By Louis Hoglund
Little airplanes have to be segregated from big airplanes at the Perham airport. Thats the word from the Minnesota Department of Transportations air division.
So, the R.C. Flyers model airplane club must relocate from its current site next to the city airfield.
Inspectors concluded that the model airplane group represented a possible safety hazard due to airspace restrictions.
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Im a pilot, and the model planes dont bother me a bit...Theyre really harmless, for Gods sake, said Whitey Schuett, a member of the Perham Park Board. But the state and the FAA have their rules and regulations.
The fear of low-flying model airplanes interfering or colliding with aircraft landing and taking off at the airport seemed far-fetched to park board members. Forcing the club to relocate, based on those concerns, also seemed like regulatory overkill, suggested Schuett.
But the park board followed orders, and came up with a few alternative sites for the R.C. Club. The new school property and fair grounds were two possibilities, but the model planes are noisy--which can draw complaints if located near residential areas. In fact, the club was originally located at the Pioneer Grounds north of Perham, but moved to the airport site several years ago because of increased home construction in the area.
The board is recommending a location south of town, said Schuett, near the public rifle range.
The city council must give final approval for a new location.
