[Mike Sebastien]

I don't recall there ever being a collision between a real aircraft and model aircraft. Some close calls surely and I witnessed 2 of those near misses. We have have a pretty good history staying out of the way of the big boys. As Multi rotor becomes more popular that may change.

[twistedge]

Here's what I see posted by Transport Canada and referencing the Canadian Aviation Regulations:

"CARs Section 602.14 is a general prohibition. It forbids operating an aircraft over a built-up area unless it is operated at an altitude from which it would be possible to land without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface. In any case, that altitude for helicopters is not to be lower than 1000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal distance of 500 feet. In circumstances other than these, the aircraft is not to be operated at a distance of less than 500 feet from a person, vessel, vehicle or structure. CARs Section 602.12 deems a helicopter to be over a built-up area when it is within 500 feet horizontally of that built-up area.

The CARs recognize that certain forms of aerial work necessitate flight at lower altitudes. For flights over built-up areas, CARs Section 602.15 provides two lets. In this case, only the second, SubSection 602.15(2), would allow operations at lower altitudes provided the flight is authorized either under Subpart 603 – Special Aviation Events, or under CARs Section 702.22. While the accident flight was involved in aerial inspection, the flight was being conducted for hire and reward — a commercial operation — in which case it would be bound by the requirements of Part VII of the CARs and not those under Subpart 603."

Link:
http://www.tsb.gc.ca/eng/rapports-re...5/a08p0125.asp
(Search for 602.14)

(This link is actually a reference to a Transport Canada accident case... but it highlights the regulation)

[HAL9KPCM]

Doesn't matter here in Regina, within city limits, the bylaws state

Prohibited activities
11(1) No person in a park or open space area shall:

(a) ...
(p) use any remote controlled airplane or vehicle;
...

17(1) Any person who contravenes any provision of this Bylaw is guilty of an offence
punishable on summary conviction by a fine in an amount not exceeding:
(a) two thousand dollars ($2,000) in the case of an individual;
...

The way our city is gouging dollars from city residents, it wouldn't surprise me to see them start going after this.

[davidmc36]

Originally Posted by Mike Sebastien

I don't recall there ever being a collision between a real aircraft and model aircraft.....

It has happened. Lots of debate as to who was at fault.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoZD9pczEVs

[waterfox]

General aviation should be operating above 1000 feet AGL in a built up area and above 500 feet elsewhere / class G airspace (CARS 602.14). So I would imagine you've got to stay out of their way. Probably 400 feet max AGL.

[Trumpetman]

Originally Posted by waterfox

General aviation should be operating above 1000 feet AGL in a built up area and above 500 feet elsewhere / class G airspace (CARS 602.14). So I would imagine you've got to stay out of their way. Probably 400 feet max AGL.

You are both right and wrong.

Rule 1. We definitely have to stay out of the clouds and out of the way of any full size plane operating at any altitude.

Rule 2. As long as we follow Rule 1 we have no altitude limits (other than being in line-of-sight)

[waterfox]

Excellent.

Time to take the motor glider up to 4000 feet.

[Helno]

Here is the relevant CAR for low altitude flight in manned aircraft.

Originally Posted by The Canadian Air regulations

602.14
(2) Except where conducting a take-off, approach or landing or where permitted under section 602.15, no person shall operate an aircraft

(a) over a built-up area or over an open-air assembly of persons unless the aircraft is operated at an altitude from which, in the event of an emergency necessitating an immediate landing, it would be possible to land the aircraft without creating a hazard to persons or property on the surface, and, in any case, at an altitude that is not lower than

(i) for aeroplanes, 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 2,000 feet from the aeroplane,

(ii) for balloons, 500 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the balloon, or

(iii) for an aircraft other than an aeroplane or a balloon, 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle located within a horizontal distance of 500 feet from the aircraft; and


(b) in circumstances other than those referred to in paragraph (a), at a distance less than 500 feet from any person, vessel, vehicle or structure.

Subpart B is the interesting part for flight outside of built up areas. Most model clubs are outside of built up areas.

What it says is that you must be 500 feet away from any person vessel, vehicle or structure. It does not say you have to be 500 feet above, it says 500 feet away.

So a manned aircraft can fly by 10 feet off the deck if they want to long as they are 500 feet away from you.

Any expectation that manned aircraft are required to remain above 500 feet is just common courtesy and not based on any law. Just like we tend to stay below 400 feet even though not required to by CAR 602.45.

[Trumpetman]

Originally Posted by waterfox

Excellent.

Time to take the motor glider up to 4000 feet.

If you can see it (unaided) go for it

[kip51035]

Basically waterfox is right and trumpetman's #2 is wrong, wrong& wrong.