Preliminary thoughts on the Regulation and Control of Park flying in RSA.
1. Introduction:
Park flying is here to stay! The progress of technology in recent years in the areas of electric propultion, power sources, materials, construction methods and radio equipment, has made it possible to fly r/c models in much smaller spaces than we have been traditionally used to.
This has resulted in an ever increasing number of pilots flying their models from sports fields, open urban velt areas and even indoors in sports and school halls, from here the advent from "park" to "indoor" flying.
2. SAMAA and park/indoor flying:
SAMAA has the responsibility of regulating and controlling all r/c flying activities in the RSA. SAMAA has therefore started a process of looking onto the phenomena of park/indoor flying in an attempt to establish the ways and means for it`s members to participate legally in this fast growing dissipline of our hobby, in a safe and controlled manner at recognised flying sites with insurance cover and, without interfering with other RC flyers.
This regulation process obviously needs to be done in such a manner that the enthusiasm and growth of park/indoor flying is not dampened.
3. Definition of a park/indoor flyer:
"A small and light electric power driven aircraft that can be flown in a confined area such as sports fields or indoors in a hall".
4. Specification suggestions:
4.1. Aircraft:
Wingspan: 1,2m max.
Weight:1kg max including battery.
(Note: This specification will force a trade-off between the model type, size, mass, and the limits of the specification ie.: a glider type model will fit into the 1,2m wingspan, 1kg limit, but a power model might have a reduced wingspan for the same mass.)
4.2. Helicopters:
Main rotor diameter: 800mm total max.
Weight: 1kg max with battery.
4.3. Propulsion:
Electric power only
4.4. Flying sites:
"Field" size app. 100m x 50m (outdoor.) Hall size app. 35m x 20m (indoor.) ie.: Rugby, soccer type sports field.
*Park flying sites are to be at least 2,5km apart, and at least 5km from normal R/C flying sites.
4.5. Airspace:
All flying to be done within the perimeter of the field used, to a max. of 50m high.
*This is a very important restriction as it will ensure that the pilots fly the type, size and weight of aircraft that is within their proficiency and skill level, to stay within the boundaries of the field that they are using.
5. Management and control:
5.1. In time all park/indoor flying sites will have to be registered with SAMAA as such.
5.2. Each site will have to be under the control of a club committee or a responsible person.
5.3. Normal SAMAA safety rules are to apply, ie.: Frequency control, spectator lines, no-fly areas, pilot proficiencies, SAMAA membership, insurance cover etc.
6. Process:
6.1. Publish the draft suggestions in the SAMAA news and website for comment by members, refine the document to final publication.
6.2. Draw up a database of sites being used for park/indoor flying.
6.3. Register as many of these sites as possible with SAMAA.
6.4. Encourage as many people as possible to make use of these registered sites, and to stick to the aircraft specifications, through SAMAA news, website and distribution of a SAMAA park/indoor flying leaflet through the dealer network.
7. Conclusion:
We have to start somewhere. Please address your comments to: Allen Fraser, the Chairman of the special committee on Park Flying and the SAMAA Dealer Association
Tel:012-362 4925 • Fax:012-362 4926
for what it is worth my comment to Alan is here. John
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Four Wheel Drive Club -- Dave Armitage
Hi Guys,
The SA 4 wheel drive club are being very considerate with their help and they are forwarding the info on their events to me. The latest event will be held in Ermelo over the weekend of the 30th June, 1st July. They will be starting at +/- 16h00 on the Friday to +/- 20h00 on the Saturday evening. Spots in use by them will be 35.225 Mhz and 35.250 Mhz. 35.300Mhz will only be used in an emergency situation. In the meantime it is still recommended that pilots stay off the two spots on either side of 35.225 i.e. 35.220 and 35.230Mhz, plus 35.250 and 35.300. This applies especially around the Ermelo area over that weekend
Regards
Dave Armitage
The SA 4 wheel drive club are being very considerate with their help and they are forwarding the info on their events to me. The latest event will be held in Ermelo over the weekend of the 30th June, 1st July. They will be starting at +/- 16h00 on the Friday to +/- 20h00 on the Saturday evening. Spots in use by them will be 35.225 Mhz and 35.250 Mhz. 35.300Mhz will only be used in an emergency situation. In the meantime it is still recommended that pilots stay off the two spots on either side of 35.225 i.e. 35.220 and 35.230Mhz, plus 35.250 and 35.300. This applies especially around the Ermelo area over that weekend
Regards
Dave Armitage
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Stick; or the Carrot?
There are many advantages of the SAMAA membership for Aeromodellers. I find it strange that the latest issue of the News persists with a heavy-handed approach. I'm not sure if comes from the editor or from the committee. I suspect the latter. Have a look at the insert on the last page. It's called "Why all Aeromodellers MUST belong to SAMAA". There are two statements that are patently wrong.
