FlightSchool

Hill Country AeroModelers

Radio Control Association

Student R/C Pilot Lesson / Log Book

Name: ______

AMA #______

Solo Date: ______

Hill Country Aeromodelers

Flying and Safety Rules

Effective

April 13, 2010

Modified May 10th 2010

Mary Moore Searight Park

Austin, Texas

Hill Country Aeromodelers Flying and Safety Rules 2010

All AMA safety rules and MaryMooreSearightPark Rules apply.

Preface:

This document provides the guidelines and rules necessary to establish a safe and fun flying environment. Safety is every member’s business and members are encouraged to politely point out any safety problems to other club members (after they land if they are flying). The HCAM Board of Directors and Officers have the final responsibility for the enforcement of these safety rules.

1. PILOT QUALIFICATIONS AND CLUB MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

A.AMA Requirements: All pilots flying at the field must be current members of AMA with the exception of persons on an introductory flight on a “Buddy Box” and only then if an AMA Intro Pilot is in control of the aircraft.

B.Pilot Requirements: To fly at HCAM facilities you must be a soloed pilot or a student pilot under the direct supervision of an HCAM soloed pilot. A student pilot may not conduct any flight or moving ground operations unless under the direct supervision of a soloed pilot.

  1. Student pilots and solo requirements: All student pilots must be under the supervision of a HCAM soloed pilot while flying. Experienced HCAM soloed pilots may request authorization from any instructor or Director to instruct students on their own aircraft or the student’s aircraft. Only the Safety Coordinator and authorized HCAM instructors may use club owned equipment.

To solo all student pilots will be required to demonstrate he or she has developed the flight skills and understands the safety rules and procedures to the satisfaction of an HCAM Instructor.

  1. Experienced Pilots joining HCAM: New HCAM members who have

already soloed elsewhere must review the HCMA safety rules and have a check flight by an authorized HCAM Instructor before flying solo at the field. If an HCAM Instructor is not at the field, a Soloed Pilot may at their discretion, chose to be responsible for the new member pilot temporarily until an HCAM Instructor can provide a formal check flight.

E.Visiting Pilots: Visiting members from neighboring AMA chartered clubs may fly here on a limited basis as a guest of a specific HCAM member. The HCAM member who is acting as host is responsible for the guest’s compliance with HCAM’s flight and safety rules. The HCAM member who is host for the visiting pilot must log in their name and the name and AMA number of the guest and the date and time. The guest may only fly during the time the host is present. Failure for a HCAM host to log the guest is grounds for reprimand. Before flying the guest must put their current AMA membership card in the frequency control board and review the posted safety rules with the HCAM host. The guest logwill be available at the bulletin board area in our building and will be published to the membership with the monthly meeting minutes.

  1. FLYING HOURS:Flying will not commence before 9:00 A.M. Monday thru Saturday and not before 11:00 A.M. on Sundays and National Holidays. Flight restriction times do not apply to nearly silent aircraft typified by electric powered gliders, and quiet electric planes operating at moderate rpm (<15,000).

3.AUTHORIZED AIRCRAFT:Only radio controlled and control line aircraft are authorized to fly at this field. Winch launching equipment is not allowed. Bungee launching equipment must be approved by a club officer and may not be located in the grass or runway landing area.

A. Aircraft Performance Requirements: All aircraft must be powered and must be able to fly the established pattern, defined as the perimeter of the main field cleared flight area, and safely land in the prevailing wind unless it is being flown in the multiuse area.

B.Turbine Jetsare not permitted due to AMA standards, the size of the field, the surrounding apartments, and the fire potential in the case of a crash.

4. RADIO FREQUENCY CONTROL and Pilot ID: Before any transmitter is turned on the pilot must place their HCAM membership card (or AMA card if a guest) on the frequency control board, in the appropriate slot. This rule must be observed regardless of transmitter frequency including 2.4 GHz.

Pilots must remove their card from the frequency control board whenflying or maintenance is completed and the transmitter is to remain off. Pilots flying on 2.4GHz may leave their cards on the control board for the duration of their flying day.

Driver’s license or other IDs cannot be substituted for HCAM or AMA membership cards due to insurance requirements.

Pilots will limit their use of a frequency to 20 minutes if other pilots are waiting for that frequency.

