NATCHEZ TRACE BANDITS

Terminology:

Basically, RC aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUASs), and Drones are all the same thing. While Drone carries with it the stigma of being a military device, the term Drone is becoming the predominant name for RC aircraft.

Flying RC Craft:

Flying stabilized multirotors (camera drones) requires familiarization with the controls and features,

but is relatively easy. They can almost fly themselves.

Flying conventional planes requires familiarization with the controls and features and a moderate amount of training and practice. They will fly in a straight line without a lot of input,

but maneuvers and landings require experience.

Flying RC helicopters and unstabilized multirotors (racing drones) requires familiarization

with the controls and features and a good bit of practice. They are controlled in a manner similar to balancing a marble on a sheet of glass.

Joining a club like NTB helps get a new pilot off to a good start and prevent novice crashes and pitfalls.

Buddy box training simplifies the training process.

Registration:

As of December 12, 2017, the FAA requires a pilot flying any RC craft weighing over .55 pounds to register with them.

Insurance:

The pilot’s personal liability insurance (usually in homeowner’s coverage) applies to accidents resulting from RC flight. Joining the AMA provides additional liability coverage.

Rules & Regulations:

An RC pilot has a responsibility to behave properly within the National Air Space. The AMA and the FAA provide guidelines to ensure that RC pilots are informed, knowledgeable, and safe.

Distances:

Entry level craft can generally be flown out a few hundred feet. Hobby grade and professional equipment allow flight out to the limits of visibility and beyond. In the USA, flying beyond visible range or higher than 400 feet is not recommended and could result in attention from the FAA.

First Person View:

First Person View (FPV) technology allows a camera and video transmitter to be on board the RC craft. The camera view is transmitted back to a video receiver and viewing screen watched by the pilot. The result is the sensation of actually flying in the RC craft. FPV equipment can be individual components assembled by the pilot or a pre-assembled package supplied with the RC craft.

Ground Support:

Like full size aircraft, there are activities that must occur on the ground to keep RC craft in the air.

Battery charging, fueling, and maintenance operations require tools and equipment

in addition to the RC craft and its transmitter.

Costs:

Flying RC craft can be as inexpensive or as costly as you desire. There are entry level craft that cost less than $100 that are in the toy category. Hobby grade equipment can run a few hundred dollars. High quality professional grade equipment can run several thousand dollars. Generally, more expensive equals higher quality and more sophistication.