The first; "SAMAA membership is a requirement for YOU to legally participate in any aeromodelling flying activities (in terns of site, height and weight) which falls under the legal mandate of the CIVIL AVIATION ACT".
I don't know from where this extraordinary statement comes. I've asked the question but no one seems to be able to answer.
Here's my understanding of the matter, (and you can find the documents on the SAMAA web site here).
The CAA has devolved certain of its administrative processes to the Aero Club. In turn the Aero Club has passed onto the SAMAA duties to administer all aeromodelling in SA. The SAMAA must do this for members and non-members alike. The difference being that non-members may be charged for service on a cost recovery basis. Nowhere is there any suggestion that it is illegal to fly if you are not a SAMAA member.
I suspect that the Big Stick approach is driven by the laudable objective of increasing SAMAA membership. There is evidence that it has the opposite effect.
Surely the best way to get more members is to show the benefit. It's the old story of Selling. To sell, you must expose your product to the risk of being sold. Show non-members benefit, help them, encourage them, and they will join. But whatever else you do, don't bully them.
The second; "SAMAA is responsible for the regulation and control of all RC radio frequencies, used for model flying purposes". The latest uproar over interference on the 35MHz band gives the lie to this. The SAMAA has no power to regulate and control frequencies.
What it does, and it is a vital role, is to act as liaison between Aeromodellers and ICASA.
Let's stop the wild talk of licensing, restrictions on who may buy radios and so on. What's needed is a helpful constructive approach. (And in this regard you may like to read again Piet le Roux's note).
For the SAMAA to deliver fully on the promise of its ARO status I suggest a little less hubris and a little more empathy.
The first; "SAMAA membership is a requirement for YOU to legally participate in any aeromodelling flying activities (in terns of site, height and weight) which falls under the legal mandate of the CIVIL AVIATION ACT".
I don't know from where this extraordinary statement comes. I've asked the question but no one seems to be able to answer.
Here's my understanding of the matter, (and you can find the documents on the SAMAA web site here
The CAA has devolved certain of its administrative processes to the Aero Club. In turn the Aero Club has passed onto the SAMAA duties to administer all aeromodelling in SA. The SAMAA must do this for members and non-members alike. The difference being that non-members may be charged for service on a cost recovery basis. Nowhere is there any suggestion that it is illegal to fly if you are not a SAMAA member.
I suspect that the Big Stick approach is driven by the laudable objective of increasing SAMAA membership. There is evidence that it has the opposite effect.
Surely the best way to get more members is to show the benefit. It's the old story of Selling. To sell, you must expose your product to the risk of being sold. Show non-members benefit, help them, encourage them, and they will join. But whatever else you do, don't bully them.
The second; "SAMAA is responsible for the regulation and control of all RC radio frequencies, used for model flying purposes". The latest uproar over interference on the 35MHz band gives the lie to this. The SAMAA has no power to regulate and control frequencies.
What it does, and it is a vital role, is to act as liaison between Aeromodellers and ICASA.
Let's stop the wild talk of licensing, restrictions on who may buy radios and so on. What's needed is a helpful constructive approach. (And in this regard you may like to read again Piet le Roux's note).
For the SAMAA to deliver fully on the promise of its ARO status I suggest a little less hubris and a little more empathy.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Electric not yet there -- Neil Allen
A month or so ago Burt Botha sent an email saying that all F4c Pattern fliers should go electric at once. I want to give my views, and maybe open a flame war or serious debate,
Burt said that pattern fuel needs 30% nitro methane and costs R25 a litre, then wonders why no fliers use four strokes. He just gave the answer, as two strokes run 10% nitro and cost only R8 per flight. S A Modellers tried four stroke motors, and I saw Chris Harris struggling with inadequate power at a Bloem Nats. The 0S 140 is the nicest motor ever built, with a lovely carb pickup, easy start, and reliable idle of 2,000 rpm These are universal in SA because they use cheap 10% fuel, and have plenty of surplus power at 5,000 feet. Hell, at 2,000 feet I restrict the throttle opening to 75 opening to keep the speed down, which I have never done to any engine before
We wont go four-stroke as the power is less, and the only advantage is an idle of 300 rpm slower, which really doesn't count. Tough luck if the judges overseas prefer them
As for electric, you glossed over the costs.
Already in my club I am considered the fat, rich, capitalist, as I can afford R7000 for the airframe, R3500 for motor, R800 for pipe, and a few digital servos, totaling R12 000. I get an OS140 plane, and I adore its flying characteristics (much nicer than those large scale Extra jobbies with petrol engines that cost R20,000)
Now Burt wants me to go to electric power. To get an afternoons practice of four flights I need 3 batteries at R4,000 each, for R12,000. I need two high rate fan cooled chargers for the field for a few thousand more rands. I need 2 of 12 volt deep discharge batteries to run these chargers (say R900). I am told that if you use the car, it will be too flat to drive home. If I use the car running with alternator it will burn that out for R5000 rands. So I go flying with three batteries, which I charge at home with, the 2 or 3 lead acid re-chargers.
