OMG I’m so DONE with flying in Parks!

[ghost2212]

Sometimes its not possible to fly at a private field<br>
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This is where I fly

Google Maps

Its a public space and some people are so stupid its unbelieveable, They will decide to walk across the strip just as people are landing. I always fly with a spotter to be safe but if the government would fund me with a 700 I would quite happily improve the gene pool :P<br>
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Many people are sensible and like to ask questions etc which is fine. I will quite happily explain something to them.

[PeteStewardson]

Sadly accidents tar all of us involved in this hobby. The loss of flying sites is getting more and more prolific with every passing year, please lets not fuel that particular fire with the bad press of such sad events.

The loss of flying sites is to do with nothing more than money. It's more profitable to sell your land to a developer, put livestock on it, tell the government it's used for nothing else and get a subsidy and all manner or other things.

Also not all flying sites are closed to the public. The main flying club in Reading, affiliated by the BMFA, is next to the thames and members of the public walk through it. I've not heard of any accidents there while I've lived in Reading.

[ShaggyRS6]

I don't think anyone is questioning your ability and I don't think you would actively seek people out. But just looking at that video anything could happen, ESC break, radio break, blade failure. Given your in a public place the chances of you hitting someone either Intentionally or unintentionally are greatly raised.

All I am saying is that I and probably a fair amount of others just would not put ourselves in that situation. If you weigh up the risks and deem it safe to fly then so be it, that is your choice, as for me. No way would I risk anyone's life by flying in a public place, no matter how unlikely.

I'm not having a go. Just giving an opinion.

I also get the "Should be a public place to fly" argument. But think about it. For all the reasons people have mentioned above (health and safety) I don't think it would happen in today's "I will sue you" society.

[Lynx.1677]

I fly at a public grazing meadow with permission of the landowner. Thankfully we fly away from any normal pedestrian route but the occasional dog walker will walk across the flying site totally oblivious to anything other than their stupid pet sh*tting everywhere.

My personal opinion is that we have a duty to think for others. If anyone got hit by an RC helicopter the media would focus blame on the pilot, regardless of what the victim was doing (i.e. chasing it round like a moron). Sounds like you got away with it but I would look to fly somewhere much quieter in future dude. Sucks but it's better than a nasty civil suit.

Dan

[PeteStewardson]

All I am saying is that I and probably a fair amount of others just would not put ourselves in that situation. If you weigh up the risks and deem it safe to fly then so be it, that is your choice, as for me. No way would I risk anyone's life by flying in a public place, no matter how unlikely.

Playing devils advocate here...

[ShaggyRS6]

The difference is its a private piece of land that's owned by the farmer I shoot for.

[PeteStewardson]

The difference is its a private piece of land that's owned by the farmer I shoot for.

With houses surrounding it and people riding bikes across it.

[ShaggyRS6]

That's not the topic here Pete. The topic here is flying in Public Park's. Pretty much most of the land I shoot has people walking through it, mostly with dogs. In most cases like that bike rider, they are trespassing.

[Guest]

I used to fly at that Reading field (Hi Bret ), it was only 8 minutes from my house. I now drive for an hour round trip to FMHC, but I wish I'd done it from the beginning! It's perfect.

If you make a day of it (and given the lighter evenings..), it's worth a bit of a drive to find a great field. Ok so you can't fly ad hoc, but I find I progress so much in a good 8 hours at the field than I ever would in stolen lunch times at a closer patch.

[r4nd0m]

I don't think anyone is questioning your ability and I don't think you would actively seek people out. But just looking at that video anything could happen, ESC break, radio break, blade failure. Given your in a public place the chances of you hitting someone either Intentionally or unintentionally are greatly raised.

All I am saying is that I and probably a fair amount of others just would not put ourselves in that situation. If you weigh up the risks and deem it safe to fly then so be it, that is your choice, as for me. No way would I risk anyone's life by flying in a public place, no matter how unlikely.

I'm not having a go. Just giving an opinion.

I also get the "Should be a public place to fly" argument. But think about it. For all the reasons people have mentioned above (health and safety) I don't think it would happen in today's "I will sue you" society.

well I see your point and surely agree to the last one ... you wont be seeing it at all - but wouldn't it be nice, not needing to drive x amount of miles to your field for a few batteries where you probably be alone same way? especially if something happens then ...

[PeteStewardson]

That's not the topic here Pete. The topic here is flying in Public Park's. Pretty much most of the land I shoot has people walking through it, mostly with dogs. In most cases like that bike rider, they are trespassing.

My point is, Public or Private, you run the same risk unless the land has a 10ft high fence up all the way round. If you're failsafe didn't work on the 600 and you went ploughing into the houses opposite how is that any better than the same thing happening in a public park?

My point really is you pick a safe place to fly where it's allowed. That could mean a park, could mean a field in the middle of no-where.

[ShaggyRS6]

well I see your point and surely agree to the last one ... you wont be seeing it at all - but wouldn't it be nice, not needing to drive x amount of miles to your field for a few batteries where you probably be alone same way? especially if something happens then ...

I agree 100% with that statement, but again, its just not going to be a reality for most people. Then like the OP. you need to to make a choice. It's a toughy!!

[ShaggyRS6]

My point is, Public or Private, you run the same risk unless the land has a 10ft high fence up all the way round. If you're failsafe didn't work on the 600 and you went ploughing into the houses opposite how is that any better than the same thing happening in a public park?

My point really is you pick a safe place to fly where it's allowed. That could mean a park, could mean a field in the middle of no-where.

I agree, but you lessen the risk. I know if a van turns up with a kid to that field I am well within my rights to tell them to hoof it. If a kid turns up in a park, which is more likely to happen then you cant. Now as with my shooting, most times, if you tell someone they cant be somewhere that has not got a sign up saying they cant they will argue the toss. At this point I just pack up and leave. Its really not worth the hassle.

I do understand your point completely. But I stand by what I said. A public is a no go for me.

[SamS]

I had this problem once, What I did, was fly it slowly to the other side of the park until the kids are at the other end of the park, Then storm it back and make a quick landing before the kids have time to return.

[r4nd0m]

My point is, Public or Private, you run the same risk unless the land has a 10ft high fence up all the way round. If you're failsafe didn't work on the 600 and you went ploughing into the houses opposite how is that any better than the same thing happening in a public park?

My point really is you pick a safe place to fly where it's allowed. That could mean a park, could mean a field in the middle of no-where.

and thats the issue (bold) - in public places there is nothing like a mutual agreement for certain activities, either they are allowed or you would need to query the council for permission, same for every field you may find - get the owner to permit you accessing his land and to fly your heli ... so actually you could cut the story short ...