MORON HITS PARACHUTE with RC PLANE

[Tired Old Man]

As violating an FAR, as far as the FAA is concerned an R/C model is still an aerial vehicle and is required to meet most regulations relating to aviation. When it comes to flight safety and the safety of glider or parachute operators, anything with an engine gives up the right of way. So yes, indeed, an FAR or several were violated and the incident is easily prosecutable. because someone may not be well versed in the laws will not excuse them or mitigate the punishment.

Near the beginning of the second video a woman mentions the skydivers from a location within the range of the camera microphone. So awareness of parachuting activity was there. Why it was not utilized to promote safety is beyond me. The fact that the modeler flew in even the general direction of the parachutists is reprehensible. There is and can be no excuse.

As far as the FAA is concerned, you can bet that since this made YouTube they are already aware of it, even if it was not reported otherwise. With the earlier reference to the FAA and new UAS regs, modelers are not the least bit aware that R/C modeling is going to be the sacrificial lamb when airspaces changes take place. This provides more reasons for them to curtail and restrict both our operational methods and altitudes, along with our equipment.

There can be no argueable reason to jeapordize human lives with an R/C aircraft. Some may call this an accident but any good attorney could, and would, call it intentional since the R/C operator illustrated absolutely no regard for the safety of the parachutists. I believe the NTSB and the FAA will see it the same way. At minimum a law judge would consider it reckless endangerment. As a UAV operator, full scale pilot, GS R/C pilot , and having a kid that's a DA, I think I'm pretty close to the mark on this assessment.

[Mithrandir]

it only makes sense that the RC pilot was also a Sky-Diver his'self

just a regular RC Dork with no connection to skydiving has the sense to just "Not"!

[Patrick H]

I think moron is too soft a word.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Patrick H
	I think moron is too soft a word.

I was trying to be nice for once!!!

T.O.M. has this one down. This attitude that since the USPA and the parachute guys are going to be mean to the pilot for a while that there is nothing to worry about is absurd and demonstrates a lack of awareness that is startling to say the least.

ANd again, somebody knows this guy. He did not start flying big planes out of the box while being the master jumper at this site. I have seen posts on RCG from a guy who says he knew all about it right after it happened and that the RC guy frequently had other RC guys fly with him at this site.

Come on, are there THAT many GS ACE ARF Yaks flying in Virginia??

This is not just a "gee whiz" I made a mistake thing. This is an epic lapse in judgment that pushes us one step closer to flying nothing but 2 pound park flyers. And if you think I am being overly dramatic then I suggest that you have no clue how bad the FAA could zap us and stupidity like this just makes it that much easier for them to do.

[JPHen]

This has all the appearance of them closing ranks to protect one of their own.

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	I was trying to be nice for once!!! T.O.M. has this one down. This attitude that since the USPA and the parachute guys are going to be mean to the pilot for a while that there is nothing to worry about is absurd and demonstrates a lack of awareness that is startling to say the least. ANd again, somebody knows this guy. He did not start flying big planes out of the box while being the master jumper at this site. I have seen posts on RCG from a guy who says he knew all about it right after it happened and that the RC guy frequently had other RC guys fly with him at this site. Come on, are there THAT many GS ACE ARF Yaks flying in Virginia?? This is not just a "gee whiz" I made a mistake thing. This is an epic lapse in judgment that pushes us one step closer to flying nothing but 2 pound park flyers. And if you think I am being overly dramatic then I suggest that you have no clue how bad the FAA could zap us and stupidity like this just makes it that much easier for them to do.

[50%plane]

...

[Judge]

I do not think that any individual should get involved at this point. I am hoping that the AMA can get somebody to open up so we can at least make sure we can protect ourselves from the potential impact of this incident.

[Judge]

This is a post on RCG from a guy who has represented himself as having first hand knowledge of the incident. He is both a jump guy and an RC guy. He typifies the "closing ranks" mindset. He made a comment about contacting the FAA rather than the AMA to which I said I was amazed by his lack of concern for the impact to our hobby. Here is his response:

