Mark Chiocca

In our club, although no-one has tried it yet, we''ve decided that for the time being, only recognised instructors will be able to act as safety pilots as they are used to taking control at appropriate moments and will not be overawed by senior pilots.  This may be overkill but we feel it''s a sensible precaution until more experience is gained. Its curious that nobody has tried FPV in your club when you have made it so easy.   Did you introduce the same safety measures when members started swapping to 2.4GHz radio gear? (We all know that there were lots of issues.) Did you have a similar scheme when folks swapped from gas to electric? From Nicad/Nimh to Lipo?  And jets – do you let folks fly them unaided?!?!  In the modern Health and Safety mad, totally risk free UK it is obviously entirely reasonable to introduce the requirements you have. In fact I think an alarm bell should also be rung and the fire brigade put on stand-by. (Maybe a special warning flag should also be hoisted for the benefit of those members who are hard of hearing?)     But have you considered the alternative: that a model crashes. Where I used to fly I saw at least one crash every time I went to the club field.  And then lets imagine that – God Forbid - it is an FPV model that crashes! So more than likely an EasyStar weighing less than half a kilo, flying at 15mph and made from impact absorbing foam. Would this really be the worst thing that has ever happened at your club field?   If I was to join your club, and fly FPV, I now need to get my packed work schedule and the fickle weather schedule to coincide with an Instructor’s availability – so what chance a quick squirt after lunch on Tuesday? Nah – I’ll fly on my own in my pal’s field thanks.   You have (entirely reasonably and totally sensibly) effectively outlawed my interest – on the basis of no actual experience or knowledge of the activity. In fact, just blind prejudice.

Edited By Mark Chiocca on 18/03/2009 10:24:21 Edited By Mark Chiocca on 18/03/2009 10:25:55 Edited By Mark Chiocca on 18/03/2009 10:27:02

Edited By Mark Chiocca on 18/03/2009 10:26:02 Edited By Mark Chiocca on 18/03/2009 10:26:23

Has anyone used the AeroSIM RC simulator for FPV simulated flying?  www.aerosimrc.com   The FPV view includes a realistic looking OSD which looks great.  I've ordered one today and should have it tomorrow from www.firstpersonview.co.uk   Has anyone made any UK flying sites with the "Google Earth based Scenario Builder" that comes with it?  Care to share them? Edited By Mark Chiocca on 17/03/2009 18:35:44 Edited By Mark Chiocca on 17/03/2009 18:37:21

Wow!  This looks amazing! I always wondered about this but only got as far as the FlyCamOne stuff.  This is certainly the next level!  I wonder how big the extra gear is though - would it fit in my Electric UHU? Those videos are very impressive, and I've found more on YouTube.  Evidently these guys can Pan and Tilt the cameras by moving their heads on the ground!   I also came across a device that overlays GPS data/ battery data onto the video such as height, direction home, battery left, etc. awesome! All they need next is airsoft strapped to the front and we can have proper air combat!!  Check out this video on Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/944802