Gain of Control

Approximately one year ago, the City of Carlsbad prohibited the use of radio-controlled airplanes in city parks and restricted their use in a beach area west of Carlsbad Boulevard (between Palomar Airport Road and Solamar Drive).

Since June 2009, local plane hobbyists have been trying to get the city council to reconsider those decisions. They argued that RC planes are most ideal for flying in parks and not beaches.

On January 27, the city council adopted an ordinance that revised the ban and allowed for the use of the aircraft at any of the city’s natural-turf baseball fields from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., provided there are no athletic activities taking place.

The initial ban was motivated by public concern for noise and safety issues. According to one enthusiast, these planes make the most noise when taking off and hardly make a sound once they are in the air.

During the January 12 city council meeting, Charles DuShey, a resident with over 60 years of model-plane flying experience, stated that there has never been an injury reported in Carlsbad as a result of his hobby.

“These aircraft are not inherently dangerous, unless you get in front of one and you want to be hit,” said DuShey.