Club Rules

The operation of model aircraft has inherent dangers; our main objective is to ensure we have as much fun flying model aircraft with as little regulation as possible to ensure maximum safety for pilots and spectators. To this end certain rules need to be followed as set out below. Follow the rules and have safe fun.

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.

Flying Rules

Sign in/out of the field Log Book, times and models.

Transmitters should have an identifying name and contact number label. (Occasionally they have been left behind at the field!) That way we know who it belongs to.

Planes may be assembled outside the pits area, but ALL engine starting, IC or electric should only be in the pits area. Note; the car-park is not the pits area, the red and white poles denote that area. (Cars should not be parked in the pits)

Before any flying commences YOUR PLANE MUST HAVE BEEN NOISE TESTED. No model will be allowed to fly if its noise level exceeds 82 dB (A) at 7 metres when tested in accordance with the BMFA and D. of E. code of practice. Club members should aim to keep their engines as quiet as possible (There are no rules against throttling back during flight! Remember that our close neighbours may not be as enamoured with our sport as we are). Any changes to the model that might affect its noise output, e.g. change of engine, change of propeller, change of silencer, change of engine cowling, etc., will require that it be re-tested. Noise test results will be recorded in the back of the Flying Field Log.

All planes must be restrained when starting/running and be facing the Westerly fence. Please make of use of the starting-benches. Starting/restarting IC on the strip is ok ideally restrained by a helper. Ensure no one is standing in front of a propeller before starting.

Any member not holding a BMFA ‘A’ Certificate or higher MUST have an experienced flyer, holding at least an ‘A’ Certificate, in attendance in the pilots’ box when flying.

Planes must not be taxied to or from the pits area but carried/wheeled to the flying area and/or back.
After landing, planes must not be taxied towards the pilot box or pits.

No more than three IC aircraft allowed flying at any one time. A further three electric may also fly.

Pilots flying must stand in the pilot’s box before or as soon as possible after takeoff.
 
Only pilots and assistants permitted in the pilot’s box. Spectators are allowed up to the fence behind the pilot box.

Flight batteries must not be changed in the pilot’s box.

Pilots must call out manoeuvres such as “Approaching/On the Strip” “Taking off” “Low pass left/right”  ”Landing”  “Dead Stick”, loud and clear (some members are hard of hearing) and wait for a response, repeat louder if none noted.
A visual check of the strip should be made before landing, even if you have called 'landing' to ensure it is clear and safe to land.
Any circuit (e.g. figure of 8) should always only involve flying away from the pilot’s box. Manoeuvres, especially low passes etc must be at least in the centre of the strip, and no closer than that to the pilot’s box.

All members should act as Safety Officers. A breach of safety should be pointed out if it is not being adhered to. We all have a duty of care for each other and general public.

Planes must never be permitted to fly out of bounds e.g. behind the line, within 200mts of adjacent property’s nearest boundary or towards the pilot’s box.

All aircraft types must display pilot’ I.D. as per C.A.A. regulations.

BMFA First person view flying
You must operate your aircraft within visual line of sight (VLOS). If flying using first person view, you must have a competent observer next to you who maintains VLOS with your aircraft.

Assembly benches should be kept clear for other’s use after models have been assembled. Starter Benches should be vacated when busy.

 

Children are allowed in the pits area but must be supervised at all times. They are not allowed to run around the planes or out to the pilot box.
The last person remaining at the site is responsible for ensuring the Clubhouse & Gates are locked.

 

General Model Safety

1. Models must be built to a standard such that they will not fail under normal circumstances, giving full attention to control surfaces and connections.

2. Models should be checked thoroughly prior to each flying session and after any abnormally heavy landing. A radio range check should be carried out on each model before each flying session begins. Failsafe systems, where available, must be set and correct operation must be checked. The correct operation of the failsafe must be checked on each model before each flight.

3. All projections ahead of the propeller on models powered by internal combustion engines and electric motors, e.g. spinners, prop nuts, etc. should be of not less than 7.5 mm radius measured tangentially to all intersecting surfaces, i.e. no needle noses. Exposed prop nuts, i.e. not covered by spinners, should be of the domed type as manufacturers supplied nuts and locking nuts will not meet the requirement.

4. Metal or damaged propellers must not be used.

5. Care should be taken by the operator to ensure that propellers are of a suitable size and construction for the engine or motor they are being used on.

6. Heavy ballast, or any other heavy part, subject to jettisoning in flight is prohibited. Jettisonable ballast must be of a safe nature, e.g. water.

7. All radio-controlled models are subject to in-flight vibrations, landing knocks, transport damage, etc. Ensure that receivers and batteries are well protected and securely fixed, also that servos are firmly fixed. Ensure that control linkages (pushrods, snakes, closed loops, etc.) are robust enough for their purpose, are properly supported where necessary, are as ‘slop free’ as possible and that all control surface hinges and horns are fitted correctly and are secure.

8. There are starting benches available, during flying hours these are to be used for starting only – not for assembly. Do not leave equipment or debris as a trip hazard around benches – boxes should be placed under benches or against the fence. Please ensure clear commands when starting engine and check area is safe to start.

9. When starting an engine, or switching on an electric motor, always make sure the model is restrained and cannot move forward. Never put yourself in a position where your face is in line with a turning propeller. A broken propeller will fly outwards and forwards so make all engine adjustments from the rear if possible.

10. A broken propeller may also be a danger to those standing nearby so take care that no one is in line with it when starting your engine.

11. Models should be suitably restrained before starting an engine. This includes electric models. Models must not be left unattended with the engine running. Any “running in” of engines should be carried out on the bench to the far side of the car park.

 

Field Etiquette

 

 

1. Waveney Model Flying Club operates an open and honest communication policy. Negative comments to or about other members will not be tolerated. Any comments or disputes should be taken to a Committee Member if cannot be resolved on a one-to-one basis

2. Children must be closely supervised and must not be allowed to run around the pit area of runways

3. There are designated spaces near the start- up benches for less-abled members – please leave these free

4. Helicopters have the use the helipad. However, should a qualified helicopter pilot wish to use the strip other fixed-wing fliers should give this opportunity.

5. Only fliers and their helpers should be in the pilots box – spectators ARE a distraction.

6. Clubhouse is available for members and guests to use. Please ensure rubbish is taken home with you.

7. First aid boxes are available in Clubhouse – in the signing in book are the co-ordinates for Emergency Services to attend.

8. Please be considerate of other fliers, offer help where needed, thank those involved and above all have fun and fly safe!

 

 

Rules amended and approved by the committee 18:02:2024

WMFC Flying times

As approved by the Broads Authority, from 17th October 2019...

Summer (1st May to 31st August inclusive)	IC and Electric	Electric powered only
Monday and Friday	-	1pm till 9pmØ
Tuesday /Wednesday/Thursday	2pm till 9pmØ	10:30am till1pm
Saturday	11am till 5pm
Sunday	10am till 2pm

Ø or sunset, whichever is earlier

 

 

Winter (1st Sept. to 30th April inclusive)	IC and Electric	Electric powered only
Monday and Friday	-	12 noon till sunset
Tuesday /Wednesday/Thursday	1pm till sunset	10am till 12 noon
Saturday	10am till 5pmØ
Sunday	10am till 2pm

Ø or sunset, whichever is earlier