Hemel Hempstead Model Flying Club
CL003141
Flying with HHMFC - Field Regulations - Updated 10th Dec 2018
FIELD SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. A PERSON MUST NOT RECKLESSLY OR NEGLIGENTLY CAUSE OR PERMIT AN AIRCRAFT TO ENDANGER ANY PERSON OR PROPERTY” and “A PERSON MUST NOT RECKLESSLY OR NEGLIGENTLY ACT IN A MANNER LIKELY TO ENDANGER AN AIRCRAFT OR ANY PERSON IN AN AIRCRAFT.”
2. All members must observe field discipline and comply with the Air Navigation Order, all relevant BMFA safety codes as contained within the BMFA Members’ Handbook and Civil Aviation publication (CAP) 658.
3. No Gas Turbines, Turbo Props, Pulse Jets or engines over 120cc are allowed at club sites for either ground testing or flight.
4. Models with engines between 49cc and 121cc may be flown but only with express permission from the committee. The member may only fly models with engines of this capacity when written permission from the committee has been received. Anyone found not complying with these instructions will be immediately dismissed from the club, without exception. All engines must be fitted with an effective muffler.
5. Weight limits, building procedures and relevant certification allowed by CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) regulations must be followed, including all failsafe guidelines.
6. Members must ensure that they comply with the DofE Noise Code for the Minimisation of Noise from Model Aircraft. “Add on” silencers and “quiet” propellers should be fitted unless the model emits below 82 decibels at 7 metres without them. Notwithstanding if in the opinion of the Committee a model is excessively noisy in the air, then it is to be grounded until rectified.
7. A failsafe must be employed on models operated from the Club sites where included as an integral option within a receiver. The failsafe must set the throttle to tick-over, not hold, for models powered by an internal combustion engine, and stopped in the case of electric powered models, regardless of the other control operations governed by the failsafe. Failsafe are to be checked prior to flight by switching the transmitter off whilst the model is restrained. An instructor or member of the committee may request, at any time, a demonstration that the throttle failsafe is set.
8. All models are subject to random safety spot checks which will be carried out by an instructor or a member of the Committee. If, in his opinion, a model is unsafe to fly or does not conform to Club rules, it will be grounded until rectified.
9. All flying is to be done in the designated areas only. Over-flying of the “No Fly Zones”, as displayed at each flying site, is not permitted. Copies showing the “No Fly Zones” can be supplied, on requested, by the Secretary.
10. No more than 3 aircraft powered by an internal combustion engine shall be airborne at any one time. There is no limit on electric powered models.
11. The frequency allocation system used for ALL frequencies other than 2.4 GHz is PEG ON. Members must supply their own peg/s clearly marked with the frequency number and members’ name. NEVER switch on any transmitter until your peg is on the board. On completion of a flight switch off the transmitter and remove your peg from the board. Only the following frequencies are permitted.
SHENLEY: - The only frequencies permitted are: 81 – 90 on 35MGz and 2.4GHz.
PUTTENHAM: - All frequencies on 35MHZ and 2.4GHz.
12. All 35MHz transmitter aerials must remain retracted unless the model is being flown. The flight is defined from the point of release to when the engine is stopped or the model is restrained.
13. Before switching on, the pilot must ensure that he is operating on the frequency he believes he is on.
14. Appropriate use should be made of all available pit areas, and under no circumstances should engines be set up in the immediate vicinity of the pilots who are flying at that time. Where practical, models should face outward from the pit area.
15. Before starting an engine the model must be suitably restrained either by a tether or by an assistant.
16. Under no circumstances must an engine be run unless all persons are behind the line of the propeller with the exception of the person starting the engine. When carrying out power checks all persons including the pilot are to be behind the line of the propeller.
17. Models having their engines run in on the ground must not be left unattended whilst the engine is running.
18. DO NOT TAXI any MODEL towards ANY MEMBER, ANYWHERE ON SITE.
19. Any person wishing to enter or cross the runway area must seek clearance from any pilots flying at the time before doing so.
20. Should an aircraft go out of control, the first priority must be the safety of persons with the second being avoidance of damage to property. A warning is to be shouted by the pilot which is to be taken up by other members.
21. Great care must be taken retrieving models from crops. If possible only one person makes the search.
22. On matters of field safety needing an immediate decision, the responsibility lies with instructors or a member of the committee in that order. Any instructions must be accepted without dissent.
23. Any pilot not holding their solo qualification for the type of aircraft they are flying must not fly without the supervision of an instructor, Committee member or senior member. The supervising member accepts all responsibility for the flight.
24. Due consideration must be given at all times to trainee or novice pilots in the circuit. In the event that the pleasure or concentration of a pilot is affected by the flying style of another, precedence will be given to the pilot who was airborne first. Intimidating flying of any sort is not permitted.
25. All spectators must remain in the pits area whilst flying is in progress.
26. All vehicles must be parked in the designated area only.
27. Mobile telephones must not be taken onto the flight line.
28. Children must be closely supervised at all times and must not be allowed to run around the pit area or runways.
29. No dogs are permitted at the flying field unless kept on a lead or tethered.
30. There are no rubbish removal contracts in operation at either club site; therefore every member is responsible for leaving the site with everything they arrive with; including but not exhaustively cans, food wrappers or rubbish.
31. Field gates and containers must be closed and LOCKED by the last member leaving the site.
32. Any incident involving a third party or another member must be reported to the Committee without delay.