RC India

" Aero Club of India (ACI) is the apex body of all the flying clubs, gliding clubs and aero sports organisations in India, which are engaged in Powered Flying, Glider Flying, Skydiving, Hang Gliding, Ballooning, Microlight Flying, Parasailing, Aeromodelling and such aero sports activities.
Aero Club of India and its member flying clubs are basically non profit and non commercial organisations engaged in the task of basic training of Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.

ACI is also a National Sports Federation as recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
Today ACI has 22 Flying clubs as its members.  The Flying Clubs have been rendering pioneering and very valuable services in our country in regard to ab-initio training of aviation pilots and engineers. ACI alongwith its member flying clubs have contributed commendably in the civil as well as military sector and are truly national assets.

A number of gliding clubs were established under the auspices of ACI with active assistance of the Government. Later, the Aeromodelling, Ballooning, and other aero sports like Skydiving etc were also included.  As of now, ACI is deputed to encourage Powered flying, Glider Flying, Hang Gliding, Ballooning, Microlight flying, Parasailing, Skydiving and Aeromodelling and such aero sports activities in the country.  The main aim and objectives of ACI are

1) To encourage, protect and develop the study and practice of Aeronautics and Aviation in India and to provide a Centre of Information and advice on all matters pertaining to Aeronautics;

2) To provide an all India authority to organize all Competitions, sporting events and controls in connection with Aero sports in India;

3) To ensure, as the representative of FAI  in India, that the rules and regulations and standards prescribed by FAI for the conduct of the Aero sports Competitions, are compiled with;

4) To be the Co-ordinating representative body of various Clubs engaged in Aero sports activities in India and also to provide liaison with the Ministry of Civil Aviation,  Directorate General of Civil Aviation and other Government Departments and also the various Ministries in connection with these activities;

5) To supervise and accord recognition to record making flights and maintain National Register on records.

Chinese radio-operated planes a security threat

Mumbai: Much to the horror of aeromodelling enthusiasts, the customs department at the Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) have decided to destroy 3,000 radio-controlled aircraft imported from China, Taiwan and Korea on the ground that they pose a serious security threat.

The planes, particularly the Chinese ones, can intercept frequency bands used by India’s security agencies, said customs officials. In India, aircraft models can be flown only on an Amplitude Modulation (AM) radio bandwidth.

According to the national frequency allocation table, the frequency spots 27004 KHz, 27116 KHz, 27148 KHz, 27156 KHz and 27228 KHz are earmarked for RC aircraft.

“The Chinese ones show a frequency bandwidth of 27000 KHz but are capable of not only violating Indian bandwidth but also can be flown on FM,” said an expert from the regional wireless office.

The authorities are also cracking down on RC helicopters as they can carry 5-10 kg load. “We have received intelligence inputs that explosive-laden toy planes can be used for subversive activities,” said customs officials.