5. NOISE ABATEMENT: Engines must be equipped with an effective muffler

and must not exceed 112 db at 25 ft. All aircraft operated at the HCAM facilities shall be compliant with current 97db at 25 ft. AMA noise requirements for certain AMA contests or events.

6.FLIGHTLINE PIT CONTROL: Parking of aircraft is permitted on either side of the pit area. No taxing is permitted in the pit area.
Power must be cut-off at the cut-off line when entering the pit area.
All aircraft must be started in the starting area in the grass area between the pits and the taxiway or on the taxiway’s runway side of the cutoff line.
Taxing is permitted from the grass starting area or on the taxiways beyond the cut off line. Engine break-ins shall be conducted on the farthest end of the pits away from any pilots on the field.

7.BATTERY CHARGING OPERATIONS: All LiPo batteries charged anywhere on HCAM property and facilities must be charged in a fire resistant container.

8. PILOT SEPARATION: Pilots may fly from any of the flight stations along the flight line. Preference should be given to using the six center stations first.

9. FLIGHT OPERATIONS:

A. Pattern Direction: The prevailing wind direction determines right or left traffic patterns.

B.Attention: The pilot must keep his or her full attention on the operation of his plane while flying and at no time do anything that would be a distraction such as using a cell phone or watching a child.

C. Taking off and Landings -

  • Pilots must taxi past the last pilot at the flight stations before lifting off during the take off run.
  • Take offs and landing will be done in the appropriate direction as determined by the wind.
  • Take offs and landings should be done on the runway or the grass parallel to the runway.

D. Number of Aircraft: A maximum of six (6) aircraft will be in the air at any time.

E. . Flight Boundaries:

  • Pilots should fly the right hand or left hand pattern as determined by the wind.
  • At no time shall pilots fly aircraft over any portion of the apartment complexes surrounding the field.
  • All flying shall be east of the pilot’s safety fence with the exception of the multiuse area.
  • If more than one pilot is at the flight line, 3D or other low level aerobatics or stationary flight must be moved to the grass area to free the runway for landing and taking off and avoiding close in distractions to other pilots.
  • Pilots should not fly aggressive maneuvers toward the pilot stations, pit areas, or the operations building.

F. Flight line Communications: When other pilots are present at the flight stations, pilots shall notify each other with the following phrases as needed:

  • Coming Out (When approaching the runway for takeoff).
  • Taking- Off
  • Landing (prior to landing)
  • Touch and Go
  • LowPass
  • Dead Stick
  • On the Runway (When crossing the runway)

G. Joining other pilots while flying: Pilots are encouraged to join existing flights of similar types of aircraft. For example: avoid mixing 3D or helicopters with high speed aircraft or big birds as it is potentially hazardous. Avoid dominating the airspace by continuously flying one type of aircraft, take turns.

H. Special emergency procedures: In the event anyone is on the field or an emergency is declared all other pilots shall assume a safe altitude and avoid the emergency area.

I. Helicopter training shall be conducted in the multiuse area. Proficient helicopter pilots flying in the traffic pattern will conform to the flight requirements as stated above.

10.SPECTATORS: Spectators are not allowed inside the pits chain link fence unless escorted & closely supervised by a club member. Anyone escorting spectators inside the fence is responsible for the spectator's behavior & compliance with club rules. Flight-line pilot stations are to be used by pilots, instructors, students-in-training, safety observers, and non-distracting pilot guests only. Unescorted spectators of all ages must remain outside the pits fence at all times. For the child’s safety, all children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

11. Member’s Children, grandchildren, youth guests and Pets: Children are not allowed on the flight line unless they are soloed pilots or receiving flight instruction from an authorized pilot. Children and pets must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times when inside the pits fence. The adult shall be responsible for the behavior the child or animal at all times while at the field.

12. FIRST-AID BOX and FIELD ENTERANCE GATE: The first-aid box should be opened by the first pilot arriving at the field. The last club member to leave the field must ensure that all visiting pilots and spectators have departed, and that the first aid box and ENTRANCE GATE IS LOCKED!

13. Special Events: All special events must have the prior approval of the Board of Directors. If any non-AMA club safety rule is an obstruction to holding the event, the Contest Director or the Board of Directors may temporarily suspend that particular rule during the event. All other rules shall remain in effect during the special event. The temporarily suspended rule shall become effective again after the event.

