With the preponderance of almost ready to fly electric (ARTF) and glow
engine powered models and the use of modern materials it is now
possible to take a model straight from the box, complete with radio,
charge the batteries and go flying.
Please do not attempt to do this, at least until you have checked out
your local area to find out if there is a model flying club in your
location, have obtained the necessary third party insurance to cover
you against claims in the event of an accident, and to ensure you comply
with, and are not in breach of any local bylaws that may be in place
at any open space, park, recreation field etc.
The main reason that you should not switch-on or attempt to fly
a model without seeking out your local model-flying club is
very simple: Safety. By their very nature radio controlled
models are controlled by a radio signal from a hand-held transmitter
to an on-board receiver inside the model. These radios operate
either on the 35Mhz band or in the case of some electric (RTF)
models on the 27Mhz band.
Each of these radios has a precise frequency within this band,
and it is vitally important that it is recognised right away
that is impossible to operate two models at the same time on
the same time frequency, the result is always a crash, for one
or both of the models. Apart from the financial implications,
there is a real risk that something, a building or nearby car
could be damaged, or worse yet, someone could suffer a personal
injury. Hence the need for insurance.
A new radio system developed by Horizon Hobby called Spektrum
is now addressing the frequency clashing problems. By scanning
the area to see if any frequencies are in use, it then will only
function if it can select a safe unused frequency to operate
on itself . This is a new system though and as yet has to filter
into the RTF class of planes, although in the fullness of time
it undoubtedly will.
So it can be seen that there is a little more to flying a model than
just heading off to the nearest open space. There are statutory
regulations laid down by the Civil Aviation Authority, codes of
practice and recommendations from the British Model Flying Association
(BMFA) and lastly local by-laws that local authorities may have
in place controlling the use of models on any land the may be responsible
for. These important rules and regulations are designed for one
purpose only: Safety. They are not intended to spoil your enjoyment
of model flying, moreover they enhance it by allowing thousands
of model flyers to take part in this great hobby safely and enjoyably,
at a place designated for model flying, and within an environment
of like minded people; fellow aero modellers.
To sum up then, seek out your local model-flying club,
join the BMFA and take advantage of the membership insurance, and
lastly fly responsibly. Remember always though, it is you that is
ultimately responsible for any model you put up in the sky! |