I fly on one pack. The performance is inferior to a tank of glo fuel, as I usually do a pattern and three more minutes of practicing man oeuvres, even including hovering. But batteries get weaker throughout the flight, and cannot do this.
The total cost to go electric is maybe
Plane R9000 (covered)
Motor and controller R5000
Batteries R12000
12V Chargers? R3000
Field Chargers R4000
TOTAL (approx) R34000
R34000 is a LOT different from R12000. Maybe some factors are fudged, but that is more than I like spending on modelling. For that price I could get a scale turbine plane (not that I actually like turbines - 5 second motors lag is a total disaster!)
Then you take on a full time job of babying those cells. According to the Bob Violett site on electric ducted fans, they run pattern plane size cells and motors. They say that if it rains one weekend you must discharge all your cells to part charged to save their life. How many hours would it take to do this: -
Carry 12v lead acid batteries back from the car to the garage (don't forget they are strapped in to avoid smashing your car when you hit brakes)
Charge lead acid charger batteries (we haven't even included this cost yet)
On your explosion proof place you run down each pack in turn to 75% charge
Note that the instructions say that you may not leave them unattended, or do any charging while traveling in your car.
Next weekend you use your special balance charger to fill up all cells again (3 hours work). Top up the 12v batteries again
Load 2 X 12 v chargers into boot, using special straps
Come on, be serious, how many S A modellers will rush out saying "yeah sure "R34,000 is fine - give me one, and I am happy to take over babying those batteries"
Burt's electric F3A does fly very well, but not that much better. I can see that he is an "early adopter" who loves new technology, and in a few years we may follow him, but not yet, no thanks
Neil Allen
Burt said that pattern fuel needs 30% nitro methane and costs R25 a litre, then wonders why no fliers use four strokes. He just gave the answer, as two strokes run 10% nitro and cost only R8 per flight. S A Modellers tried four stroke motors, and I saw Chris Harris struggling with inadequate power at a Bloem Nats. The 0S 140 is the nicest motor ever built, with a lovely carb pickup, easy start, and reliable idle of 2,000 rpm These are universal in SA because they use cheap 10% fuel, and have plenty of surplus power at 5,000 feet. Hell, at 2,000 feet I restrict the throttle opening to 75 opening to keep the speed down, which I have never done to any engine before
We wont go four-stroke as the power is less, and the only advantage is an idle of 300 rpm slower, which really doesn't count. Tough luck if the judges overseas prefer them
As for electric, you glossed over the costs.
Already in my club I am considered the fat, rich, capitalist, as I can afford R7000 for the airframe, R3500 for motor, R800 for pipe, and a few digital servos, totaling R12 000. I get an OS140 plane, and I adore its flying characteristics (much nicer than those large scale Extra jobbies with petrol engines that cost R20,000)
Now Burt wants me to go to electric power. To get an afternoons practice of four flights I need 3 batteries at R4,000 each, for R12,000. I need two high rate fan cooled chargers for the field for a few thousand more rands. I need 2 of 12 volt deep discharge batteries to run these chargers (say R900). I am told that if you use the car, it will be too flat to drive home. If I use the car running with alternator it will burn that out for R5000 rands. So I go flying with three batteries, which I charge at home with, the 2 or 3 lead acid re-chargers.
I fly on one pack. The performance is inferior to a tank of glo fuel, as I usually do a pattern and three more minutes of practicing man oeuvres, even including hovering. But batteries get weaker throughout the flight, and cannot do this.
The total cost to go electric is maybe
Plane R9000 (covered)
Motor and controller R5000
Batteries R12000
12V Chargers? R3000
Field Chargers R4000
TOTAL (approx) R34000
R34000 is a LOT different from R12000. Maybe some factors are fudged, but that is more than I like spending on modelling. For that price I could get a scale turbine plane (not that I actually like turbines - 5 second motors lag is a total disaster!)
Then you take on a full time job of babying those cells. According to the Bob Violett site on electric ducted fans, they run pattern plane size cells and motors. They say that if it rains one weekend you must discharge all your cells to part charged to save their life. How many hours would it take to do this: -
Carry 12v lead acid batteries back from the car to the garage (don't forget they are strapped in to avoid smashing your car when you hit brakes)
Charge lead acid charger batteries (we haven't even included this cost yet)
On your explosion proof place you run down each pack in turn to 75% charge
Note that the instructions say that you may not leave them unattended, or do any charging while traveling in your car.
