How big ... ?

[KevDavies]

Getting back to the original topic, I'd say the time to start treating them like you would a full scale is when they become capable of killing or seriously injuring, which is about 450 size, them blades against the wrong part of the human body, eg the neck or temple could kill, and anything at about 600 size and up is almost guaranteed to kill someone if it hits them anywhere near the head or neck.

So treat them with the same respect as you would if you were flying/learning to fly a real one.

No matter the size or weight you're under at least some ANO's as soon as you fly, and more as the weight goes past certain thresholds, but there is no actual lower limit where there are no ANO's, they may not get enforced with really small helicopters and planes, but they could be.

The most basic ANO that is almost routinely flouted by many RC pilots is the "do not recklessly allow the model to endanger others" one (I can't remember the exact wording, but that's close enough) we've all seen it from time to time, or have done something that in hindsight would have been braking that ANO.

Err where I respect your views, but what about all the people that fly 700's/90's at the minute in a hardcore 3d style?? In your own words youve said theyre capable of killing someone.

So how can a few pilots that fly responsibly (I know I dont take un necessary risks) be tarred with a certain brush for flying a thou class in a 3d manner? Im actually intrigued as to what this heli is capable of (maybe Haydn will let me have a go). But One thing is for sure when I get mine itll be subject to ground avoidance most of the time! LOL

[Rotorhead]

but what about all the people that fly 700's/90's at the minute in a hardcore 3d style??

What exactly are you asking? as long as they're flown at a sensible distance from spectators then there isn't much of a problem.

[KevDavies]

If im honest im not 100% understanding your pov in your original post. And yes I would like to assune any heli pilot worth his sault would keep a good distance away from himself/others with ANY heli, let alone over 450

[Rotorhead]

The point is that our activities are governed by the law, specifically the CAA's Air Navigation Orders, and there is no scale so small where they can't be used, the most basic (and all encompassing one) is the "you shall not recklessly or negligently allow a model to endanger another aircraft or person", so really all scales and weights have to be considered to some degree or another like a full scale aircraft, and the way the ANO's are when the models pass certain weight thresholds even more ANO's come into effect.

The original post essentially asked at what point do you start to treat them like a real helicopter, and the answer should be according to the law "always", but to differing degrees, but a reasonable point is when they become big enough or powerful enough to be capable of inflicting serious injury or death.

[KevDavies]

AHA! Yep I fully agree with that. I might act clever but big words confuddle me!!

Yeah I would imagine the CAA would also stick their beaks in soon. But its up to us as responsible pilots to minimise risk. One thing im not a fan of is doing hurricanes very close to your self so it looks like its gonna crash into ya. If that was seen by the fuddy duddys in suits theyd be doing cartwheels. Just out of interest whats the weight limit before a model aircraft becomes a UAV? Is it 20KG?

[Rob O]

Re: How big ... ?

The limit is 20kg Kev it then has to have a build inspection & a exempsion certificate . The LMA website used to be a good source of info on this although ive not been on there for a while . For some reason gliders are or were anyway not required to have one for some reason but that may have changed i dont know mate , but Helis do & are then classed as a small aircraft . :beer: Rob

[KevDavies]

For some reason gliders are or were anyway not required to have one for some reason but that may have changed i dont know mate

Does some one in the CAA fly model gliders or something?? LOL

[Phantasia]

My Superava 1000 fully set up and ready for it's maiden flight in the morning
DSC_0144.jpgDSC_0143.jpg
Fitted with massive 1000mm Carbon Blades and measuring just over 2.5m from end to end!!!
Thanks Haydn from Full Pitch RC Helicopters
(Canopy painted by Yorky's Kustom Paint)