Safety Rules

Note: These Rules and Regulations are supplementary to the MAAA regulations.

1. General

a) Each member has the obligation to co-operate to ensure the safe operation of all model aircraft.

b) Flying times at the Jack Black Field are Monday to Saturday 8.00am to dusk, Sunday and public holidays 9.00 am to dusk

(Events excluded )

c) Definitions of Areas and Restrictions:

    *The “Restricted Area” is only for pilots and assistants.  It commences at the first fence, (directly ahead after crossing the bridge) and extends to the third fence and also the flying field.

    * The “Flight Line” is the area between the second (ie middle) fence and the third fence.

    * The “Start Up” area is between the first and second fences.

    * The “Pits” is the Total area extending from the Container sheds located to the west of the sheds to the east side fence and from the creek to the third fence

    * The “Running in” area is 30 metres from the east fence

    * The “Helicopter Hovering” area is in a reserved part of the field at the NE corner of the field.

d) To comply with insurance requirements, visiting flyers MUST sign and fill in the visiting flyers register located in the pound with MAAA number if applicable and MOP certificates shown, if applicable.   The name and MAAA number of introducing member must also be recorded.  A maximum of three visits may be permitted before membership must be completed.

e) Membership badges must be worn to help identification that insurance is current.  Affiliate (other than WRCS club) members

must provide proof of MAAA Insurance.

f) All children are to be in the company of and under the direct supervision of an adult.  Children under the age of 10 years are not permitted to fly solo.

g) All dogs are to be on a leash at all times.

h) All mobile phones must be turned off at the bridge prior to entering the Pits area.

j) Take your entire rubbish home, including broken models.  There is no garbage service.

k) The flying of jet turbine or rocket powered aircraft is BANNED due to the potential bush fire hazard.

2. Transmitter Operation

a) ALL frequencies OTHER THAN 2.4 GHz must use a frequency key, clearly marked with name and frequency and placed in the key board in the pound when flying.  At other times the Transmitter (marked with name and Fq ) is to be switched off and placed in the pound with the key on the throttle stick.  A separate key is required for each frequency.

b) No Transmitter, other than 2.4 GHz, may be operated for any purpose, unless the appropriate frequency key has been inserted in the correct slot in the Frequency Keyboard. 

c) A total maximum time of 20 minutes is considered fair for any one use of a frequency.

d) The frequency bands that may be used are 2.4 GHz; 29 MHz; 36 MHz odd numbers only.

e)Small electric park flyers up to 500 gms and max. 9 v batteries may use the 27 MHz band.

f) If you are unlucky enough to land in the bush, turn off your transmitter and return it to the pound before departing on your search.

3.Flying

a) Engine Etiquette:

i) All engines, (inc. electric motors) MUST ONLY be started/armed and run in the start up area.  All large models or engines above 40 cc must be started outside the pits on the field side of the fence

ii) Prolonged running must be removed to the run up area to the east of flight line.

iii) Effective mufflers are compulsory.  Models that are perceived to be ‘noisy’ may be subject to noise meter testing.  Max 98db meter @ 3 metres, 1 metre above ground.

iv) As a courtesy, starting and/or revving behind the flight line is to be avoided.

b) Prior to flying please observe the following:

i) All members and visiting flyers must hold a minimum Bronze Wings qualification, before flying on the main field without a supervising instructor. (Helicopters in the hovering area are excepted)

ii) All models must comply with MAAA guidelines and any relevant certificates (MOP) must be available for inspection before flying

iii) Test flights of new models may be carried out on the field if the pilot obtains permission from pilots on the flight lines and advises non flyers as appropriate for general awareness and safety.

iv) Large models (over 7 Kgs ), multi-engine aircraft, pylon racers, high performance aircraft, ducted fans and 0.90 powered helicopters, require the pilot to have a minimum standard Gold Wings.

v) No taxiing is permitted in the pits

vi) All aircraft must be effectively restrained during start up and at all times when engine is running.  Bungees string/rope restraints are not permitted.

c) Immediately prior and during Take Off please observe the following:

i) Clearance must be obtained from all pilots with aircraft in the air before taking off…..NO RESPONSE NO TAKE OFF!

Pilots must take their position on the flight line before commencing take off.  ( Please notify CFI if any member consistently ignores call for clearance

ii) Hand launching of any model is not to take place from the flight line but well towards the 30 metre line.  Take off at right angles away from the flight line is permitted.

d) During Flight please observe the following:

i) All models must be flown from the flight line.  Helicopter pilots wishing to practice must do so in the NE area.

ii) Aircraft in flight must keep keep at least 30 metre south of the first fence ie. the edge of the long grass/mown strip.

iii)Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft must fly circuits if other aircraft are in the air.

iv) Helicopters are not to have blades turning before the 30 metre line from the east fence.  Practising helicopters must not encroach on the main field.

v) Aerobatic manoeuvres of aircraft of any type require a clearance from other pilots with aircraft in the air.

vi) No flying is allowed over the pits.   Aircraft must not fly over the helicopter hovering area except at event days as directed by the CD of the day.  The car park ought to be avoided except on controlled landing approaches.

e) Priority for Landing ‘Right of Way’:

i) Power models with engine failure have right of way if the pilot has called ‘DEAD STICK’

ii) Gliders on landing circuit have right of way after the pilot has called ‘GLIDER LANDING’

iii) Powered models landing after Pilot calls ‘LANDING’ clearly on entering a landing circuit.  If ‘GOING AROUND’ this must also be called..

f) Post Flight

i) Before retrieving models on the field, clearance to go on the field must be requested and granted from all other pilots currently flying.  Access and  Exit from the field must be by the shortest practical route.

ii) Taxiing back must be by the side taxi ways.  The exit area at the flight line is not for returning aircraft.

iii) After flight all engines must be shut down before entering the Pits.  Aircraft should be turned nose away from the pits before shutting down

Board of Enquiry (BOE)

If a “serious incident” occurs, then the transmitter and aircraft need to be quarantined by any member present in order to identify the cause of the incident.  A “serious incident” that will trigger a BOE is defined as one which injures a third party and may require an MOP Incident Report; or one deemed to be dangerous by at least two gold wings accredited members.

A BOE is to be appointed by the CFI consisting of at least 3 Gold wings members who shall collect witness statements and prepare a report and recommendation for the committee.