Eagles Flying Association

Local Club Rules

Note :-

(a) These are in addition to those contained in the Constitution of the Association.

(b) They do not cancel or supersede any safety codes or rules contained in the current edition of the BMFA member’s handbook.

(c) Should any conflict arise the BMFA handbook shall take precedence.



General Rules

1) All aircraft are to be effectively silenced

2) When approaching the site along the access track, as soon as the "patch" comes into view, check if anyone is flying. If flying is in progress you should wait until all aircraft have landed or you are waved on.

3) Pilots in the pit area or not flying should keep an eye out for approaching cars or any other hazard, such as full size aircraft activity close by, and alert those flying accordingly.

4) Ensure that no waste or discarded components are left at the site

5) If you have an "out" landing take care not to damage crops or fences during the recovery process.

6) The last person to leave the site is to stow the windsock and peg board and ensure the site is secure.

7) There is some debate about the effects of mobile phones on R/C equipment therefore, to be on the safe side, they should not be taken into the pit area and must not be taken onto the take off and landing area even when switched off (they still transmit signals when switched off).

Note: It has been proven that mobile phones can affect synthesized transmitters - BMFA Safety bulletin No 6 refers.

8) Dogs and aircraft do not mix, if you take a dog to the site please ensure it is restrained at all times.

9) Club members are responsible for the conduct and safety of any visitors they bring to the site.

Flying Rules

All EFA members are required to read and have knowledge of the BMFA member’s handbook, in particular the guide to the safe operation of model aircraft. The following guide constitutes the minimum safe practice that must be demonstrated at all times.

1) The first person to arrive at the site should set up the peg board and wind sock.

2) Remember that all model aircraft fuel is highly flammable and therefore appropriate care must be taken to eliminate the risk of fire, particularly when dealing with butane/propane gas.

3) Before switching on your transmitter acquire the relevant frequency peg.

4) Ensure your model is structurally sound, and all radio equipment and linkages are secure.

5) Check your model is correctly rigged and flying surfaces are free from warps.

6) If you have a computer driven transmitter ensure you have selected the correct model and, if using a failsafe, make sure it is functioning correctly.

7) Check your control surfaces for correct throws, freedom of movement and operation in the correct sense. If all is well carry out a range check in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Before attempting to start your engine :

* Ensure your model is physically restrained


* Ensure you have no loose clothing or any other item on your person that may come into

contact with the propeller/intake.


* Check the propeller and engine are secure


* Check there are no loose objects or trailing wires in the vicinity of the propeller/intake.


* Ensure all spectators are in a safe position


* For turbine power ensure that there are no spectators or any equipment within 25 feet of
and directly behind the model that may be harmed or damaged by the jet efflux.

* Ensure you have a suitable fire extinguisher available and a designated fireman.

9) For I/C engines, once started the model should be held nose high to check for correct mixture setting or pump operation. This minimizes the risk of the engine cutting out during or after take off.

10) Before proceeding onto the take off and landing area (for any reason) ensure that any other pilots flying are aware of your intentions and clear the area as soon as possible.

11) Before take off ensure your transmitter aerial is fully extended, the power meter is in the green, all switches and trims are set correctly, the controls are working correctly under full power and that the take off area is clear.

12) As soon as your model is airborne return to the designated pilots flying position (see the layout diagram) and remain there for the duration of the flight.

13) Flying in the no fly zone is prohibited at any height or distance.

14) Before performing a landing, overshoot etc you must clearly call out "landing", "overshoot", "deadstick" as appropriate to ensure that other pilots are aware of your intention. Do not assume the landing area is clear even if you have given the appropriate call.

15) If you see any practice which you feel is dangerous in any way you should discuss it with the other pilots present. If you feel the issue has not been resolved then please bring the matter to the EFA chairman’s notice.
Safe Solo

To promote both safety and flying standards, within the club, the benchmark for ‘Safe Solo’ is the BMFA ‘A’ certificate. This being the aim, the club requires all new members and guests to be accompanied by a competent pilot, unless they have acquired their ‘A’ certificate.

There are plenty of opportunities for new members to progress to this level, through coaching/instruction, as we have both instructors and an Area Chief Examiner willing to help.

Accidents

1) In the event of an accident the club chairman is to be notified immediately and where appropriate an incident report form submitted to the BMFA.

2) In the case of an incident that may give rise to a claim under the BMFA policy, EFA members must not admit liability or enter into any negotiations regarding a financial settlement.

3) EFA members are not to give information to the press regarding any accident or incident. Where there is a requirement a statement will be released by the EFA chairman.