RC India

Through this forum ,we should encourage aeromodelers to come together on one common issue that is safety-for self and the public.

We are today a fragmented lot,we fly independently and there is no cohesion or feeling of being a part of a an organised group,except on some locations.

Let the flyers form their own groups have a central record of all aeromodelers in that location ,and where you fly in close vicinity of residences ,seriously consider about having third party insurance.

Somebody  has mentioned :Even in countries where the hobby is reperesnted by large trade and special interest organizations, there is absolutely no compulsion. For e.g. AMA in US or BMFA in UK. There remain scores of people who are not memembers of these and continue to enjoy thier hobby as individuals.

We would like to inform that it is impossible to fly aeromodels in the US or UK without being part of a club-for two reasons,one there is hardly any place to fly unnoticed (The FAA and CAA is very active and serious.)and secondly the moment you go to a location where there are other flyers.you have to be a member and be covered by insurance.

Any way we are not US or UK ,let us understand our own scenario and try to be a part of a cohesive group,through which to impart knowledge of safety aspects to fellow aeromodelers,and become recognised entities to say with one voice that we are together on the security(of the country) aspect and safety of the public,while we enjoy our hobby.

We invite suggestions and positive thoughts on this from all responsible aeromodelers on this topic,give us your inputs.

The matter is more serious than what some of you might like to think otherwise.

Nagar sir - At least in the US, that there are many who fly electrics in parks and other places without being members of AMA.  The reason many join AMA is for the insurance, and access to AMA fields.  Pretty much everyone who fly fuel based models are AMA members. 

There are many threads in the US forums about AMA not doing enough, and people questioning if there is any real reason to join it.  The response is always that AMA is the front-end of the hobby/sport in front of the law making bodies (US congress).

That said, it makes every sense for RC flying in India to be organized, for the sake of safe conduct of the hobby/sport, and for proper representation especially in front of officialdom.

What about indoor RF/IR hobby planes & helis that is nothing but a toy and flooded in US & Uk toy market.

I dont think even 50% of RC flyers (inc. childrens user of Park Flyers ) are members of clubs in US & Uk.
Similar History for firearms too in India and that cause more accident than RC and  much more fetal.

But >80% of IC engines & nitro users are members of flying clubs or unitedly fly in maidan mainly for access to fields and information sharing and knowledgeable spectators.

Here is the quote from CAA UK:-"It is the legal responsibility of the operator of a model aircraft to ensure that the model
is flown safely. This publication is intended to provide guidance to anyone intending
to fly a model aircraft.It is written in collaboration with the major UK aeromodelling associations who have
provided much of the operational detail."

Please realise the impact of the above on our scenario,wherein it is the "legal responsibility" of the airspace user,as also that the aeromodeling associations have guided them on the operational details-here let us be those associations and become a part of the decision making process,before rules are enforced that could impact the hobby adversely.

Most of us are well informed and should take a lead in getting the hobby organised for the future.

My Views on the subject are in two categories, first one being, there are some of us who can't be part of any group, but we have access to some real cool stuff to fly and best place to fly (Kms long Runway and Taxiway). How can they make / are making a difference ? Let me give you a insight into this, In some countries , if someone wants to be a pilot especially Fighter Pilot you got to be an aeromodellor , period , end of story. It has gr8 advantages, (a) All wannabe pilots will have to pursue the hobby, knowing it is the preferred route , they will start early and sustain for long (b) Aeromodelling is the only way to hands-on understand the nuances of flying, aerodynamics and maths of it, it is what you learn in the classroom you put to practice in the field. this is where we are pushing, through the highest possible channel to make it a subject , very early in life for a child/under trainee pilot.

Now comes Hobbyist, Organizing, insurance etc , in my opinion is more of power and money making game, say 10 of who fly together , in a field, group together, register it with the local authorities and fly, what is the big deal about it ? share our fuel source and other supplies, which in any case a group you will do, that is the beauty of being in india and being an indian, i think we are much more helpful and we are not always looking at things very materialistically and or legally. should we ? i don't know, i feel , it takes away your freedom, and somebody will make money, not to talk of the politics that will go along with these associations. western model in a truly free country like ours will (a) Restrict the hobby to the privileged lot (b) People who want to get into the hobby on shoe string budget will have to give up his/her dream because of the hassles of association, bureaucracy and blah blah.

PS
i am ready to change my opinion, while fiercely resisting formation of any big associations etc.

The key is "associationS", not association.


Having seen someone who is associated with the premier pan-India aermodelling association behave elsewhere even in the past few days, you are not alone Gusty sir. It is as if associations have become worse than religions when it comes to "We are right and you all are wrong" :( 

I have been an aeromodeller since the mid 50's and took to RC , end 70's. My experience with RC and other associations has been that:

1. Whenever you have more than 2 persons you will have politics

2. Next is the ego problems which stems from control.

3. There is a lot of initial enthusiasm which soon settles down into the old familiar routine.

4. Nobody wants to be disciplined. If ticked off it is taken personally.

So it will muddle along, without much change, because - and I have said this before - we are like that only.

Point 4 is the most serious. Nitro planes and helicopters in particular, can be lethal or at least cause serious damage to people and property. Yet, I have seen - even "experienced" fliers flout norms, like taxiing in pit areas, flying overhead, not following a prescribed circuit pattern, etc.

I am not being pessimistic but stating ground realities. I would love to see change but, honestly, cannot see how and when it will come about.

