BADMAC: Flying field conduct and conditions

Aircraft and aircraft equipment.

Check that your aircraft is airworthy remembers FEAR, Flying controls, Engine, Airframe, Radio. Aircraft over seven Kgs can be flown (Subject to CAA regulations.) Apart from club competitions, glider towlines and bungees may not be used.

Noise emissions must not exceed 82dB when measured in accordance with the B.M.F.A. handbook. Members should submit their aircraft for checking with the club noise meter. Members with new or unflown aircraft should ask another member to look over the aircraft before the first flight. It is surprising what can be missed. Radio should be range checked in accordance with manufacturers recommendations, especially with new or repaired models.

Conduct on the ground.

Cars must not be parked beyond the wooden access walkway or before the entrance to the adjacent field. Two maps of the flying field are in the shed. One explains the no flying areas, the other sets out the circuit patterns for given wind directions. YOU MUST NOT FLY IN THE DEAD AIR SPACE ZONES.

Pegboard.

The frequency board must be used whenever flying takes place at the field. You should provide a peg with your name and frequency in use on it. Place it on the board on the frequency you want to use. If another pilot is flying on an adjacent frequency, let them know you are on adjacent frequencies before you switch on. Remove your peg after your flight to allow others on your frequency to have a turn. All transmitter aerials should be retracted while in the pits. DO NOT SWITCH ON UNLESS YOUR OWN PEG IS ON THE BOARD. If you forget to bring your peg spare ones are provided in the shed. Write your name and frequency on it before using it.

Pits.

The pits area should be set up as shown on the map. Keep as close to the area shown as possible. Keep enough space between people to ensure safe operation while starting. Use a restraint as directed in rule 10. For those who forget, spares are provided in the shed. If necessary share. Return the club restraints to the shed at the end of the session. NO FULL POWER TESTS ARE ALLOWED WHILE IN THE PITS. Always face away from pits and other people while conducting these tests.

Conduct while taking off, flying and landing.

Only six aircraft are permitted to fly at any one time. You may not taxi aircraft in or out of the pits area. Carry or get someone else to carry your model to a safe place. When moving on to the strip in readiness for taking off, shout 'Taking off' then enter the strip and take off. Note, landing aircraft have priority over taking off aircraft.

While flying use the circuit as directed on the map. Manoeuvres should be made in a safe place. Low passes should be preceded by an announcement of your intention. Keep to a low altitude, i.e. below about 150ft, if full size aircraft are close to the field. When you are ready to land, shout 'Landing' then land. If the engine stops, shout 'Dead stick'. You will have priority over others landing or taking off. When landed clear your aircraft from the strip to a safe place away from the pits. Shout 'picking up' before going to retrieve an aircraft with a stopped engine or that cannot taxi. If your engine has stopped leave your transmitter near the flag and retrieve the model. If the engine has not stopped, get somebody else to look after your transmitter. Turn the model off and then the Transmitter. Take your peg off the board and return to the pits.

If you crash your model on or off the strip, follow the same procedure. If you crash in the crops do as little damage as possible by following any tractor tracks to approach your model. Clear as much debris away as possible. Check before you leave the site that you have all of your model, radio, engine etc.

Helicopter operation.

All of the above apply to the flying of helicopters. In addition, there will be no running up of rotors in the pit area. Do not hover near other pilots who are not watching your model with you.

Flying times

See separate page.

These conduct rules for our field should be observed in addition to those set out in the B.M.F.A handbook. Read the handbook and understand how it applies to our field. If you are in any doubt, contact a member of the committee who will be able to advise you.

Safety is the most important feature in all of these conditions and is crucial to the well being of those around you and continuance of flying at our field.

Article 54 of the Air Navigation Order states that 'A person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger person or property'. This applies to model flying just as much as full size.

Model flying is supposed to be relaxing and fun. Being safe at all times will ensure that can be possible.