Amateur/Home Built/Experimental
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 15; Flight Crew Total 1800; Flight Crew Type 680
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General None Reported / Taken
Environment - Non Weather Related; Procedure
As I was descending out of 2;550 FT MSL for a left 45 degree entry for left downwind pattern to HMT Runway 23. My eye caught a glimpse of an RC aircraft off my left wing approximately 50 FT going vertical and continuing to climb above my altitude. Markings of the closest plane were low wing monoplane with red or orange diagonal stripes over a white background; the second plane was farther off but slightly below the closer one. There was no time to take evasive action. I looked at my altimeter which now read 2;520 FT MSL (pattern altitude) and glanced at my GPS which showed a distance to the center of the airport of 1.91 nautical miles.I transmitted in the blind to other aircraft that were inbound to be aware of RC aircraft that were at and above 2;500 FT MSL. I left a voice message the local RC club. Yes there was a contest that day; but the RC aircraft was above the 1000 FT pattern altitude. Upon talking to the Modeler who returned my call; he said that there was a NOTAM out for this activity; but it should not be for powered model aircraft above 1000 FT MSL. 'CLEARLY THIS AIRCRAFT WAS ABOVE THE 2512 HEIGHT' Issued NOTAM : Airspace Unmanned Aircraft Within AN Area Defined AS 1.5NM Radius of HMT 200003 Surface-2512FT I also left a message for the Airport manager. I can envision that if this height restriction is not enforced that there is a strong potential for a future mid-air incident.
A pilot within two miles of HMT at 2;520 FT had a near miss with a radio controlled model aircraft which passed very nearby while climbing above his altitude.