Hi all

I was wondering why Indian government or any recreational sports authorities encourage aeromodeling in India. I know there is a Rc plane manufacturing in Trivandrum Kerala. But Mr. Menon, the owner is trying to sell a package to start franchisees. And his package costs a bazillion rupees. I think we also need one authorized Government body to promote and support young enthusiasts like us. It was just my thought. What do you guys think? Did any one try to register your flying club just like a sports club for cricket and football?

Ps: This is my Academy of Model Aeronautics membership card. It offers me accident insurance upto 5million dollars+free training+free aeromodeling magazine+ access to all flying clubs in the country+ discounts etc

Jerry ... that is "US of A" - you have Harward/Warton grads as President, only after a fierce Presidential debate. You have a 'Unwritten Constitution' which has more teeth than the 'Fattest Written Constitution' and you get a BMW Z3 for EMI equivalent in Rupees you pay for a Hyundai Accent in country like India.

Though putting foot on tail of a dragon to say this, but 'most' Indians, by upbringing, environment, peer, and may be thousand years of evolution don't have that kind 'Sporting' spirit. Please note , I said 'Most' Indians. When there is no zeal for more straight forward sports like Rafting,Kayaking,Surfing, ANY other adventure sports, who, I mean WHO cares about such technical hobby like Aeromodelling ? Just go to Goa/Rishikesh/Auli/Gulmarg - its mostly the  foreigner who take up the sporting shoes.

When govt has apathy for all 100 odd sports which are prized for in Olympics, except may be Cricket, Aeromodelling would be their last priority. Hockey is our 'National Sport' and see how pathetic we are in that (hardly any world standard Turf stadium).

I think these un-educated security agencies are making our life even difficult by creating hoopla/frenzy regarding 'Security Concerns' due to RC planes. If they so concerned, they should ban items like Washing Cake and Peanut butter!! They are potentially explosive items.

Nevertheless, I am always of opinion that some enthusiastic, experienced members should take advantage of platforms like IIT/Engg Coll Tech Fest, NCC Air Wing shows etc to talk to Law makers/Political leaders for at least legalizing the sport, if not supporting it. We molders face harassment from all kind of authorities as if we are doing some 'Base Jumping' from Eiffel towers. The Customs grill us as if you really need import from Hobby stores for bad intention and enough 'raw' material is not available for miscreant.

I totally agree Ujjwaana

The reason why I was saying that, I am returning to Kerala. Its kinda hard to give up on a hobby like this. I fly 2-3 times a week for 3-5 hours.. We have an awesome club here with 100's of members with a lot of planes.. I am just getting frustrates when I hear weird stories about RC stuff in India.. I am flying next week and I have my DX7 with me..OMG.. I dont want the customs to confiscate it. 

There is enough RC stuff to be picked up in the local stores, possibly at a higher price (due to customs duty and other causes).  The only thing I found really hard was fuel, and that may also have changed now.  So it is not that the hobby is totally inaccessible in India.

If we apply a bit of common sense ("don't fly next to the airport or minister's house"), RC life if OK.  Yes... it could have been better though !

haha very true.. I remember someone crashed a rc heli infront of parliament a while back. OMG..so funny

Actually, much of what Ujjwana says is actually describing us modelers. With so many ppl getting into the hobby and exhibiting models that much cost a big pile, its not too much to expect that they (modellers) give something back to a bigger community or cause by pitching in to represent, start, establish an AMA like group that clearly dictates a "safe" environment with sufficient rules that can/must be followed by the modeling community in the country. 

Lacking such "effort" on our part, no use pointing to any one else. Instead we keep reporting what models we have and fly and the facilities that we use or our suffering in getting modelling stuff, lack of places to fly. Thats of NIL use!!! This forum may exist for any number of years and this would possibly continue to be the state.

But that apart, Jerry, visit your local LHS and bring back suitcases full of this stuff. Believe me, you would save thousands in trying to source anything from this side of the world. 

We've started the ball rolling ,with the hope that good sense will prevail and aeromodelers will get organised and get recognised for the good work they do in promoting this educative and exciting aerosport.That includes the guys owning shops and e-business portals of aeromodeling goods and the weekend flyers.the business guys will benefit in terms of turnover and weekend flyer will have easy and affordable access to good aeromodeling equipment.

Do not wait for the govt. to provide land for flying ,to designate an exclusive frequency or better customs procedures.

Organise and become a body large enough to have your voice heard where it matters-numbers always count in democracy.

Get the media on your side,let them write good reviews and its social benefits.

Get organised and spread the message of safety-whether you fly a glider or a jet ,a gyro or heli,we're all aeromodelers and users of airspace .

Together we can do it!!