Safety in Radio-Controlled Model Aircraft Flying
Beware of the danger
Flying radio-controlled model aircraft can be a rewarding and enjoyable pastime. However, such aircraft can also pose a serious safety problem to operational aircraft.
There are incidents in which flying model aircraft in the vicinity of main flight paths have endangered the safety of helicopters operating there.
Operators of radio-controlled model aircraft should appreciate that the limited airspace over Hong Kong is shared by all aircraft. Helicopters, for operational reasons, may fly close to the tops of hills and mountains, at low level and at high speed.
It is difficult for a pilot to see and identify a model aircraft until he is at close quarters, when it may be too late for evasive action. The result of a collision can be disastrous.
It is therefore imperative that model aircraft operators fly their models at a height not exceeding 300 feet above ground level, keep a watch for any aircraft flying in the vicinity and ensure that they land their models immediately when they see one approaching.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO AVOID COLLISION. A PILOT OF A HELICOPTER OR LIGHT AIRCRAFT MAY NOT SEE A SMALL MODEL IN TIME TO AVOID IT.
It is also of paramount importance that model aircraft operators KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE between their models and people and property on ground as the models may cause serious injuries or even fatalities and serious damage on impact.
RECKLESSLY OR NEGLIGENTLY CAUSING OR PERMITING A MODEL AIRCRAFT TO ENDANGER ANY PERSON OR PROPERTY IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
Where you cannot fly
It is expressly forbidden to fly model aircraft in the vicinity of an airport and main aircraft approach and take-off paths. These areas include:
(i) Hong Kong International Airport;
(ii) North Lantau coastal area;
(iii) coastal areas from Tai Lam Chung to Tsuen Wan and Tsing Yi Island;
(iv) coastal areas at both sides of the Victoria Harbour; and
(v) Shek Kong area.
Model aircraft flying hot spots
The following places are frequently visited by the public for model aircraft flying:
(i) Tai Tong in Yuen Long;
(ii) Nam Sang Wai in Yuen Long;
(iii) Tate's Cairn in Sha Tin;
(iv) Tseung Kwan O in Sai Kung; and
(v) Clear Water Bay Peninsula area in Sai Kung.*
* The hilltops at Clear Water Bay Peninsula are within the passages of air traffic used by light aircraft and helicopters. Operators of model aircraft should therefore ensure the safe passage of such air traffic, especially in poor weather conditions when pilots are forced to fly much lower than usual.
Caution: Safety measures must always be observed even when flying model aircraft in these hot spots.
Choice of flying sites
A good choice of flying site not only minimises the possibility of an accident but also enhances the pleasure of the flying experience. Here are some tips to help you choose a good site. A good site should be:
(i) clear of buildings, people and away from helicopter landing pads;
(ii) clear of any power sources such as power lines, transformer stations, pylons, and transmitter towers, etc which might cause radio interference;
(iii)
flat enough to enable safe take-off and landing; and
(iv) free from visual obstruction, so that the operator can see the model aircraft in flight at all times.
Heavy model aircraft
Except with Civil Aviation Department's endorsement, heavy model aircraft are not allowed to fly in Hong Kong .
Learning to fly
One of the best ways to learn to fly is to join a model flying club or to get help from an experienced model aircraft operator. Safety guidelines on flying of model aircraft of some model flying clubs are accessible via the following links :
Hong Kong Model Flying Association
HK Model Engineering Club Ltd
HK Radio Control Soaring Society
RC Model Helicopter Club
Remember to:
EXERCISE GOOD AIRMANSHIP,
BE CONSIDERATE, AND
KEEP YOUR HOBBY SAFE.
A COLLISION CAN KILL