I know I'm probably going to get some heat for posting this, but some of you may enjoy a little collage of a "day in the life of a BlackSheep" nonetheless
If it helps, all approvals necessary were obtained, an army of ground helpers were available, as well as constant communication with the heliport tower to stay in the loop about incoming traffic.
Comments
Actually, the FAA definition applies to civilian not model aircraft. Per FAR's aerobatics as applied to civilian aircraft, the FAA defines aerobatics as sudden changes to aircraft and not distance above ground. Recreational flying of model aircraft in NAS is covered by FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57.
edit above:
With flying your mustang, I mean few meters over ground, under bridges, etc. What I understand as "aerobatics"
@John
They are legal because they are authorized of course. And they are allowed because there are a legislation and a requirement list about safety and other issues that have to be covered. I guess we agree in this :P
On the other hand, try to ask for permission for flying your mustang p-51 over the town on your own.... you know the answer, this is what I mean as illegal. And I guess in a near future, it will be the same for UAVs. Actually, for RC shows (here in Spain), ambulances, firemen, etc shall to be present, and the show has to be far from runways and populated areas.
That's true, there are silly things in this world. Though this is not an excuse to do another silly thing.
FYI, you have no say as a nearby resident over a military airshow.
That's exactly the difference between shows and reckless flying over peoples' heads. When you come to an air show, you realize there will be tons of metal flying right over your head. For whatever reason you accept this risk and go on to enjoy the show. When you drive or cycle or walk home from work you aren't really aware of someone doing FPV at your head level, and not necessary ready to accept this risk. It's just matter of time before this guy causes huge trouble.
Aerobatics are performed once or twice a year at a military base nearby over a very dense population by much larger ie: jet fighters aircraft. They are designed to be impressive. So, thousands of people flock to these airshows to witness mostly awesome displays of precision, abrupt maneuvers of tens of tons of supersonic jets display, some no more than five or ten feet off the ground. These spectacular shows have been going on for almost a century. These impressive displays of piloting travel the world for millions of people to see. None of this is illegal, no matter how bad you want it to be. The track record for these shows of aerobatic display is mostly safe, sometimes not. Yet, much larger aircraft flying close to the ground with thousands of gallons of jet fuel goes on decade after decade. These shows are great and legal. Basic F=ma physics still applies here.
Come on down to Georgia Tech and fly all over. Like Maker Fairer, everybody will know and be invited. You will have thousands of fans.
thanks ken :) You'll need to ask Advertising over at UVA, I loved the day of shooting there, so if they give me a call I'll be on a plane in a heartbeat :)
Loved the video. I work at UVa and was quite happy to see not just campus but also buildings that I am in a lot. I wish that I would have know about the flight, I would have love to help out or just watch. Are you planning any more flights in the area? If so let me know!
LOL good one Chris :) I was specifically instructed not to mix Virginia Tech and UVA :)
Hector, good thing you're not working for the FAA then :D
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