Some humble thoughts about an association's role for any trade or activity

+1 to augustinev when he says “hassles of association, bureaucracy and blah blah"  & +1 to Sushil Ji when he says " ego problems which stems from control" and other points he mentioned about association.

I am working for an association and spent most of my career working for top industry associations of the country.

As an individual I believe that there should not be any association for a hobby, especially in India and if we are talking about aeromodeling .

Pardon me if I sound rude but Associations are formed with a purpose to complicated an already simple situation >:D........

I can bet that no association will come forward for its single member's problem. If I crash a model and if that caused some personal or public damage >:D >:D.......beleive me ....no association will be having any plan of action to help me or to save me :banghead: . So better I should be more vigilant.

It remind me of an old song...."pyar ko pyar rahne do...isse koi naam na do......" :thumbsup: .......flying aero-models is love for me.....I don’t want it to be managed/directed/moderated by any association.......  :)

Nagar sir,
In response to post # 1, that post where you say some one has written, it is me, and I stand by that. There is absolutely no compulsion to become a member of either BMFA or AMA to fly a model airplane, unless you are flying at either of these organizations sanctioned event, or thier affiliated fields. An individual member flying at his or her own property or in a public place where it is not illegal to fly models is free to do so.
The current FAA rules being framed are a direct result (of many issues) of some one flying an FPV plane over Brooklyn bridge (if I am not wrong) and another incident where a full scale and giant had a mid air.
If that being the case, what we require here is serious enforcement of safety and common sense rather than coax every one into this hobby under one umbrella. For if we continue to flout safety and common sense a day would dawn where no amount of lobbying by any organization however large or powerful would be able to do anything and there would be laws to control and interfere with our love and passion for this sport/hobby.

@Anwar,
I see you have been doing some reading  ;)      

You do appreciate and agree on self restraint,there is no intention to bring every one under one umbrella,it cannot happen  .let there be independent clubs /associations.

A healthy approach like you suggest is the best way.

Let there be awareness,and exchange of information through a bulletin board or through a club.

The practical constraints are too many to bring every one together-age,affordablity,personal egos,attitiudes etc.etc.

However it would be nice if we can put our minds together and evolve a universal safe approach,the hobby is catching up rapidly in the country-how many participate in or read what we write(1%?) here or elsewhere.

The objective of encouraging local bodies is to create togetherness,mutual cooperation,keep local admin informed of their activity,Any more reasons?

So let us spread the good word encourage aeromodelers to achieve the common goal-Safe operation 

internet, forums like this, youtube and other such online knowledge sources have made information, wisdom gained through making mistakes etc available for free. i recall guys used to hang around veterans to learn and listen to him carefully when he spoke, to catch the knowledge in time. no more, today one can come into , say RCI and start flying/building on his/her own. like you said, a thread on legal issued, policies etc would go a long way in keeping starters and others informed. if you ask me, RCI is one such association, where all that need to happen in an association and more happens, without the hassles of politics.

Edit
Spelling

Part of it is here.  We should add more, and then summarize it better on the first post there.

http://www.rcindia.org/rc-general-topics/satefy-tips-for-rc-flying-and-racing/

Info on AMA


The ID card,indicates affiliation with ACI,the national body for Aerosports.

5 or members provided third party insurance cover,for the designated location.

ID card Valid at international competitions,schools participating in US events have specially requested membership,so they do not have to hire US pilot for their planes at high cost.

Due to Wing India and AMA affiliation ,AMA members got the same concessions on fees as members of Wing India at Amby Valley

Arrangement being worked out with hobby stores to provide discounts to AMA members.

Aeroclub of India(ACI)gets a grant for Aeromodeling ,equipment procured under this grant is given to AMA,to be given to AMA locations to encourage training.

ACI gets invite for international events where AMA members can be sponsored.

ACI issues international competition license to participate in these events.

Members are kept updated of events on the website: www.amai.in ,and they can upload their pictures/videos.

Certificates given at events are jointly signed by AMA and ACI-achievement factor at future events local and international.

The fee structure(Effective from 1st April 2011)

1.Life member fees –Rs.25000.0(one time for life)

2.Adult member-Rs.1000.0 registration,Rs.750.0 annual(Rs.1750 at joining)

3.Student member below 25 years-registration  Rs.500.0+Rs.500.0 per year.(Rs.1000.0 at joining)

4.Junior Member 15 years and younger –registration Rs.200.0,Rs.200.0 per year (Rs.400.0 at joining)

5.Club Affiliation free of charge by mutual agreement.

6.Insurance available to a group /club of 5 or more members,provided flying field location is defined.

Special agreements available for bulk members(20 and above),trade affiliations with hobby shops.

AMA has brought out the first annual publication which includes-message from Secretary General,Aero Club of India;list of members;articles on lipo and ARF's;and lots of photos of the AMA activity.

you are welcome to request a copy,please send your request to :secretary@amai.in,or treasurer@amai.in,giving your name and postal address-its Free.

If you do receive a copy,please be free to provide your feed back on improving the next issue. 

is it a no profit no loss organisation ?, the reason why i ask is, only those i can be a member, if i want to see it for myself, also, are there any people of non indian origin in the organisation ?

Sir.. why not a scanned PDF copy on your website, or I can help upload it here !

AMA is a registered non-profit association dedicated to the development of aeromodeling ,run by volunteers,with extensive experience in Aviation ,who provide their valuable inputs and time to carry out the functions stated above.

Like minded people willing to take it forward in a healthy spirit are welcome.