peeks
2008-05-12, 12:24 PM
Hi all!
I'm a grad student at McGill and my thesis involves work with small-scale unmanned airships. At the moment, we're studying the behavior of an electric powered, 15 ft long x 5 ft dia helium-filled blimp and we need to run some tests outdoors to collect data from it. Our first idea was to try and join an RC club so as to use their space. From the FAQ, a UAV is defined as follows:
A radio controlled model aircraft is defined as weighing no more than 35kg (77.2lbs) and must remain in direct line of sight of the operator. Any other type of radio-controlled flying machine is classified as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). MAAC insures model aircraft. Our coverage does not extend to any type of UAV.
Based on this definition, it would seem that our airship could be flown since it weighs only ~7kg and is always within sight of the operator (it will fly in a 1-2 km radius around the operator). I was wondering if we'd be allowed to join WIMAC and fly this thing. It also has a manual override that allows it to be controlled by a joystick if necessary. I can provide more information about the vehicle if necessary. I'd really appreciate any inputs on whether there's a possibility of flying it.
Thanks!
Prashant
I'm a grad student at McGill and my thesis involves work with small-scale unmanned airships. At the moment, we're studying the behavior of an electric powered, 15 ft long x 5 ft dia helium-filled blimp and we need to run some tests outdoors to collect data from it. Our first idea was to try and join an RC club so as to use their space. From the FAQ, a UAV is defined as follows:
A radio controlled model aircraft is defined as weighing no more than 35kg (77.2lbs) and must remain in direct line of sight of the operator. Any other type of radio-controlled flying machine is classified as a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). MAAC insures model aircraft. Our coverage does not extend to any type of UAV.
Based on this definition, it would seem that our airship could be flown since it weighs only ~7kg and is always within sight of the operator (it will fly in a 1-2 km radius around the operator). I was wondering if we'd be allowed to join WIMAC and fly this thing. It also has a manual override that allows it to be controlled by a joystick if necessary. I can provide more information about the vehicle if necessary. I'd really appreciate any inputs on whether there's a possibility of flying it.
Thanks!
Prashant