Question regarding proximity of remote controlled aircraft with full size.

[bolkow]

Wanted to pose this question and see what responses or opinions are available to0 inform me on how to proceed.
I use a number of large remore control helicopters for leisure use and usually fly near my house on or over marshland to the rear. I am aware of the requirement nopt to fly higher than 500 feet as the requirement if I am correct is that full size do not fly below that height.
However on two occasions, one recently, when I have been near my upper limit with the remote control helicopters a hercules from the RAF has passed by I would guess at 200 feet maximun height. On both occasions whilst I have been flying thankfully they were on the ground being refuelled. What are the rules?
And more importantly what would be the situation IF the hercules had collided with my aircraft? Who would be at fault? As far as I am aware I am following the guidlines but is he? None of these operations were given advance notice of in the local press but in two years I have had two possible close encounters and fear its a question of when there will be a collision at those odds? Any enlightenment would be welcome.

[mary meagher]

Yep, gotta watch out for those models, they may be closer than you think!

(this being a warning from one who has had to take avoiding action. A lot of models fly higher than they are supposed to. To say nothing of model rockets!)

[blue up]

IIRC, RAF rules are to stay above 250 feet. No restriction to light AC unless passing within 500 feet of "person,vehicle, vessel or structure" (or something like that.

Google "Rule 5 of the air navigation order"

http://www.espclub.org/Rule_5.pdf

PS Models to give way to manned aircraft.

[bolkow]

The problem with the hercules is that by the time you hear them, and it dawns on you what is headed your way, there is simply no time to get a remote helicopter down safely form the limits allowed for it, and in fact by trying to you might likley be passing into and through the herc's flight level increasing the likelyhood of a crash?

[Easy Street]

If your location is as advertised - near Swansea - then military fixed-wing will operate down to 250' (rotary-wing even lower). In the 3 Tactical Training Areas (central Wales, Dumfries, the Highlands) then fixed-wing operate down to 100'.

I have often seen "Model Aircraft Flying" as a NOTAM item. If you are really flying models up to 500' I would strongly advise you to investigate the possibility of NOTAMing your activity.

[Spitoon]

Originally Posted by bolkow

As far as I am aware I am following the guidlines but is he?

You may have some guidelines but, more importantly, there is legislation at play here. Take a look at the Air Navigation Order (Articles 166 and 167 maqy be of particular interest) - some bits of the Rules of the Air Regulations may also be relevant. You can find both sets of regulations in a CAA publication, CAP 393.