Sri Lanka, which banned flights by private clubs owing to threats of LTTE air attacks, is now considering opening up of the airspace for model flying, pilot training and promoting tourism,
Nihal De Abrew, President of the Model Flying Association of Sri Lanka told the Business Times that the government is to revive an initiative to encourage civil aviation and aerial sports in the island after security restrictions due to terrorist activities virtually paralyzed the industry.
The restrictions forced some private companies and flying schools to close leading to an exodus of aviation professionals and cadet pilots abroad.
The Model Flying Association of Sri Lanka has been given an opportunity by the government to create awareness on the flying of radio-controlled model aircraft at the Deyata Kirula exhibition at Pallekele in Kandy. The association was display a model aircraft at the exhibition stall of the Sri Lanka Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) from February 4, he said. This was the first public appearance of the association, he added.
The CAA will open up possibilities for a range of activities from ultra-light aircraft flying and hot air ballooning to para-gliding and model aircraft flying. New restrictions had even banned the flying of radio-controlled model aircraft owing to fears that the LTTE could use them for attacks. Now that the war has ended, model flying could be resumed at any moment he said.
Since 2006 the Model Flying Association of Sri Lanka has been assisting St Thomas College and Royal College Aeronautical Societies in conducting their aeronautical exhibitions.
Basic Aeronautical classes for the students of these two colleges are being conducted by the association and the syllabus comprises - Basics of Flight, Control Surfaces, Building a RC Model, RC Engines, Mechanical Linkages, flying RC Models, and Safety.
The objectives of the Model RC Flying Association of Sri Lanka is to create awareness of Radio Controlled RC Model Flying among the student community, promote this educative hobby and assist those who are interested in RC Modelling and popularise it in all parts of the island. |
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