Can I Fly RC in my Back Yard?

[@GarysOutdoors]

Great Info! Great for flyers to learn. I use the apps as you mention. I also contact local municipal authorities to make sure some police is not going to take away my drone. Most local/municipal authorities just ask me not to fly over any residential areas. No problem as they're not to focal point of my flight. Thanks! 👍

[@TimMcKay56]

Gary: Good stuff, thanks for checking in! Tim

[@HopefulPessimist]

@@TimMcKay56 FAA does not control the airspace under 400 ft AGL so they can kiss my Royal... The judges that rule against the public, in favor of the FAA, even though the FAA doesn't control the airspace, are asinine.

[@ishigamiyu1991]

Very beautiful models! Good video! loved the 3 ounce mini model.

[@TimMcKay56]

IY: Thank you very much! Tim

[@kentbarnes1955]

Thanks for a well structured and presented series of answers to questions. I'm a Part 107 holder, and at one time was also a Fixed Wing RC hobbyist. I''m planning to begin flying fixed wing recreationally again soon...and am looking at purchasing some land in farming country. I'm very interested in larger RC (big scale planes etc), and am considering building a landing strip on said property. I'm 99.99% certain it would be in Un-restricted airspace. There is a nearby RC club (that I was part of years ago when I previously lived in the area). They obtained permission from the local city (population about 4K) to setup an RC airstrip...at the local Airport (a non-tower controlled field). The stipulation being IF a full size aircraft enters the area...all RC activity must cease (land as quickly as possible). I'm an AMA member, but the club is NOT an AMA organized club (only about 10 to 12 of us). I doubt they (we) would ever be able to get our "local" RC strip designated as a FRIA. 2023 will be an interesting year (I just ordered one of the new commercial DroneTags to "hopefully" comply with Remote ID on my Yuneec H520 that a I fly when operating as a commercial drone pilot. I hope it works as advertised.) Thanks again.

[@TimMcKay56]

Kent: I do think things will work out, to include the remote ID module. Tim

[@denniszeller2115]

Hi Tim, Thank you for the video! The good news is you have reached overseas! Another good news is EASA is very close to the FAA regulations. But some details might be different. Just wanted to mention to the pilots be aware of your local circumstances. Thank you very much for your great videos!

[@denniszeller2115]

Forgot: Greetings from Germany!

[@TimMcKay56]

Dennis: All good info, thanks for sharing! Tim

[@KipH57]

Thanks Tim. . As others have indicated, really great and clear info for us fixed wing recreational fliers. I have acreage (26) to fly that is in uncontrolled airspace. I feel very fortunate in that regard but do have several birds that exceed the 250g limit. I am not looking forward to remote ID. It really stinks that this is something i will have to worry about. Not to mention the fact that a couple of my large gliders are just under the 250g limit and any remote ID module will for sure take the over that weight mark. Not to mention the issues with fit and balance in this kind of plane. Sorry for whining. Thanks again.

[@TimMcKay56]

Kip: I do think in the end it will all work out. The ultra-micro brick that has a receiver, 2 servos and an ESC that I use for Guillow models weighs nothing. Tim

[@jhuff8596]

Great video Tim! I sent out a package for you USPS, you should have it by the middle of next week. Cheers Tim have a great day!

[@TimMcKay56]

J Huff: Very good, will be on the lookout! Tim

[@luigiganggamernumber1tpc]

what app can I use now that b4youfly is not working because I'm thinking of flying an rc airplane in new jersey then move to Florida Orlando

[@TimMcKay56]

Try Air Control.

[@luigiganggamernumber1tpc]

I found Aloft air control is that it

[@lonniesfilmmaking333]

Cheers so much such time plus hassle saving info

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻 Tim

[@Coops777]

Thanks Tim. An excellent video full of great information. My only regret in the whole thing is the loss of many privileges in the fixed wing RC community. Experienced RC recreational pilots are now forced to register and use remote ID for models larger than 250g to fly in their own backyard or their local park. Sub 250g is the way to go now if you can't afford to join a club.

[@TimMcKay56]

David: Thanks for checking in and understand your concerns. Fixed wing RC did take a hit, what can I say. I do think Remote ID will work out OK. We'll see! Tim

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

Tip: use low Kv motors. They are much quieter than high Kv motors and thus go largely unnoticed. People don't complain about something they don't notice.

[@TimMcKay56]

Good point! Tim

[@theminingj17tmjindustries82]

I fly my plane all the time(day), and when I test out my new nav lights(night), they think I’m spying on them 😂

[@Tammy-un3ql]

Great Info!

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks! Tim

[@rms2614]

Tim I absolutely love your channel. I was wondering if you use or have a dx6e and if you could do a video about set up etc. You have a great cadence for teaching. Well done sir!!!!!

