NAMADGI SPORT FLYERS CLUB INC.

Flying Rules - Dated 2008

MANDATORY RULES

These rules are intended to provide a basis for the safe and enjoyable operation of aircraft models at the NSFC field and minimising the risk of injury to people and/or damage to property.

NSFC members and visitors are expected to observe these Flying Rules at all times.

The Management Committee may initiate disciplinary action against any member or visitor who persistently fails to comply with the Club’s Flying Rules.

FLYING FIELD ETIQUETTE AND GUIDELINES.

These items are only intended as a guide, which if followed by all members and visitors will help to make flying at the NSFC field an enjoyable experience.

MANDATORY RULES TO BE OBSERVED AT ALL TIMES WHEN USING THE CLUB FIELD

1. MEMBERS & VISITORS

a) Regular pilots must be current financial members of the Namadgi Sport Flyers Club Inc. (NFSC).

b) Visiting pilots must be affiliated with the Model Aircraft Association of Australia (MAAA), be carrying their membership card, and be accompanied by or invited by a NSFC member.

c)Visiting pilots and prospective new members must record their attendance in the visitor’s book.

d) Prospective members are only permitted to fly on a maximum of 4 days, prior to joining the club and obtaining MAAA affiliation, which includes insurance cover. This is an insurance requirement and must be strictly observed.

e) Someone who is operating a powered model aircraft must ensure that, while the model aircraft is IN FLIGHT, or is LANDING or TAKING OFF, it stays at least 30 metres away from anyone not directly associated with the operation of model aircraft.

2. BEGINNER PILOTS

Beginner pilots must fly under the supervision of a competent pilot who has MAAA affiliation, until such time as they are deemed to be competent to fly solo by the Management Committee.

3. RESTRICTED FLYING HOURS

Flying is not permitted before 8am.

3. PROCEDURES FREQUENCY KEYS & TRANSMITTERS.

a) No transmitter is to be switched on anywhere at or near the NSFC field, including the car park, unless a matching Frequency Key carrying the user’s name and transmitter frequency has first been placed in the appropriate slot in the frequency keyboard (FCB).

b) A transmitter is not to be turned on if the Frequency Key either fully or partly covers another key in the FCB. ( i.e. if both odd and even numbers are in use, the odd numbered frequency either side of the even number can not be used and visa versa).

c) Pilots are to provide an individual Frequency Key for each channel, which they wish to use.

The frequency key is to have their name and the frequency recorded on it.

Under no circumstances should a frequency key be inserted in the FCB, in a slot which does not correspond with the channel marked on the key.

Spare keys are available at the FCB in case of need by beginner & forgetful pilots.

d) Under no circumstances is a Frequency Key to be removed from the FCB by any person other than the owner/user of the key.

e) Transmitters are to be turned off and placed in the transmitted pound at the FCB, when ever the associated frequency key is not properly located in the FCB, at the transmitters frequency.

The frequency key should remain with the transmitter in the pound (on the antenna).

f) Radio systems fitted with “fail safe” must be set to minimum throttle in the event of radio failure.

6. AIRCRAFT

Pilots must observe Commonwealth of Australia Air Navigation Regulations, in particular Civil Aviation Order 95.21 which specifically relates to model aircraft.

7. TAXIING

Pilots are permitted to taxi out of the pit area and onto the taxi lane.

When returning to the pit area, aircraft must not be taxied past the taxi lane and into the pit area.

The aircraft must be stopped at the end of the taxi lane and either carried or wheeled back into the pit area.

8. AIRSTRIP AND FLYING OPERATIONS

a) Starting engines, engine tuning or aircraft repairs.

Starting, tuning engines and aircraft repairs on the airstrip is prohibited.

Remove model well away from the airstrip or to the Pit Area for restarting or tuning.

Aircraft must be restraint when starting.

b) Clear For Take-Off.

Prior to aircraft being taxied or carried onto the airstrip for take-off, each pilot must check that no-one is landing and then call “Clear for take-off?”

The pilot must not proceed until pilots currently flying acknowledge with a “Clear”.

c) Take-Off.

