RC Model Aircraft

Legal requirements for the operation of remote-controlled flight models

The operation of flight models is regulated by the air traffic regulations. In Germany, model aircraft of all kinds are legally considered aircraft. But before you can take off with a model, you need a valid liability insurance, which covers the resulting third-party damages in the event of damage.

The drone regulation, which came into force on 07.04.2017, regulates the use of multicopters and drones. From 1 October 2017, new requirements and regulations will apply in this context, which also apply to model aircraft and are binding. And these are the main points

No-fly zones

Remote-controlled model airplanes must not be used everywhere. There are areas that are not allowed to be flown over or to which a safety distance of 100 m must be maintained. These include:

Model aircraft with a combustion engine must maintain a minimum distance of 1.5 km to the next residential area. 

Identification, evidence of knowledge and permission to ascend

Operation on a model airfield with permission to ascend
is the best place to operate a flight model, is a model airfield with a general permission for the rise of flight models, in which a flight glider monitors the current flight operation and observes compliance with the safety regulations.
On these airfields, the maximum flying height and the maximum permissible starting mass of the model aircraft are clearly regulated in the permission to ascend the airliner. No personal proof of knowledge or personal permission to ascend is required. Only flying models with a starting mass of more than 250 g are subject to the labeling obligation. A permanent and fire-proof plaque with the name and address of the owner must be placed in a visible place.

Please note:
If no flight glider is present on an approved model airfield, e.g. because a model airplane pilot is alone on the model airfield, this pilot needs proof of knowledge if his model is heavier than 2 kg or he wants to fly over 100 m high!

The following regulations apply outside these airports:

• If the flight model is lighter than 250 g and does not fly higher than 100 m, there are no restrictions besides the obligation to insure.
• If the model airplane is heavier than 250 g and does not fly more than 100 m, it must bear a permanent and fire-proof marking with the address of the owner.
• If the model is heavier than 2 kg or flies higher than 100 m, the user must have a knowledge record and the model must be marked.
• If the aircraft is heavier than 5 kg, the user also needs a lift permit, which he can apply for from the respective national aviation authority.
• If the flight model is heavier than 25 kg, the model requires approval and it may only be flown on flying areas that have also been approved for models over 25 kg.

Note:
If an external land (e.g. an agricultural land) has to be entered for flight operation, the permission of the land owner/tenant must be obtained in advance.

Important:
Copters or drones must not fly higher than 100 m outside approved model airfields!

FPV flying

Remote-controlled flight models must always be controlled in view. Flights with a video goggles are only permitted if the aircraft is not heavier than 250 g and the maximum flying height is 30 m or if a second person monitors the aircraft within sight and alerts the operator of the transmitter of impending danger.

Evasion

Flight models are obliged to avoid manned aircraft and unmanned outdoor balloons.

Night flight mode

Flying at night with an illuminated model is legally required. The necessary permission must be obtained from the national aviation authorities.

FAQs: The most common questions about RC flight

At what age can you fly an RC model airplane?
For smaller children, it is especially recommended to use a cable to connect a pole to a safety flyer. You can't fly out of control and still have great fun. For RC model aircraft with an engine, manufacturers recommend a minimum age of 14 years. In addition, certain statutory regulations apply to larger RC model aircraft.

How does an RC model aircraft start?
Depending on the design, RC model aircraft start either from the ground or from the hand. Especially glider models without landing gear are lifted into the air before departure and start flying at sufficient speed. Models for manual ejection are also available. RC model aircraft require a sufficiently long and as flat surface as possible for starting and landing.

What was the cost of an RC model airplane?
The prices for RC model aircraft vary greatly depending on the equipment. Simple models for beginners are already available for under 100 Euros and ready to start. The larger scope of delivery will cost more for complete sets, but a suitable transmitter is required for all RC model aircraft. The price increases with additional flight comfort through SAFE technology or AS3X gyro system as well as other extras.

Conclusion: How to buy the right product

Before purchasing RC model aircraft, it should be clear whether a kit (kit) or a complete model with remote control (transmitter) and receiver is the right one. In addition, the flight characteristics vary from model to model and it is recommended for inexperienced users to reach a model with stable and well-controllable flying behavior. In addition, the location is relevant. Not all models are suitable for outdoor use, Parkfly models cope with wind and glider models even need the lift of the warmer air masses. Finally, the weight class is relevant, as legal restrictions apply for a flight weight of more than 5 kg and for RC model aircraft with a combustion engine. After all, all preferences can be operated with the different RC model aircraft. Jet models are on the move at particularly high speeds, while motorized aircraft models are more suitable for aerobatics and acrobatic inserts. There are also differences in the material: The particularly stable EPP can even forgive small crashes.