Giant giant-scale models in the U.K.

Model Airplane News, May 2001 by Nelson, Jerry

FINAL APPROACH

BY JERRY NELSON

In Britain, giant-scale models regularly exceed the 55-pound weight limit that is imposed here in the states. You may ask how it is possible to fly such large aircraft at public events without problems with insurance and the full-scale aviation authorities. The answer is relatively simple. In Britain, the definition of what constitutes a "large" model is the result of a joint effort of interested modelers and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which is basically the same as the U.S.'s FAA. Several years ago, a group of modelers formed a non-competitive organization to promote the popularity of giant-- scale models; it's somewhat similar to the USA's IMAA (International Model Aircraft Association) and QSAA (Quarter Scale Association of America). Britain's giant-scale model group is called the "Large Model Association" (LMA).

The LMA produced a detailed, well-thought-out set of structural, electronic, flight and safety regulations specifically for large RC models. This means models weighing more than 20 kilos (44 pounds), though there is no specified weight limit, since LMA safety standards effectively prohibit the flying of unreasonably large aircraft. The LMA also appoints an inspector to approve the construction of a large craft, and the organization must approve any field at which it is tested and flown.

The U.K.'s equivalent of the AMA wasn't interested in adopting the LMA standards, so LMA officials went directly to its government authority, the CAA. The CAA was very receptive to LMA's proposals and soon incorporated its regulations exactly as written into CAA regulations. Every year, pilots of large RC aircraft must apply to the CAA to renew their permits to fly their models (a free service); the CAA has endorsed giant-- scale models, so modelers generally don't have a problem gaining a flying permit, and they have the support of various insurance agencies.

Since the LMA's government-approved regulations were generated by its members, non-compliance is rare. Failure to abide by the regulations is a federal offense, and violators can be subject to fines or even imprisonment. This might sound harsh, but it results in wonderful, exciting, 1/5-scale 175-pound four-- engine bombers being flown safely and legally at public demonstrations. The LMA/ CAA regulations prevent irresponsible and unqualified people from attempting to build and fly potentially dangerous RC models.

All this proves that modeling groups and government agencies can work together for the good of all. Perhaps giant-scale organizations in the U.S. should think about developing a relationship with the FAA.

If we work with our government agencies now, perhaps we'll be able to work out a compromise that will benefit us all, just as has been done in Britain.