This is also a concern of mine. According to the FAA reauthorization of 2012, they cannot make any new rules or FAR's to regulate recreational model aircraft. But for a minute, let's pretend that isn't the case.

Let's just say that they make new FAR's for model aircraft that are unrealistically restrictive for the current modelers out there to follow. Currently, there is an advisory circular out there with "suggestions" on how to fly. Less than 400' AGL, less than 100mph, etc. Those guidelines are pretty tough, almost impossible to follow (although most of us make a good effort), depending on the size/performance of the model. Let's now pretend that they make the items in the AC into new FAR's. Now, if I were to get "caught" flying my RC model outside those guidelines, would the FAA be able to take certificate action on my ATP? Because that is my primary concern with this, going forward.

 

I think the registration form should be completed and submitted when sold. And the seller's information should be on the form as well. This would help install the seriousness of the registration and inform the public on the rules.

The media did not. Stupid idiots flying into the paths of airliners did. ATPs like me did because we called the FAA asking ***?

Besides the mid-air crash potential, I'm equally as worried about privacy on my own property. Yes, I understand if I can be viewed from my property I can't expect privacy. But I certainly think flying an object over my property to record my family or me is crossing the line.

Spoken like a true government employee.

Really, it's difficult to remain below 400' and 100mph? What the heck are you flying? Perhaps those RC planes should be registered and certified if their performance is greater than that?

I'm not trying to cause controversy. I know people like you are responsible. However, there's just too many idiots out there now who are not. They are the ones who are ruining it for everyone.

 

Going to require something more capable than a net gun it would seem.

 

You would be surprised. Those most affected are the ones who fly scale aerobatics in competitions called IMAC. Basically, its an R/C, scaled-down version of IAC competition. 400' is incredibly easy to exceed during any of the vertical maneuvers, and large loops. Also, glider pilots would have a tough time staying below 400'.

As for speed, 100mph isn't really that fast. Many basic sport planes, just 1 step up from a trainer can hit 100mph or more. I currently fly a turbine-powered jet that can easily exceed 200mph, however I am limited to no more than 200mph per AMA rules.

The bigger point here, is that none of these recreational models are capable of flying on their own, or beyond the visual line of site of the pilot. This alone makes them significantly less of a risk (regardless of their performance potential) than the multi-rotor "drones" that have caused this problem for us all.

As an ATP myself, who relies on flying an airliner to make a living, I have just as much of an interest in safety as you do. As I said earlier, I am all for regulating the "drones", I just don't want the "traditional" modelers to get lumped in with the bad apples. The traditional modelers have operated their models in harmony with full-scale aircraft for the last 80+ years without any issues, so it really isn't fair to drag them into this. The explosion of the "drones" in the last few years is the big risk, and undoubtedly needs to be addressed, but leave what is well, alone. That's all I'm saying.

 

Here's part of the answer to my questions:

"FAA Finally Admits Names And Home Addresses In Drone Registry Will Be Publicly Available"

 

I very much agreed GR, the R/C Hobby has followed long established FAA regulations without incident for DECADES.

There are and have been routinely issued TFRs, up to Flt LvL 120 for Model Rocket activities. I've never heard of a Model Rocket mishap vs an aircraft.

How many of us have heard a traffic advisement, "Caution Kite or R/C Aircraft at or below 500ft 2 miles south of the Field."?

Anyone remember a midair or any evasive action taken due to a Kite or R/C Model Aircraft, as mentioned above????

If you read all the recent published FAA Reports or "PIREPS" involving so-called "Drones."

99.9% of these reports are sighting only, without any mishap or any evasive action. It's called; Panic via Media.

The FAA also has made no mention about the federal law, (referred to the COPPA of 1998), and how they plan to handle the collection and release of information of juveniles.

These same people probably were the same advocates against kids having a Red Rider BB Rifle "because it'll put an eye out."

The FAA only needs to focus on the use of laws already on the books to deal with the small percentage of Darwin Award Candidates that threaten air travel, with whatever method that might be.

They can't secure the today's borders, control renegade Refugees, keep Classified Emailed Information Secure, but they want to inhibit and crack down on pre-teen kids getting into a viable, science- related hobby.

 

Some of these models are quite impressive, such as this 747-400: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akoJ2zBwX1o

Or this F-16 1:4 scale - https://youtu.be/qQ9dSrrBN28?t=1m8s

These are quite capable scale models as you can see in videos, there's a lot of this out there for nearly every aircraft type.

 

Need To Take Down A Drone? This Trained Eagle Will Do It - Digg

 

FAA Says All Owners of Small Drones Must Register By February 19, 2016 | Popular Science

 

This summer during the fire season, one of the busiest on record with the largest number of acres burned and record amounts of retardant dropped, we were seeing an unmanned interference issue at least once a week. In each case aircraft were pulled off the fire until a determination could be made that the unmanned aircraft were clear.

These events were not restricted to vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, and some did, in fact, involve "classic RC airplanes." Go figure.