Bill Hempel's new video

[Rick Kent]

While anyone who watched these videos certainly wouldn't argue that what
they depict isn't very safe, or within AMA Safety guidelines, IMHO it falls
in the same arena as what a drag racer, cowboy bull rider, or a stunt
motorcycle jumper all do to get their thrills.

Yes, of COURSE it's dangerous. It can be argued that these particular guys
in the video are as aware of the dangers of big sharp props and the tenuous
radio link that controls them, as anyone CAN be, given who they are. It can
also be argued that they are for all practical purposes, professionals at
what they do.

I don't think anyone here could/would make much of a case for a ban on drag
racing, bullriding, or any other inherently dangerous endeavor, simply
because some idiot thought he could successfully do it with impunity. We
accept that the professional risk taker knows the risks, and likewise knows
what he's doing. The thrill of these stunts is in largely our saying to
ourselves (as we watch), 'Boy, I'd never be crazy enough to try that!". But
we allow them to do it, without blinking an eye.

What separates professionals who do inherently dangerous things from those
who get injured or killed by foolishly 'trying this at home", is that the
pros KNOW what they are doing, intimately understand the risks, know how to
minimize the risks, and are willing to accept those risks that remain.

That said, I wouldn't try any of that, nor encourage anyone else to, not
only from a safety point of view, but from a public relations/AMA guidelines
point of view. We have a hard enough time being accepted in the public's
eyes as it is. Those same people go to rodeos and drag races, but they say
our sport is too dangerous when they see stuff like this. No, it's not fair,
but it's how things are.

JMHO. We all have 'em. This one's mine. ;-)

Rick
 
-------Original Message-------
 
From: discussion at nsrca.org
Date: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 04:07:12 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: RE: Bill Hempel's new video
 
Agree.  All it takes is ONE accident during such a stunt.  Dwayne
 
-----Original Message-----
From: discussion-request at nsrca.org [mailto:discussion-request at nsrca.org] On
Behalf Of Rcmaster199 at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 3:55 PM
To: discussion at nsrca.org
Subject: Re: Bill Hempel's new video
 
I went back and saw the video again and re-read what I wrote, below. I
disappointed myself. My first reaction was hey really kool that you guys can
do that.
 
Then the thought crept into my head of the time 17 years ago, a 3 1/2 hp
lawn mower nearly chopped my hand off. 
 
Here we have a huge amount of power, a prop that has zero conscience (like a
bullet) and a couple of guys that are so experienced, they believe they can
t get hurt. It may be true of them, but what if someone who isn't that
experienced gets to try it, and gets seriously hurt?
 
Sorry guys, I apologize for my earlier email which condones the stunts. I
take it back.  I think these are very irresponsible and downright dangerous.

 
You want to fire away at me, go ahead. I am very thick skinned (VBG)
 
Matt Kebabjian
 
In a message dated 1/4/2005 1:52:16 PM Eastern Standard Time, Rcmaster199
writes:
n a message dated 1/4/2005 1:13:27 PM Eastern Standard Time,
jasonshulman at cox.net writes:
http://www.rcuniverse
com/forum/%22Stupid%22_flying_video_and_do_NOT_condone%25%25%25limited_time_o
ly/m_2498725/tm.htm
 
Try here.
 
Jason
THAT'S TRULY KOOL BEANS. Dangerous, but kool. I particularly liked the one
where you  went for a ride. You're NUTS. I suppose 20hp equates to about 300
pounds of thrust, heh? (BG)
 
That 20 hp meat grinder up front would scare me to death to even think about
these stunts, let alone do'em. 
 
Evel Knievel had nothing on youze guys. 
 
 
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