>You are right -- if we ask the > FAA if it's OK to fly at 3000 ft - they will say NO! That's because they don't > understand models and are not responsible for their operations.
This has not been my experience. Here in SOCAL we have worked with the SOCAL Airspace Manager on a few occasions to obtain waivers to operate at higher altitudes in areas of full scale operation for scale aerotow events. One event was held at Prado Airpark, which is 3 miles due south of Chino (CNO) and 2.8 miles west of Corona (AJO) airports. Normal operations at this field are restricted to 400 feet agl. We obtained a waiver to go to 2,000 feet. The FAA issued a NOTAM during the days of the event and Chino tower worked closely with us as well. We did a similar thing to operate an event at the former El Toro MCAS. Our dealings with the FAA showed us several things: 1 - They were very cooperative and very happy to work with us. They were very pleased that we approached them. The proactive approach works better than other possible approaches. 2 - They are FAR more aware of the model world than you think. We were very surprised by the level and detail of their knowledge. 3 - They are very concerned about RPV's right now and it is likely that they will move to regulate them very soon. 4 - Regardless of controlled versus uncontrolled airspace, the FAA regulates ALL airspace in the US. All controlled means is the type of equipment required and operational policies and procedures. Uncontrolled airspace does NOT mean that it is outside FAA authority. 5 - They firmly believe that the 400 foot limit is a real number and NOT simple guidance. And they also believe it applies EVERYWHERE. The Long Beach Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) has issued an official opinion as such and it is generally followed by all FAA FSDOs. The AMA added the within 3-miles of an airport nuance. So FWIW these are the experiences I have had in dealing with the FAA regarding model aircraft operations here in SOCAL. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bill Malvey RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Please note that subscribe and unsubscribe messages must be sent in text only format with MIME turned off. Email sent from web based email such as Hotmail and AOL are generally NOT in text format
