Model Aircraft Flying At AirVenture 2015 Is Now Expanded To Include RC Models And Drones

For quite some time EAA AirVenture has featured special programs for our younger aviators known as KidVenture. Featured in this program have been hand-launched gliders, rubber band powered model aircraft, and U-control flying. Now, the grown-up kids can get involved too.

It’s quite common for those of us interested in recreational aviation to also dabble in model aircraft, and if you’re eager to see some of the fun of RC model aircraft flight, a new sUAS/drone/model aircraft area will allow these activities to take place. Not only will you be able to watch the action, you can even make arrangements to bring your own aircraft.

EAA has added a location where all this will be happening during AirVenture 2015. This is in addition to the highly anticipated indoor drone cage at AirVenture’s Aviation Gateway Park just northwest of the control tower.

EAA received FAA authorization to open a designated area on the south half of the Pioneer Airport runway for sUAS/drone/model aircraft operations during specified evening hours on July 20 through the 25th. It allows AirVenture attendees to operate a small RC model (5 pounds or less) in that designated area from 7-10 p.m. for each of those six evenings. These are the only areas where such operations are permitted at AirVenture. Even during the evening operations, pilots must remain within the prescribed Pilot Stations. Operations on any other part of EAA or Wittman Regional Airport property are prohibited.

As with all Oshkosh operations, safety is the top priority.  EAA’s policy uses much of the existing Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) model aircraft safety code and those operating these aircraft at Pioneer Airport are required to be AMA members. In addition, AMA will have a safety officer on site providing guidance during all operations.

This policy is not applicable to the EAA-sponsored drone cage located at Aviation Gateway Park, KidVenture, or any AirVenture acts incorporating drone/sUAS/model aircraft as part of their performance.

Read the complete EAA drone/sUAS/model aircraft operations policy on the link below.

(Image provided by EAA)

FMI: AirVenture model flying rules