T E A M
Just food for thought. I may get shot here, but read before you shoot. The author has a point and this article is 100% relevant. Looks like it big countries are facing the same fate as well.
Recently, we lost a field and nearly lose another. The first reaction from us, the modellers, are usually defensive, thinking that we are always right. To a certain extend, most of us, including myself think that some members of the public are just too intolerent for almost anything under the sun. I still do, until last week when I purchase a copy of the November issue of the Quiet Flyer Magazine. If you have the copy read from page 46 to 47, not the advertisements!
ARTICLE FROM QFM Nov 07, Column
Park Side
The Public Face of Modeling: Park Pilots have a special responsibility
By : John Likakis
The explosion of electric powered airplanes has opened up all sorts of new places for us to fly them.The local park is the quintessential example of a formerly restricted or even off-limits place where flying is now possible. For most, however, any open space of more than a few acres can suffice as a remote-control (RC) airplane airfield.
Unlike our club-bound brethren, we park flyers have a great deal of exposure to the non-flying public. Most dedicated model airfields are both removed from the public's gaze and restrictive in thier access. Those who fly ther do so in a relative seclusion. Park pilots, on the other hand, are awash in a sea of passing humanity. To the public at large, we become the face of modeling. What we do while we are enjoying our hobby is in the public eye, and unfortunately can too easily become the stereotype that tars everyone who flies RC.
With that in mind, it's worth taking a few minutes to think carefully about what kind of image you might be projecting while flying. Most of what fellows in common sense. Or is it? Given some monumental stupidity I have personally witness over the years, I'm not too sure.
You Don't Own It
Perhaps the mostr important thing to remember about flying in public places is that they are public. If you can use the area, other people can as well. Importantly, they have as much right to be there as you do.
That obviously means we need to be respectful of other people who want to use "our" park. Don't fly over people or thier cars. Don't fly over games or other activities. Don't feel like you're being deprived if a family shows up to picnic right in the middle of your flying area. People will do things like that, and you're much better off simply packing up and leaving instead of trying to cajole John Q. Citizen to move along. Mr Citizen can't complain if you go elsewhere, but he might get cranky if you try to imply some primacy to your hobby over his family. He might also get a bit annoyed if you keep flying your airplane over him. So pack it in when your space is invaded.
Recently, we lost a field and nearly lose another. The first reaction from us, the modellers, are usually defensive, thinking that we are always right. To a certain extend, most of us, including myself think that some members of the public are just too intolerent for almost anything under the sun. I still do, until last week when I purchase a copy of the November issue of the Quiet Flyer Magazine. If you have the copy read from page 46 to 47, not the advertisements!
ARTICLE FROM QFM Nov 07, Column
Park Side
The Public Face of Modeling: Park Pilots have a special responsibility
By : John Likakis
The explosion of electric powered airplanes has opened up all sorts of new places for us to fly them.The local park is the quintessential example of a formerly restricted or even off-limits place where flying is now possible. For most, however, any open space of more than a few acres can suffice as a remote-control (RC) airplane airfield.
Unlike our club-bound brethren, we park flyers have a great deal of exposure to the non-flying public. Most dedicated model airfields are both removed from the public's gaze and restrictive in thier access. Those who fly ther do so in a relative seclusion. Park pilots, on the other hand, are awash in a sea of passing humanity. To the public at large, we become the face of modeling. What we do while we are enjoying our hobby is in the public eye, and unfortunately can too easily become the stereotype that tars everyone who flies RC.
With that in mind, it's worth taking a few minutes to think carefully about what kind of image you might be projecting while flying. Most of what fellows in common sense. Or is it? Given some monumental stupidity I have personally witness over the years, I'm not too sure.
You Don't Own It
Perhaps the mostr important thing to remember about flying in public places is that they are public. If you can use the area, other people can as well. Importantly, they have as much right to be there as you do.
That obviously means we need to be respectful of other people who want to use "our" park. Don't fly over people or thier cars. Don't fly over games or other activities. Don't feel like you're being deprived if a family shows up to picnic right in the middle of your flying area. People will do things like that, and you're much better off simply packing up and leaving instead of trying to cajole John Q. Citizen to move along. Mr Citizen can't complain if you go elsewhere, but he might get cranky if you try to imply some primacy to your hobby over his family. He might also get a bit annoyed if you keep flying your airplane over him. So pack it in when your space is invaded.
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