Finished ATTF 96 (FPV with a squirrel)....about 3 days ago. Sorry, fixing my King took priority!
Comments!
=== Goggles vs Line-of-Sight ===
I was laughing in the podcast with how the poor Squirrel kept mixing up what "conventional" flying was! Does "conventional" mean using First-Person-View like a conventional full-size aircraft, or is it Line-of-Sight like a conventional RC airplane?
Yah, he definitely has a different "view" on things!
From his talking, I took away two primary subjects:
1. What is safe/reasonable/legal to do with FPV?
2. Which is better: FPV or LOS (line of sight)?
=== FPV legality/safety ===
I can't comment on Norway, but the not-so-secret Squirrel is apparently quite knowledgeable of American regulations. He is correct that there technically is no FAA "law" against FPV systems. However, bear in mind that we currently don't really have a "right" to fly model aircraft either. AMA has worked with the FAA so that our recreational models just don't apply to FAA regulations. In return, AMA makes an effort to keep such activities reasonably safe. AMA is a club, not a regulator, so AMA rules are only binding if you fly at an AMA-sanctioned club (in order for the insurance to be valid). The AMA rules are generally common-sense, though, so I rarely see much of a difference flying at an open club versus an AMA club. However, our RC models are becoming common and powerful enough that the FAA decided it was time to make things more cut&dry: hence the ARC (which is a discussion in itself).
Originally, AMA had no provisions for FPV, but changed that this year. It is in code 550:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/550.pdf
The rules are as follow:
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by AMA-550
1. An FPV-equipped model must be flown by two AMA members utilizing a buddy-box system. The pilot in command must be on the primary transmitter, maintain visual contact, and be prepared to assume control in the event of a problem.
2. The operational range of the model is limited to the pilot in command’s visual line of sight as defined in the Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code (see Radio Control, item 10).
3. The flight path of model operations shall be limited to the designated flying site and approved overfly area.
4. The model weight and speed shall be limited to a maximum of 10 pounds and 60 miles per hour.
|
So, you CAN fly FPV, but you should do it from a buddy-box so that the primary pilot can keep an eye on the plane and take over if you get yourself into trouble. When around other people, buildings, or airplanes, this makes perfect sense. However, I’m not going to grind my teeth if someone does some EasyStar FPV in the middle of an empty open field. AMA “rules” are really safety guidelines. Please use your head. I’ve done FPV, and I can say with confidence that this is the future! Man, that’s fun stuff!
=== Which is better: FPV or LOS? ===
You know, I’ve heard so much about the advantages of FPV, that I hadn’t really thought about the advantages of LOS until the Squirrel mentioned it! You don’t really get to “see” your stunts in FPV. All of those flat-spins, snap-rolls, hammer-heads, and Cuban-8s…I now realize that flying LOS allows you to be both the pilot and the audience of your own airshow! It’s just like everything else in this hobby: nothing gets replaced…it just gets added on! Control line didn’t kill Free Flight. RC didn’t kill Control Line. Helis didn’t kill Airplanes. 3D didn’t kill Pattern. Etc, etc. FPV will not kill LOS either. But…I certainly welcome it!
Awesome show, guys! Have a great weekend!
- Jim