[@TimMcKay56]

MC: Thanks for checking in, and glad you find value in the channel! Sadly, no DX6E for me, but I would think fairly similar to the DX6. Tim

[@doncooper9130]

zB

[@sQ1ShyBo1]

Quick Question. Do I still need to register with the FAA to fly it on my own property?

[@TimMcKay56]

SM: If you drone or RC model airplane is 250 grams or over (about 8.8 ounces), you will need to register it (easy to do on line) and fly with remote ID after Sept 16, 2023. Tim

[@Luckless_Pedestrian]

I'll admit I'm probably not up to date on the status of "remote ID", but how is that going to impact ones ability to fly in their backyard?... My "backyard" is a lake. Technically my property line is at the water's edge so I guess my situation is more like flying in a park. Rarely are my models (traditional fixed wing) flown over the treeline, or more than 200 meters from the end of my dock... and always line-of-site. The airspace is uncontrolled, although I occasionally share it with a couple of full scale amphibious aircraft. So, starting in Sept. 2023, am I going to be required to outfit my amphibious planes with a remote ID device?... Thanks in advance for your comment.

[@TimMcKay56]

James: The way the rules read now, you'll likely need remote ID for your model after Sept 2023. But for now, I would do nothing and really not worry about it. Situations like yours will for sure come up, there may be some "carve out" of the rules to allow flying over/near your property. Plus, I am 100% certain that clever folks in the RC industry are working on a very affordable, lightweight system that will plug into any receiver and provide the required ID functions. Tim

[@davidsantiago5937]

Had no idea, I have 15 rc planes just sitting. Brand new!

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻😊

[@rva1945]

I am in the process of picking a design for a backyard model. Something with a 80cm (31in) wingspan, 50cm (20in) length. The first model you hold in your hand ("N4079"), nice one, what is that? The motor (with built-in ESC) + receiver + servos + batt weight 75 grams (2.7 oz.) The motor is rated for models up to 200 grams (7 oz.) I use 3mm to 5mm foamboard and lately cover the models with packaging color tape. I'd appreciate your advice, thanks in advance!

[@TimMcKay56]

www.StevensAero.com Quick Oats. Great kit, one of my best flyers. Tim

[@michaelrouser5730]

Tim, can you recommend small slow RTF or BNF park flyer planes? I want to get into RC flying with a slow plane that is already built. Mike

[@TimMcKay56]

Mike: www.HorizonHobbies.com has a very good selection of quality RTF trainer type aircraft, with good KZbin video support. Good luck! Tim

[@stevemartin9498]

If I jump high enough on my trampoline and there is a TFR over my house… do I need to call the FAA and turn myself in?

[@TimMcKay56]

Nope, as you are not flying. 😁 Tim

[@stillfishing4sheep]

Thinking of flying tethered with radio control on the elevator and a fixed rudder. So being tethered maximum would be less than 35 feet maximum altitude. Will be using a.049 engine with a muffler and external fuel tank. Any thoughts anyone?

[@TimMcKay56]

Would make for an interesting video. 😁

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

Also note that controlled airspace will not have an even 400ft allowance. It will vary from 400ft to 0ft depending on how close you are to the airport. The apps will tell you what the max is once given FAA approval to fly. Don't assume it's just 400ft. Many areas in my town are 0ft because of hills and proximity to the airport. So no flying there period. 😕

[@TimMcKay56]

Jason: The only way to know for sure is reference a Sectional Chart. But most of the US, controlled airspace starts at 700 feet above ground level (AGL). About the only place that controlled airspace goes to the surface is within 5 miles of an operating control tower, and larger airports with Class B airspace. The B4UFly app will assist with this. Tim

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

@@TimMcKay56 I use the Aloft app and it shows me the max request-able altitude for the various areas. I'm in an area that's within 5 miles of an airport, though it does not have a tower.

[@stevec7596]

I'm gonna guess most of the people who fly in their backyards are going to continue doing so. FAA can't even keep up with what's going on in full scale.

[@TimMcKay56]

FAA depends a lot on self compliance. They just do not have the staff to go “out on patrol.” A surprising number of full scale violations are someone telling the FAA about a situation. Same will be for drones, and the regs allow the FAA to take enforcement action. Tim

[@larzhillbot1443]

i can only fly at day break at a local ball field way before most people get up lol other wise all my old places where i use to fly has got to busy from urban growth so sad All my big gliders have been collecting dust for past few years

[@TimMcKay56]

Larz: Understand completely! Tim

[@clngfanflyr]

👍

[@TimMcKay56]

Thanks! Tim

[@le3045acp]

yes if you have the room

[@TimMcKay56]

Correct!

