Everybody, model, UAV, fixed-wing and even helicopter pilots are breaking the law in this case. These rules, particularly the "open-air assembly of persons" aspect are specifically to prevent congested low-level air traffic over sporting events, whether they be canoeing, rugby, motor racing or pro tiddlywinks.Snitch wrote:Kid wrote:What does the law say about minimum height restrictions for man carrying aircraft in uncontrolled areas? I am sure I read somewhere something like 500” or 700” and 2000” over built-up areas.91.06.32
(1) Except when necessary for taking off, or landing, or except with prior written
approval of the Director, no aircraft –
(a) shall be flown over congested areas or over an open-air assembly of persons at a
height less than 1 000 feet above the highest obstacle, within a radius of 2 000 feet from
the aircraft;
(b) when flown elsewhere than specified in paragraph (a), shall be flown at a height less
than 500 feet above the ground or water, unless the flight can be made without hazard
or nuisance to persons or property on the ground or water and the PIC operates at a
height and in a manner that allows safe operation in the event of an engine failure; and
(c) shall circle over or do repeated overflights over an open-air assembly of persons at a
height less than 3 000 feet above the surface.
(2) A helicopter shall be permitted to be flown at heights less than those prescribed in subregulation
(1)(a), provided that–
(a) the operation is conducted without hazard to persons and property on the ground or
water; and
(b) the PIC operates at a height and in a manner that allows safe operation in the event of
an engine failure.
These rules were brought in as a direct result of the very hazardous swarms of aircraft that were prevalent especially around the 1970s at sports events. If I remember correctly, the final straw was the chaos in the air over racing events at Kyalami.
So the both the helo and R/C pilots deserve a little time for reflection and recreation in the Hotel Greybar, where they can debate who has right of way to the latrines.
Note that there is an option for written approval for special needs of the press or whoever to cover the event, but it is definitely not everybody's right to go fly around over such an event below 3000ft.