“Becoming involved with model flying (age 14) has lead to the following life experiences over the last 50 years: * Became an licensed amateur radio operator – learned RF systems and electronics as a teen * Learned aerodynamics, small engines, and their operation and care * Lead to degrees in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering * Was mentored and worked with a number of first class men who gave me my start in model flying * Starting in RC I met a great man who got me involved with indoor free flight – learning working with films and very light braced structures * I have been a computer scientist at Xerox and Honeywell for the last 35 years working with a number of technologies including RF systems, Battery powered devices, Smart Systems (AI) and avionics all of which benefited from my early work in modelling. Approaching retirement this year I have looked forward to working with school aged children to increase their STEM skills through model aviation. But with the regulations now coming, we would no longer be able to build simple models and fly them in the athletic fields next to the school. They would have to be bused to a designated flying site. (If allowed, since their models would be self built and not commercial). One hope is that the 250 gram limit is kept so that it would be possible to fly very light aircraft in the school yards. I understand the importance of commercial drone operations, but I believe these operations should be burdened with See and Avoid technologies that would allow them to avoid the occasional model aircraft encounter. Birds would be a much more common encounter and they don’t have transponders. Also it is impossible to maintain terrain maps that reflect every new power line or light pole that is installed. Using LIDAR, milimeter wave radar, and cameras — commercial drones should be able to navigate safely around the occasional model aircraft. (actually a pretty rare occurrence I would guess).”