14.Safety Coordinator Guided Assistance: The goal of Safety Coordinator is to help the pilot better understand the safety rules and help him or her become a better and safer pilot.

15.Violations and Enforcement: The first violation can, at a

minimum, result in a verbal warning from the Safety Coordinator or other Directors of the Club. Verbal warnings by a Director shall be reported to and recorded by the Safety Coordinator. The second violation of the same offense can result, at the minimum,with a written warning to the individual. The third violation of the same offense may result in suspension of flying privileges or expulsion from the club. If Directors find the safety violation serious enough, even as a first offense, they may proceed directly to suspension or expulsion. Directors, as part of their safety obligations, have the authority to suspend flying privileges for any member for the day if the Board Member believes safety may be compromised. Refusal to immediately comply with suspension for the day shall be handled in accordance with HCAM Bylaws Article IX – Flying Field Safety Rules, Grievances, and Disciplinary Actions.

______

These rules were amended and approved by the club membership at the regular scheduled ----- monthly meeting.

Signed:

PRESIDENT, THE HILL COUNTRY AEROMODELERS

Addendum:

For your convenience and clarity the following edited satellite image depicts a rough of the proposed layout changes to the field referred to in the Safety Rules text. What has been crudely edited is:

  • A small break in the middle of the runway safety fence was edited in to show a short cut access to the runway between current pilot stations 2 & 3. This break is just wide enough for a pilot to walk through retrieving a dead stick plane or placing a small plane to launch.
  • A four foot fence was added behind the high use pilot stations and the taxiway and startup area.
  • Four crude icons representing startup stands were edited in to show rough locations in the grass strip between the taxiway and pits asphalt area. The three white square items in this area are the existing range test and electric start up tables.
  • One additional pilot station was added between stations 4 & 5.
  • The existing Yellow lines on the taxiways were darkened for visibility showing the location of the current painted motor cut off lines.

Academy of Model Aeronautics

National Model Aircraft Safety Code

Effective January 1, 2010

GENERAL

A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations

established in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for sport, recreation, and/or competition.

1. I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a careless or reckless manner, and will abide by this Safety Code and any additional rules specific to

flying sites.

2. I will yield the right-of-way to man-carrying aircraft and will see and avoid all aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate. (See AMA Document

#540-D on See and Avoid Guidance.)

3. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level, when within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the airport

operator.

4. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.

5. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model demonstrations unless I have previously proven that my aircraft, control

system, and piloting skills are adequate by successfully executing all maneuvers intended or anticipated in the specific event. If I am not a

proficient pilot, I will not fly in these events unless assisted by an experienced pilot.

6. I will not fly my model aircraft unless it is identified with my name and address, or AMA number, inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. This

does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.

7. I will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade propellers.

8. I will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which explode or burn, or any device, which propels a projectile of any kind. Exceptions include

Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight. Rocket motors up to a G-series size may

be used, provided they remain firmly attached to the model aircraft during flight. Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry

Safety Code; however, they may not be launched from model aircraft. Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and

practices as defined within the Team AMA Program Document.

9. I will not operate my model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any drug which could adversely affect my ability to safely

control the model.

10. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or

comply with comparable standards.

RADIO CONTROL

1. All pilots shall avoid flying models over unprotected people.

2. I will complete a successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations before the first flight of a

new or repaired aircraft.

3. At all flying sites a safety line or lines must be established, in front of which all flying takes place. Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft

are allowed at or in front of the safety line. In the case of air shows or demonstrations a straight safety line must be established. An area away from the safety

line must be maintained for spectators. Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited. (See AMA Document #706 for Recommended Field Layout.)

4. I will operate my model aircraft using only radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals

properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.

5. I will not knowingly operate my model aircraft within three (3) miles of any preexisting flying site without a frequency-management agreement. (See AMA

Document #922 for Testing for RF Interference. See AMA Document #923 for Frequency Management Agreement.)

6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition Regulations rules, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be flown

outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the flight line.

7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual.

This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.

8. Radio-controlled night flying requires a lighting system that provides the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.

9. The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft shall control it during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by

corrective lenses that are prescribed for the pilot. First-Person View (FPV) flying may only be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in

AMA Document #550.