Flying Will Continue At Connecticut Farm, But With New Restrictions

The Shelton, Connecticut Planning and Zoning Commission says the White Hills Eagles RC Club can keep flying at a local farm, but they will have to abide by new rules it says will promote safety.

Should we call them "PZCAR's?"

Members of the club have regularly flown their RC aircraft at a farm near the town for five years, but neighbors complained to the commission that the aircraft occasionally landed on their property near where their children were playing. The commission then required the club to submit an application to be able to use the farm for their hobby.

The new rules include a limit on the hours that a gas-powered RC can fly, and require a second spotter to monitor the flights. The Connecticut Post reports that Commission Member Virginia Harper visited the farm while the club was flying on Columbus day, and said she found the neighbors concerns were valid. She said she supported a rule for a second spotter because she was "surprised at how quickly, if you look away from the plane, it's very easy to lose sight of it."

While numerous people attended two public hearings on the issue in support of the club, the argument was eventually won by the two neighbors. Along with the time restrictions and additional spotter, the club will have to move its runway parameters further away from the neighbor's properties.

While club members have some concerns, including placement of the second spotter where farm equipment often works during what are set as the flying hours, they were happy to be able to continue flying. "We wanted more (leeway), but are happy with what we got," said Carmen Luciano, club president. "Once we prove to the commission and to the neighborhood that we are not overflying the property, then I think they will understand."

FMI: www.cityofshelton.org, www.whitehillseaglesrc.org