	Quote:
	Not amazing at all. There are privacy issues here. First, it is unlikely that the DZO ( Drop Zone Operator ) is going to willingly give any information to the AMA when they call. This is likely due to the perceived liability and privacy factor. It will probably take a letter from a lawyer or a summons for any information to be given out. I do not feel compelled to offer anything more than what is noted on the Dropzone forum. If the FAA are involved, then I would suspect that for certain, the AMA DVP will get all the information that he needs. Getting indignant with me, is never a good thing. I will point folks to information and echo what has been already noted. But, I will not be the downfall of the individual, skydiving or remote control modeling. From all that I gather, the skydiving community is treating this as a 'idiot tandem master' issue and not an RC issue. This incident would be a non RC related issue were it not for the posting of the YouTube video. Sometimes a little knowledge leads to big things. Which is why, once a certain level of leadership is aware of something, they sometimes are compelled to make a full discovery and then a disclosure to a federal governing body. Since the AMA leadership have such an endearing interest in this incident, and are in a discovery mode, they place themselves now, at the level of needing to perhaps add additional guidelines to the AMA rules. That then indicates a level of knowledge about an incident and that comes very close to obligating an interaction with the FAA. Sometimes a little knowledge leads to bad things. There have been a tremendous amount of discussing this in the skydiving community, a community that does a pretty good job of policing itself and correcting its mistakes. There have been a tremendous amount of overreacting by the RC community. The FAA have better things to do than to hammer the RC community based on a one off incident. However, if enough noise is made by those that are fearful of some additional sanctions being placed on RC, then showing all your dirty underwear to the FAA will certainly help them to add additional sanctions. I suspect though, that the FAA will consider this a non RC incident.

[mikefrench]

Just so you all know I am the guy, and I am in contact with the FAA, the County and USPA. I probably have more RC time than any of you. There was no intention to buzz anyone. I tried to get clear and made a serious mistake. You all can run your mouths all you want but it will not help resolve your concerns about the future of RC. You all are doing a good job of adding gas to a fire. Feel free to come to Orange and discuss this if you like. I have been in to RC and skydiving for over 30 years with no prior issues. This was a serious mistake and I will have to deal with it. Move on with your selves and try not to make any mistakes of your own.

Blue Skies

[Judge]

Thanks for stepping in with the facts. As far as I am concerned this should end this thread. Since this effects both the parachute and RC worlds I hope you will touch base with the AMA DVP for your area (even if you are not an AMA member) to at least give them the facts. I am certain this incident will come up as they move forward working with the FAA during the rule making process for sUAS and it will be good for them to have the facts as well.

I would have no objection to the Admins closing this thread now.

[Al Lewis]

Amazing, been flying RC for 30 years and hasn't learned a damn thing about safety. You damn near killed two people!

Judge his profile says he is an AMA member.

[BOSSIER_ROB]

	Quote: Originally Posted by mikefrench
	I probably have more RC time than any of you.

By the flying in the video, it looks like you have the skills of a two year pilot. Flying at a full scale airport while jumping is in progress makes you look like the comlete idiot you are. If I came by your house and starting firing a high powered rifle across your yard and just so happened to graze your wife and kid with a bullet, would you accept "I made a mistake" as an excuse? I'm betting you would feel the way we all do and have the same "you almost killed someone" attitude, because, in fact, you almost killed two people. Experience means jack s if you don't apply it. I don't care how nice of a guy you may or may not be, you deserve to be prosecuted for being such an idiot.

[Extra nuts]

What a idiot. Mr. French you are a sheep knuckle. If you were trying to get away from the parachuters then you are ass backwards cause you went right in thier general direction and right for them, and right into them. Your bull **** stinks so bad i can smell it over on the west coast. You might fool some people somtimes but you cant fool all the people all the time. You should just hit yourself in the head with a hammer now and spare us the BS. Someone should elbow drop his YAK. OH, And i have been flying just as long as you and i have never come close to doing anything as careless as you. Your a veteran skydive instructor and have been flying RC for 30 years and you didnt have the where with all to turn your plane away from the people. Knuckle. Who wants lessons from this *******? You make RC'ers around the world look bad. Thanks alot assholio.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Al Lewis
	Amazing, been flying RC for 30 years and hasn't learned a damn thing about safety. You damn near killed two people! Judge his profile says he is an AMA member.

Didn't think to look there. Thanks Al.

Beyond that I give the guy credit for walking into the lion's den here to post his name. I agree that some of his post comes off a bit arrogant, but at least he takes full responsibility and admits the error.

I just wish that he would include the AMA in his situation since he is a member he should understand how this incident could negatively affect all of us in the hobby. Especially since he says that the FAA is aware and involved I think it is vital that the AMA be able to prepare to respond to any concerns that this issue raises with the FAA and specifically questions from the group working on the sUAS rule.

[Extra nuts]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	Didn't think to look there. Thanks Al. Beyond that I give the guy credit for walking into the lion's den here to post his name.

I dont. It just shows again how stupid he really is. His profile says he mostly into scale heli's. God help us all.