[@mitchelfisher9422]

According to the faa drone site it's actually 30 dollars to register because they make you buy a physical card

[@mitchelfisher9422]

Nevermind, i found the 5$.....be aware what site you're on, there's a few scams

[@TimMcKay56]

All good! Tim

[@haroldneely9253]

I have no intention of cameras on my planes. Drones i guess I could see it, and I have flown cheap little drones to get practice flying again but no cameras

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻😊 Tim

[@Razor-gx2dq]

Fortunately the airspace above my house is uncontrolled, unfortunately there are too many trees around for me to fly my larger models. I have a tiny RC plane that is small, enough to fly in my yard.

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻 Tim

[@jimkraft9445]

I fly mostly control line. Use to fly R/C pattern competition. When the FAA got involved I dropped all affiliation with model clubs, but do fly an old timer free flight with a radio at my granddaughters farm once in a while. Their farm is far from anyone else. Control line models never get above 100'. I have never had conformation anywhere that they are exempt. FAA has never made a distinction as far as I know. I doubt they even know control exists or what it is. I have been building and flying models since 1947. If control line comes under the FAA I will probably build boats or race cars to run my stash of 1940 spark ignition engines. The whole thing has been very confusing from the beginning, and I believe the rules will be in change forever. What is good today may be against the law tomorrow. Government agencies never settle for long and continue to change rules as they see fit. I worked as a troubleshooter for a refinery pipeline for years. I know how they work.

[@TimMcKay56]

Jim: No issue with control line flying! Tim

[@jimkraft9445]

Thank you Tim for your kwick responce. I had heard from someone a few months ago it would not effect us, but nothing from the FAA. Thanks again.

[@FasterThanJesus666]

In Europe if that little rc plane has a camera or drone then it requires registering and future RID. these regs are a joke

[@TimMcKay56]

Copy! Tim

[@nuxboxen]

Wanted to point out... that in the Untied States you absolutely DO NOT have to speak to police. In fact I encourage anyone to force the issue and make them detain you, while it's uncomfortable at the time it's quite a rewarding experience in retrospect. Remember guys this isn't Mayberry, being nice is viewed as weakness by most, these low consequence situations are a great way to beat your fear of the police.

[@TimMcKay56]

NB: Sound advice! Tim

[@nuxboxen]

@@TimMcKay56 lmao thanks!

[@CentralPaRcFlying]

Financial Benefit is not the defining line for commercial / 107. The FAA defines it as "intent". The Gov never makes it simple and clear. If you or your neighbor want to know if the kids baseball is stuck on the roof, and you fly up to look, the intent is not a recreational flight, it requires a 107... as crazy as that sounds. Dollars do NOT matter. The FAA also has no delineation between fixed wing and drone, they are all drones. Flying in your back yard also requires that you follow a CBO rule set as outlined by the FAA, there are 3 as of now. AMA, Flite Test (FTCA Guidelines) and FPV Freedom Coalition . Remote ID is also coming into affect, you will be required to comply, even in the back yard in what you outline as free airspace. The only exempt from remote ID is flying at a FRIA, this is a government approved "club" given authorization by the FAA. 250 gram or less can also be classified as requiring a 107 dependent on its "intent" in use. I think it is great that you have a dialog and audience. The rules are constantly changing and keeping media up to date with the best information is the safest approach. Our hobby is forever changed now and folks need good tools and information.

[@TimMcKay56]

Ron: All correct. Best way to view recreational vs Part 107 is the reverse way. Unless you are 100% flying for personal enjoyment (not helping anyone), it is recreational. Everything else 107, even if you are not being paid. Tim

[@CentralPaRcFlying]

@@TimMcKay56 It does not have to be helping anyone else. "If you or your neighbor want to know" as I mentioned (you) the intent can be your own other than Recreation. I know that seems to be splitting hairs, but that is what the FAA does do well. The worst part, the FAA is changing things weekly, going back on their own decisions, and continuing to hamper our hobbies. Sadly its just making a hobby that is suffering already, even worst.

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

The quads really ruined it for fixed wing. Nobody even noticed us before, now whiny quads with cameras are highly intrusive and flown by many people with no sense of reason. Sad and frustrating.

[@TimMcKay56]

Jason: Agree that the quadcopters changed RC flight in the eyes of most observers. Issue is four motors running at once (the props cause all the noise), combined with the fact most quads hover a bit thus the sound is more present. Plus, fixed wing RC did not fly too much over the general public. Tim

[@larzhillbot1443]

i agree the drones ruined every thing

[@kbar3612]

Government loves using them, they don’t like us using them. Also they used little rc planes for surveillance in Iraq and Afghanistan so once they weaponized them they thought anyone else shouldn’t be allowed to freely use them.

[@haroldneely9253]

Under 8.8oz even with my gas powered planes shouldn’t be a problem 👍

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻😊 Tim

[@bneil4059]

Eventually I will be unable to throw a baseball to my Son in my back yard.

[@TimMcKay56]

😊👍🏻 Tim

[@richarddorsch7275]

B4Ufly. Is no longer in service

[@TimMcKay56]

Copy, thanks! Tim