Many people up and down the UK, and in other countries around the world, enjoy flying remote control helicopters. These devices come in a range of designs and can easily be purchased over the web. Indeed, it has never been more straightforward for consumers to get products like this.
However, one man was recently thwarted in his attempts to fly his RC helicopter. Father of two Peter Antonio was using such an aircraft in Grovelands Park, which is located in the Southgate area of London, when he was apprehended by a police community support officer (PSCO).
The official claimed the device could be dangerous to others in the park and instructed Mr Antonio to land it.
However, the 48-year-old has questioned the move, pointing out that he has used remote control helicopters in the park for a long time and always makes sure he does so away from others and in a safe fashion.
Speaking to the Enfield Advertiser & Gazette, he said: “I’ve never had any trouble before. I fly them usually between 200 feet and 300 feet. I heard a voice behind me saying ‘put the control down, sir’. I turned around and it was a PCSO.
“I joked that I should probably get permission from ground control first, but he didn’t seem too amused.”
Mr Antonio went on to state: “How can it be dangerous? It’s not like I’m flying it around people’s heads – it’s 300ft in the sky. It’s no more dangerous to others than people kicking a ball around or playing frisbee.”
He also suggested that if people are no longer permitted to use such devices in the park, there should be a designated area where they can.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for Enfield Council said it is down to the discretion of police officers as to what constitutes dangerous flying of an RC helicopter.