A P invitation for airport event.

[aramsdell]

The owner of the first property I ever AP'ed is also the local airport manager. He has asked me to AP some events this year at Sanford regional Airport, Sanford,Maine. He was thinking of hiring me however I had to let him know of the FAA restriction on this. The airport will be shut down and have FAA waivers for model aircraft/model jet flight demos. Wonder if I could charge under this circumstance? The manager has responded back and thinks it might be a good PR thing between us and the FAA as he will have an FAA rep on site at his side for these events. If anyone has any suggestions for representing our business in this matter please let's hear them.
Has anyone else found themselves in similar circ. for this summer?

[Arthur P.]

I-m not from the US, but here's my two cents: If the airport is closed for normal traffic and only open for RC flying, it is essentially an RC airfield where you are allowed to fly RC aircraft. I-m not sure the prohibition covers RC airfields. Isn't the concern the use of RC aircraft OUTSIDE of RC airfields where they may crash as a result of an increased risk of radio interference? If that is the case, then just fly an RCAP flight at this event. But do everything by the book. I.e. impress the FAA guy with meticulous attention to safety. Double check your gear. Work down your safety checklist preflight. Ensure bystanders are kept at a safe distance. Keep a safe distance from crowds while in the air. Don't fly to the limit of your battery power. Etc. Etc. Do you fly spread spektrum (glitchfree) ? Anything that helps convince the FAA that you understand that all investments in safety are more than worth it and that you will not take any undue risk.

Practice the routines several times beforehand at a safe location but faking the layout (e.g. that tree is the control tower, that barn the hangar, that parking lot the tarmac, that dirt road the runway...), so that it is a habbit when you do it for real and you don't get stressed by the presence of the FAA guy.

Whether you charge for the pics or not, is another question. If this flight helps move the FAA back to a more balanced position, this will have been a good investment of time and effort.

[BungeeMike]

Cash is always nice :lol:

[Arthur P.]

Sounds like you're suggesting a little payment "under the radar screen". Of course the alternative could be prizes for the most interesting or daring flight demonstration. Flying RCAP in front of a FAA observer could probably qualify as either :lol: Or a simple sponsorship of your RC flying activities :D