Page 33

DRONE AND MODEL AIRCRAFT REGULATIONS ARE NOW WITH US IN 2021.

UNFORTUNATELY for most modellers, the 250 grams limit of the model aircraft prohibits the use of their existing models without registration. They may not even have a computer to register! So their lifelong passion, interest and hobby, will have gone forever. Technology is freezing out the oldies of this hobby. They invented and built up ‘Model Aircraft’ as we know it. So what is left for these guys/gals? Just Memories !

The big problem here is the very small 250 grams flying weight before registration is necessary and the threat of a thousand pound fine if people don’t register. Most oldies will just give up and Bow Out.

Over the top regulation by the CAA for us flying our toy airoplanes when hundreds of people are being killed using small private aircraft, small pssenger aircraft and large intercontinental aircraft each year. ( nothing to do with flying toy airoplanes!)

How many people have been killed from the use of model aircraft in the last 70 years? I would love an answer!

''Modern commercial jet aircraft structures must be able to withstand one 1.8 kg (4.0 lb) bird collision; the empennage (tail) must withstand one 3.6 kg (7.9 lb) bird collision.''

There are more than 15,000 bird strikes each year recorded with commercial aircraft. It is difficult to find any number of recorded model aircraft stikes even over the last decade.

Countries of the EU that don’t impose the low 250 grams limit include .. Norway Sweden Finland Estonia Latvia Lithuania Poland Germany Netherlands France Switzerland Austria Slovenia Croatia Italy Spain Romania Bulgaria Greece Portugal Ireland.

Model aircraft flying safety is simple. Keep your flying space below 400 feet and respect all other people including animals and bird life where you fly.

David Caudrey looks at Sub 250 grams model aircraft possibilities.

In an attempt to establish that a radio control model aircraft of less than 250 grams could be achieved, David Caudey has dug out a surviving wing and re-covered it with light clear heat shrink film. For starters the wing weighs in at around 40 grams and believed to come from a ‘Westwings Kestrel’. The wingspan is 39 inches with a 4 inches chord giving a total wing area of 150 square inches.

The model is aimed at Slope flying but also possible for flat field operation using an elastic bungee of string and flat elastic. Possibly 200 feet streched length.

Latest view of the fuselage constructed from light balsa sheet is shown.

The use of the ‘V’ tail is intended to reduce weight to a minimum.

There is a nose-block to add at the front and also some form of tow-hook and suporting bulkhead to allow flat field bungie take off flying. The primary objective of the model however is to take advantage of the natural airflow at the top of a hill slope. What better zero energy input could be achieved. All under 250 grams with no CAA regulation required. No chance of a thousand UK pound fine should some onlooker decide to report the use of this model.

The model will also be accepted by the regulations of all the countries of the EU and also America.

The model is named Vega. After the grassy slopes and meadows in Spain and astromonically a Super Bright Star. Oh ! and also its ‘V’ tailplane of course.

Latest picture of ‘DC’s Sub 250 grams model aircraft is looking good. Final fitment of a tow-hook and under fuselage protection for landings still to be added. The completed fuselage along with the installed radio gear plus battery is weighng in at 170 grams. So at present the total flying weight of the model including the 4 x 800mah NH battery pack is coming out around a shade below just 200 grams.

So there is no need for registration of this model and the fear of a £1000 fine along with the five year prison sentence being suggested by the CAA should a major violation happen.

Does ‘Education’ using severe threats really work ? Or does it just produce more dropouts leading to more criminal activity ?

Norcimguy Jan 2020

Model aircraft are now considered to be ‘drones’ and you can find details of the current flying regulations for the UK by visiting dronesafe.uk

Thanks for finding and reading this stuff !

David Caudrey and norcimguy 2021.