Club Must Curtail Sunday Flying, Quiet Motors

Radio-controlled model aircraft enthusiasts in Central Florida will be allowed to continue leasing property on which to enjoy their hobby, but will have to accept some new terms to accommodate neighbors.

Hernando Today reports the 100-member Hernando County Radio Control Club leases a 40-acre tract about an hour north of Tampa for use by members year-round, and periodic airshows.

Neighbors -- who say they moved there for the rural atmosphere -- turned out Monday night to tell planning commissioners in Brooksville they don't appreciate the sounds of 'chainsaw engines' in their pastoral refuge.

"People don't want to look out their back yard and be looking at (portable toilets), cars and concession stands and hear the noise of these planes," said attorney Anita Geraci, representing one of the nearby property owners.

"We came out here to live in the country, not to hear airplanes all day long," chimed in resident Jack Deal.

By a 3-to-2 vote, commissioners ruled the club may continue, but must operate only from 9:00 am till dusk. Activities will have to comply with the county's noise ordinance, and there will be no flying on Sundays.

The commission also dictated that no more than 10 people be on the field at any one time, and that no "chain saw powered" aircraft -- presumably those powered by louder motors -- are to be flown. The club notes on its website it will require clarification on those points.

Commissioner Robert Widmar expressed sympathy for the concerns of neighbors, but said the flying events provide teen-agers with needed entertainment options.

"This is a rock and a hard place," Widmar said.

FMI: www.hcrcc.com/