Quote: Originally posted by jy1zoom

Richmond Parks and Recreation are interested in helping us keep our recreation activity. However, need to address complaints of the hazard of kite lines crossing the foot path. And complaints of fast moving landboards and buggies frightening children who may be unaware. The city is looking for a solution: how we and them could address this. The council will make their final vote 27 April.

Here are some solutions I thought of:

- Put up signs that warn of power kites and wind powered vehicles in the area
- Cut the hedges/bushes on the west side of the park to expand the area. It seems they aren't even being taken care of and it could free up some space for others as well.
- Make a wooden border/fence as the outside of the park currently has.
- Allow power kites on all weekdays and maybe set limits for weekends/holidays as there are more people if they really want to limit the use (That's towards GP not schools) For School grounds it could be the opposite.

Quote: Originally posted by Scudley

If you are talking the Garden City lands, you need to review the Transport Canada Regulations and your thinking. These lands are 4km from the end of YVR's main south runway or well within 5 nautical miles of airspace controlled by YVR. Richmond could not allow you to fly there even if they wanted to do it.

Yeah, I've re-thought that. Even below the 400feet limit it could be an issue.

Quote: Originally posted by Scudley

As to your point that kite flying is a dangerous as R/C, I call BS and challenge you to a duel: I will let you fly my 10m kite into me from fifty meters, if I can fly my y6 into you from 50 meters. We will both wear only Tshirt and shorts and the target gets to stand up wind from the pilot in each case. We determine who is right by who has the fewest stitches after three attempts at strikes on the other each.

My airplanes are 500gram (overall weight) chunks of foam. Getting it by it would hurt less than if someone threw a baseball to you and you missed the catch.

Pusher prop planes are even safer as the propeller is at the back, and someone would only get hit by soft foam.

I might try flying one of my beat up planes into myself to test.

Gas engine rc craft are quite dangerous when operated near people as they have a heavy and powerful combustion engines and I agree with them having to be in specific flight parks.

The planes I fly are electric 22" wing span foam planes that are in the same class as a Frisbee. Getting hit in the head by a Frisbee would hurt more than one of my planes.

Will this ban also include those tiny helicopters than you can buy for $30. Or one of these tiny Cheerson CX-10 quads:






Either way the approach that Richmond City Council as taken is quite drastic and unwarranted.


Also would rather we not get into an argument for which is more dangerous as both activities are perfectly safe when operated by responsible people.



chupa

Quote:

Also would rather we not get into an argument for which is more dangerous as both activities are perfectly safe when operated by responsible people.

Good Call, A united front is definitely in order.. :D

Are there any plans for a group to attend the meeting? Is there anything that NAPKA could help with?

P.S. We've been working on the Washington issues for 20 years!

Quote: Originally posted by Morrie Williams

Are there any plans for a group to attend the meeting? Is there anything that NAPKA could help with? P.S. We've been working on the Washington issues for 20 years!

We all met up yesterday. Dirtslide , Ron H, J1zoom and at least 1 other local will represent us. They are all local residents. There will be a public meeting Monday night for people to speak up. On Tuesday I understand that a representative will join them in the park for a hands on introduction to where we fly and how we self police.

We have had to go through this to some degree for almost 20 years as well. Ken #1 and Ron have previous experience with this issue and City Council. Ken #1 has faced them for about 17 years and we know his situation has changed. I can't imagine them shutting him out of the park? :duh:

I have big hopes we can work something out. Council has expressed a desire for us to " organize " for a few years now.

THANKS to the East Coast riders NAPKA has grown old enough and strong enough in numbers that it just may be the " organization " that we need to work with the council if it comes to that.

Let us know if there's anything we can do, Ken!

Would the liability insurance for NAPKA members help at all?

Quote: Originally posted by Morrie Williams

Let us know if there's anything we can do, Ken! Would the liability insurance for NAPKA members help at all?

I believe that our chapter rep' Ron H has been in touch with SheHatesMyHobbies and Ron understands the benefits + limitations of NAPKA. As you know, I have always been a huge NAPKA supporter thinking that it my be the Ace we need up our sleeve. With Dirtslide's situation we have 2 Aces, so we are going to the flop with a good hand!

I got out late today and the few who were there were packing up. It was sad like the last day of most events feeling. I got one last ride on before the park got too crowded. Almost too short a ride for how sad I felt driving away.

Hoping that you guys can get this worked out locally. I will be support however I can be here and will send emails if necessary to help out .

I am sure we can come up with a solution if needed to let NAPKA help out and be used in some way.

I hope things work out. Norhing worse than politics. Its good seeing NAPKA volunteering some resources.

I really hope it works out for you all. There has been some great videos coming out of GP. I could face the same situation one day and I'll be pretty much a lone voice at any meeting.
I'm sure public liability is going to be their main concern, so push the insurance side of things...obviously.

All I can say right now is our new contact at the city parks board is willing to work with us to find a solution.

Unfortunately the timeline is very short so we have to work fast.

For those of you in the area that use Garry Point. The council meeting is this coming Monday the 27th at city hall. A strong presence will help, especially if you are a resident of Richmond. (All are welcome to attend!)

Ron

Hey Ron, Per request, just sent some documents to Ken and Ken, hoping you guys can use them to help a little or hopefully a lot. Hopefully strength in numbers will help as well.

Quote: Originally posted by shehatesmyhobbies

Hey Ron, Per request, just sent some documents to Ken and Ken, hoping you guys can use them to help a little or hopefully a lot. Hopefully strength in numbers will help as well.

Thanks Rich.