A pilot may move onto the airstrip to control the model during take-off, but must then move promptly to the Pilot Area behind the Safety Barrier.

Take-offs are to be along the airstrip and not across the airstrip, except by prior arrangement with pilots currently flying.

d) Circuit.

General flying is to be in a rectangular circuit.

Direction of circuit is decided by agreement between the pilots but is normally determined by the wind direction.

Pilots must not fly against the general traffic direction.

e) Out Of Bounds Flying Areas.

All flying is to be in front of the Pilot Area Barrier facing away from the Pit Area and road.

Under no circumstances are aircraft to be flown in the area behind the Pilot Area Barrier, over the Pit area or the road.

f) Dead Stick.

A pilot whose model experiences an engine failure should immediately call ‘Dead Stick’ to obtain landing priority. Other pilots must immediately give landing priority to the pilot of the ‘Dead Stick’ aircraft.

g) Landing

When preparing to land, each pilot must call “Landing”.

Landings have right of way ahead of take-offs.

The pilot can move out from behind the Safety Barrier and on to the edge of the airstrip to control the model during landing.

h) Entering The Airstrip.

Anyone wanting to enter the airstrip ( for purpose other than take-off) must seek clearance from pilots currently flying, before proceeding.

i) Aerobatics.

Pilots performing Aerobatic manoeuvres (including hovering) are to have due regard to the safety of other aircraft.

When other aircraft are flying, all forms of aerobatics should be performed in the area directly in front of the airstrip, not in the circuit. Those in the circuit should avoid this area when aerobatic manoeuvres are being flown.

j) Beat Ups.

Pilots intending to make a high-speed, low level pass over the airstrip must advise other pilots.

k) Odd Performance Aircraft.

Pilots wishing to fly aircraft (for example pylon racers or other high speed aircraft, hovering and other low speed aircraft) having performance that is substantially different from aircraft already in the circuit or a test flight, must seek clearance from other pilots prior to flying. Dedicated time slot is the preferred solution.

FLYING FIELD ETIQUETTE AND GUIDELINES

1. TRANSMITTERS AND FREQUENCY USAGE

Members are encouraged to have their radio equipment tested by an MAAA testing station at least once, and have equipment re-tested after a crystal change or major repair.

Members should note that many clubs insist that radios are checked and carry the appropriate sticker confirming that the equipment has been checked, prior to being allowed to fly at the particular club’s field.

2. PROLONGED ENGINE RUNNING AND RUNNING-IN ENGINES IN THE PIT AREA

Should be avoided. Move well away from others in the Pit Area if running-in an engine.

3. PROP WASH

When running motors in the Pit Area ensure that dust, smoke or oil does not blow onto other models or people.

4. FUEL OVERFLOW

Fuel kills the grass in the Pit Area.

Minimise this by using a fuel return or bottle to catch overflows when filing.

A piece of carpet under the model will stop fuel from aircraft with Pitts style mufflers being blown onto the ground.

5. LITTER AND RUBBER BANDS

Please do not litter in any way. Place litter in the bin or take in with you. Do not leave rubber bank lying about as they dangerous to grazing live stock.

6. CRASH DEBRIS

If an aircraft is crashed, please pick up and remove all pieces.

7. FLYING ALONE

Due to potential increase risk and the remote location of the field and limited phone coverage. Flying alone is strongly discouraged.

8. HELICOPTER FLYING

Starting: Helicopters may be electronically initiated in the pits (such as connecting a receiver battery). Ignition should occur outside of the pits, and rotors must not turn until the aircraft is at the flight line.

Hovering area: A hovering area has been provided. The area is for the use of novice flyers and flight testing. Only gentle manoeuvres allowed. No fast, sport or 3D flying is permitted.

Observers: Observers are only required when the middle flight station is occupied in conjunction with the outer flight stations. This rule may be mandatory during fun flys.

It is recommended that when more than one helicopter is flying that each pilot has a spotting assistant.

9. LARGE ENGINE/PETROL AIRCRAFT

Aircraft to be restrained by club provided starting poles.

Ignition status to be checked and called out before turning over propeller by operator.

10. MOST IMPORTANT

Be safe, enjoy yourself and have fun.