There are several things that could make model flying safer to the unwary public, while freak accidents, whether provoked by intentional interfering, or not. For instance flying models in a public spot while intoxicated should, in my mind, be as severely punished as drunk driving. But people do fly while drunk and kill bystanders - or just people staying in the area. That modellers fall out of trees or get maimed by pylon models during a race is just part of the game, but what about gliders that suddenly go out of control and crash far away from the pilot, carried aloft and away by thermals or wind. What then? Or when an model air show goes wrong and models end up in the public, with props achewing and wings abeating? Who's in charge then - who takes the costs and blame? Another scenario is when two models involved in a midair hurt people on the ground - what then? Does the club's insurance kick in, or what? A guy here got into trouble and called on his fellow pilots attention, so limping back to the airfield he almost did it - but not quite. Over the parking lot he crashed and his model made a sorry mess of an Audi - The cost, when done by the cheapest means possible, was about $3,000. Both were insured and the pilot's home insureance would have kicked in had he been deemed to be reckless and/or without any control, but he was almost in control, so no money, and the same ruling gave the national organisation's insurers (that normally cover those costs not covered by by your home insurance)! So the two ex-friends had to work it out on their own, and their respective spouses had a thing or two to say about model airplanes - bye, bye, new fur coats! Tord, Sweden -- If reply difficulties - use [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tord S. Eriksson, Ovralidsg.25:5, S-422 47 Hisings Backa, Sweden RCSE-List facilities provided by Model Airplane News. Send "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
