Learn ropes before you hit the skies

These days, drones are everywhere — in the news, on television and even in the skies above Hot Springs. During the dog days of summer, many people fly recreational unmanned aircraft, often referred to as “drones,” for fun. Ahead of the fourth annual National Model Aviation Day on Saturday, everyone who is flying should take the time to learn how to do so responsibly so that we keep our local communities and airspace safe.

I started flying a control line plane (a Cox plastic plane on strings which went around in circles) when I was 10 years old. When my older brother brought me out to the local flying field to fly for the first time, I knew I was hooked. Back then, model aircraft were not as mainstream as they are today and the best way to learn the ropes was through local flying clubs. That’s why I joined the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) in 1972 and I’ve been flying ever since.

Since AMA’s founding in 1936, the organization has become the world’s largest association of model aircraft hobbyists in the world. The folks at AMA have been working hard to educate their members and the broader public on how to use this emerging technology safely, and in the right places, through a community-based set of safety guidelines and education initiatives like the AMA Flight School. AMA has given me, and countless others, the tools and training I needed to fly model aircraft safely and responsibly every day.

Given the growing interest in our hobby of flying model aircraft and drones, AMA has expanded its educational outreach efforts to reach more new people. That’s why AMA helped launched the “Know Before You Fly” campaign in 2014, along with other UAS industry leaders and the FAA. This campaign works to put important safety information and flying tips in the hands of newcomers. Since its launch, the campaign website has received more than half a million unique visitors.

The guidelines on how, where and when you can fly your model aircraft are constantly changing and can be fairly complex. So if you’re thinking about flying for the first time, I urge you to follow these easy guidelines:

• Register any drone or model aircraft weighing between .55 and 55 pounds with the FAA before you fly.

• Unless operating within an established community-based safety program, fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible.

• Remain well clear of, and do not interfere with, manned aircraft operations. You must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.

• Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.

• Contact the airport or control tower before flying within 5 miles of an airport.

• Consider seeking help from a local organization, like AMA, to learn to fly.

National Model Aviation Day on Saturday is a great time to learn the ropes and get started flying safely. AMA member clubs across the country, including the Hot Springs Radio Control Club, celebrate this holiday with free events that are open to the public. I hope you can join us at Cedar Glades Park for an “Open House” fun fly. As an AMA member, I’ve enjoyed the privilege of flying for many years. I look forward to sharing this joy with many new hobbyists. community-based