I've pinched the following from the Goodwind Slope Soaring blog, but I feel that this has been worded well and so there was no need for me to make much in the way of change.
In case you haven't heard already .......
Ireland's new regulations
American UAS registration
If similar rulings were to be made in Britain, it would ruin our hobby.
Take action NOW and contact your local MP.
Make it clear that-
The models we fly are not 'drones', they are carefully constructed aircraft that take great skill to fly and build.
They require 'line of sight' visual contact at all times.
The hobby is one that is shared across the generations.
The hobby encourages innovation and the learning of a wide range of practical 'hands on' skills, especially among younger participants.
The hobby encourages many people from different backgrounds to socialise.
The hobby is healthy and environmentally friendly and encourages people to spend time outdoors in locations which, for decades, have hosted model flying events without incident.
With multi-copters (or drones as they are commonly referred to) becoming widely available, the 'off the shelf' technology allows people with no experience to fly straight away. This can often lead to irresponsible behaviour, especially when used in conjunction with the 'on board' cameras that allow beyond 'line of sight' control.
The rulings in Ireland and the USA effectively outlaw the hobby we have enjoyed for decades.
We require their assistance in protecting our position should any rulings similar to those in the USA and Ireland, be proposed in Britain.
Contact the BMFA stating-
Your utmost concern regarding the developments in the USA and Ireland.
You require a clear response as to how the BMFA (as your representative) intends to help block any similar rulings that may be proposed for Britain.
Ask that the proposals for the 'BMFA National Flying Centre' be put on hold until it is clear that the flying freedoms we currently enjoy will be fully protected.
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My own feelings are that something certainly needs to be done regarding drones. I think that the larger, professional drones used in industry, television etc should be registered and the operators properly trained before a licence is issued to the operator and that they should be properly insured, as we are.
Secondly I feel that the smaller, cheaper units purchased by many for leisure use should be restricted in their operating range, possibly a Park Fly type receiver, giving a range of say 100 - 150 metres, this would stop, out of visual range, FPV use, and that all units sold in the UK should have documentation included to state what the British law is relating to the use of drones and that suitable insurance should be obtained.
If something isn't done NOW, there will be a serious accident, lets not wait for that incident to happen before we make make changes to the law.
Steve
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