas that are otherwise inaccessible because they're private property. Even then, you may set off some alarms...

[up1950s]

I think the temptation to do a head-on buzz is great . That ought to make the crew edgy . Signal and radio interference ? Expectation of privacy and of not being spied on might be a complaint of the RR and local residents ? I think the RR or Fed's will come up with a new law if needed to thwart any possibility of this becoming a fad . Many RR's use choppers to fly the right of way , the LIRR does , could be an issue there .

[sizemore]

That plane was way too small, overpowered and to light to give a graceful flight. Power to weight makes a big difference in the dynamics of flight on those little guys.

The S.

[davefoxx]

Let's see if that guy can do touch-and-go's off the top of a container or boxcar.  That'll spice up the video.