The Rocky Mountain Air Show will host what it’s calling “the first FAA-sanctioned drone demonstrations” at this type of event Aug. 22-23 at Greeley-Weld County Airport in Greeley, Colorado. The display will be coordinated by the Academy of Model Aeronautics and the FAA and will feature flight demonstrations and plenty of information on the integration of unmanned aerial systems into the national airspace system. Rich Hanson from the AMA will be on hand as will FAA reps for a question-and-answer session on the rapidly evolving technology. “It’s important for both pilots and non-pilots to have access to what is happening in the National Air Space,” said airshow chairman Jim Cimiluca. “Connecting the public to what’s current in aviation is part of our mission statement.'”
Although the blur between hobby and industry remains an issue in the integration of drones, there’s no doubt that technology has increased the fun factor for RC enthusiasts, and that side of the business will be well represented. Hobby stores and manufacturers will be on hand with product displays and demonstrations. Also, some of the best RC pilots in the country will put on a “giant scale radio control aerobatic demonstration” that will include electric-powered aircraft that can go 150 mph. There will be piloted aircraft there, too, with warbird and aerobatic demos and a twilight show on Aug. 22.
