Pilot's Companion

THE INSTRUCTIONS DETAILED BELOW SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BMFA GUIDELINES AND SAFETY CODES IN THE MEMBERS HANDBOOK.

1.	BEFORE ANY FLYING TAKES PLACE the pit area will be defined as an area not less than ten metres from the perimeter of the flying circle – in a straight line parallel to the prevailing wind. The pit area should be obviously marked with a line of tape or some other markers. See plan .

2.	ALL MODELS should be arranged in a single line along the pit area with propellers facing the flying circle.

THE START UP AREA is defined by taking your model one pace forward from the pit area. Propeller arcs must always remain parallel to the pit line to ensure thrown blades fly away from the pits. Turning or angling your model for convenience is unacceptable practice and potentially lethal to adjacent pit crews.

4.	MODELS should be restrained in a safe manner when starting engines.

5.	A “PILOT BOX” will be established just outside the perimeter of the mown circle – all pilots to stand side by side toward the downwind end of the strip.

6.	PILOTS OR HELPERS will approach the circle only to place models for take off, or hand launching and during recovery of models.

7.	NO FLY ZONES must be strictly observed, regardless of model altitude. See plan

FREQUENCY CONTROL is governed by strict adherence to peg board discipline – the club operates using a PEG OFF system – ie pilots remove the appropriate frequency peg from the board and attach it to their transmitters while using that frequency. Transmitters must remain off at all times unless the relevant peg is attached and clearly visible. A BMFA approved orange pennant should be flying from the antenna.

9.	UNTESTED MODELS should not be flown until all other models are grounded – this helps the pilot of the new model trim and stabilise an unknown performer.

10.	CIRCUIT DIRECTION, Left hand or Right hand will be determined by the wind direction and should be chosen to help flying away from the no fly and pit zones whenever possible.

IT IS EVERY MEMBER'S DUTY TO COMPLY AND ASSIST WITH SAFETY, WHICH SHOULD ALWAYS BE TO THE FORE WITH TODAY’S EVER LARGER AND FASTER MODEL AEROPLANES.