09Editorial.lt1.doc
[Headline: We have to look out for each other]
Yesterday I helped out two of my friends, although we’d never met. So how could they be my friends? Because we share the same interest, the same passion, and have a common bond. Because we appreciate things that fly and have dedicated a part of our life to this enriching hobby called aeromodeling.
We’re friends because I need them and they need me. It just so happened that I was in the right place, at the right time, to help. One of my friends needed help finding his Free Flight model and the other needed someone to stop him before he drove a long way with the back of his trailer open.
I don’t share this story because I want a pat on the back, or even a thank-you. I share it as a reminder that we have to look out for each other. We need to be responsible and ensure that we are not partaking in, or promoting, things that portray our hobby in a bad light. It’s not a burden if we all do our part.
We need to come together as a common voice, with strength in numbers, and take a stand against the FAA Interpretive Rule for Model Aircraft and its onerous regulation.
On various blogs and websites, a few have claimed that the changes won’t affect them or suggested that we turn our backs on FPV. Well I can tell you that I am not turning my back on my friends!
I have been fortunate to take part in a majority of the different segments of aeromodeling including FPV, and I like them all. I may not have the page space in the magazine to provide all of the Special Interest Groups as much coverage as they might like, but they have my appreciation and support.
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines a friend as “one that is of the same nation, party, or group,” and it defines brother as “one related to another by common ties or interests.”
I think we aeromodelers fit both definitions, but it doesn’t matter how we refer to each other. What matters is our mutual appreciation of the hobby and ensuring that our friends and brothers have the right to enjoy their segment of the hobby and it not be encroached upon. Let’s come together and ensure that the hobby we love continues for future generations.
What would you say? Can we do that?[dingbat]
