Dear Editor,
The new model airplane bylaw being considered in order to update the allegedly “outdated” previous bylaw banning only gas-powered aircraft from schoolyards is unnecessary. I think the old bylaw was perfectly acceptable. As more people gain access to cheap drones, there is an increased risk to safety.
One letter writer said he welcomes the bylaw as hobbyists fly recklessly at Stevenson London School (my friends at Stevestson London say they’ve never seen a model aircraft in their field).
It’s true that other park users need to be kept safe, but this is not the correct way to right the situation. Knives are used to commit crimes, yet knives are not banned.
Arguably, drones are becoming increasingly accessible to the public, and so less responsible people can access them. This new bylaw means the actions of a few careless individuals are being used to discriminate against the entire community.
When I come home from school swamped by homework, I feel depressed. Then, I remember that on the weekend I will possibly fly my model aircraft. Not so, with the implementation of this new bylaw. My usual flying field, a short walk away, would become unavailable. This hobby has a positive impact on my life.
Also, I have met many wonderful people as a result of this hobby, whether in hobby shops or out in the parks.
I’m considering becoming an aeronautical engineer and I have wonderful memories of afternoons spent flying, and I am greatly saddened this bylaw will ensure they only stay memories.
There are alternate ways to resolve this situation without implementing a full out ban. I would suggest implementing a permit system. Permits could be obtained for electric drones, aircraft and powerkites.
This bylaw is coming to symbolize something larger to me: the iron fist of bureaucracy crushing our innocent hobby.
Perhaps this iron fist is even more dangerous than model aircraft. Model aviation has a positive impact on my life, which the government is taking away. The slogan of our city is “Better in every way.” But I ask you — is this true?
Mark Fraszer
A disgruntled high school student
Richmond
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