Next weekend you use your special balance charger to fill up all cells again (3 hours work). Top up the 12v batteries again
Load 2 X 12 v chargers into boot, using special straps
Come on, be serious, how many S A modellers will rush out saying "yeah sure "R34,000 is fine - give me one, and I am happy to take over babying those batteries"
Burt's electric F3A does fly very well, but not that much better. I can see that he is an "early adopter" who loves new technology, and in a few years we may follow him, but not yet, no thanks
Neil Allen
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
News of Oudtshoorn Scale -- Fanie Fourie
Oudtshoorn Scale 2007 is around the corner and we are in the final stages of planning and we have the great pleasure to invite all of you to come and join us at this great event from 20th to 24th of September 2007.
This year we will be attempting what some might say is impossible but that is the Cango Flying Club spirit. We have received permission from Guinness to attempt a world record for the Guinness Book of Records for the most Radio Controlled Scale planes in the air at once. We received confirmation two weeks ago and fear that we will not reach everybody in time through the July/August issue of SAMAA magazine.
We would like all of you that are willing to take part in this event to book your spot through Hekkie Fourie as soon as possible. We want to accommodate as many pilots as possible and want to allocate alternative spot/frequencies if necessary. The sooner you confirm with him the better your chance of securing your spot/frequency and also state the type of plane so we can plan the flight line groupings and circuits accordingly. If you are not interested in this attempt but know of someone who might be, please spread the word in you respective clubs, neighbourhood, town, city or nearest illegal park flyer site!! LOL
This attempt will only be possible with your assistance so please respond as soon as possible. Every pilot will receive a Guinness certificate stating his/her participation in this record attempt, this will be a once-off opportunity so act quickly. The attempt will take place right after the Sunday Church hour as not to interfere with the weekend's general flying!!!
To book your spot/frequency mail Hekkie Fourie at hekkief@xsinet.co.za and any additional questions can be directed to Arenhold Hooper at arenhold@mweb.co.za or Fanie Fourie at rcskydive-sa@webmail.co.za
General entry forms for Oudtshoorn Scale will be available on our website from next week onwards: http://www.cangoflyingclub.za.net/
Regards,
Fanie Fourie
This year we will be attempting what some might say is impossible but that is the Cango Flying Club spirit. We have received permission from Guinness to attempt a world record for the Guinness Book of Records for the most Radio Controlled Scale planes in the air at once. We received confirmation two weeks ago and fear that we will not reach everybody in time through the July/August issue of SAMAA magazine.
We would like all of you that are willing to take part in this event to book your spot through Hekkie Fourie as soon as possible. We want to accommodate as many pilots as possible and want to allocate alternative spot/frequencies if necessary. The sooner you confirm with him the better your chance of securing your spot/frequency and also state the type of plane so we can plan the flight line groupings and circuits accordingly. If you are not interested in this attempt but know of someone who might be, please spread the word in you respective clubs, neighbourhood, town, city or nearest illegal park flyer site!! LOL
This attempt will only be possible with your assistance so please respond as soon as possible. Every pilot will receive a Guinness certificate stating his/her participation in this record attempt, this will be a once-off opportunity so act quickly. The attempt will take place right after the Sunday Church hour as not to interfere with the weekend's general flying!!!
To book your spot/frequency mail Hekkie Fourie at hekkief@xsinet.co.za and any additional questions can be directed to Arenhold Hooper at arenhold@mweb.co.za or Fanie Fourie at rcskydive-sa@webmail.co.za
General entry forms for Oudtshoorn Scale will be available on our website from next week onwards: http://www.cangoflyingclub.za.net/
Regards,
Fanie Fourie
Monday, June 11, 2007
Is 35MHz safe? Piet le Roux
Is 35MHz safe? Is any radio communication 100% safe: no. But is it safe enough: yes. Even 2.4 GHZ could have problems when we move into the next solar peak (2010 to 2013).The 35MHZ can also experience interference from very far away stations during peak solar activity, hams have communicated around the world on 100mW during high solar activity. Although a solar flair are more likely to strike during the peak period of a solar cycle it can happen at any time and it does generate a lot of noise on 2.4GHz.
But I have only once experienced interference on 35MHz and that was when a novice switched on his TX without checking. Luckily his antenna was not out and I still managed to land.
The problem with scanners is that they are made to receive over a very wide frequency range and there for can not have very good front end filtering. So if it receives an unwanted signal in the 35MHz band it could be an "image" that it's seeing of signals on other channels and there maybe nothing there.
Cheers Piet le Roux
But I have only once experienced interference on 35MHz and that was when a novice switched on his TX without checking. Luckily his antenna was not out and I still managed to land.
The problem with scanners is that they are made to receive over a very wide frequency range and there for can not have very good front end filtering. So if it receives an unwanted signal in the 35MHz band it could be an "image" that it's seeing of signals on other channels and there maybe nothing there.
Cheers Piet le Roux
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