Rules page 1

Rules

(Special Rules For The Flying Of Model Aircraft)

The Committee have issued a new and up to date set of interim Rules for the Club.

The reason for this is that over the past few years the existing Club Rules have become fragmented. If you remember we had an Extra Ordinary General Meeting in 2003 to vote in the new Club Constitution. Following from this the intention was to issue the Club Rules as a separate document to the Constitution but due to changes in secretaries the separate rules were never printed.

The rules that existed were in the old Constitution, a ”Visitors Letter”, “The Pilot’s Companion”, and a Blue Booklet. These have now all been combined into one document.

Changes to club Rules can be subject to discussion and voting at the Annual General Meeting and we propose to use this edition of the new rules on an interim basis until this year’s A.G.M. when any amendments can be discussed and voted on. Please will you let the secretary have any alterations in writing before the A.G.M. By introducing the new rules this way we think it will give all members a chance to find out if they are workable and sensible. Please will you abide by these new interim rules and let the secretary know if they cause any problems or conflicts.

In an ideal world we would not need rules and we all would be able to enjoy life without any restrictions. We want flying on the Lleyn to be enjoyable and so have tried to keep the rules as few as possible but once you write one then another and another become inevitable. The intention is for you, your friends, club members, spectators and neighbours to be safe when you are flying. In their final form the intention is to restrict the number of rules so they will print on a single sheet of A4 paper. A copy is printed below. Also there are some definitions to help clarify some of the rules. Copies will also be available in the caravan.

INTERIM CLUB RULES DRAFT 1 November 2007

The intention of the new rules is to put the responsibility for safe flying with the members, or visitors, who may be flying. This means that some areas may be either a little grey or open to some interpretation but are not so vague as to permit unsafe practices.

They are in four sections: General, Ground, Flying and Slope. Some of the rules could be in different sections.

To try and keep the Rules short a Definitions Section is included at the end for the words highlighted in red.

GENERAL SAFETY

1/. All members must comply with the legal requirements of the Air Navigation Order, the recommendations in CAP 658 and the advice given in the BMFA Members Handbook.

2/. You must follow the advice in the Club’s Policy on Child Protection.

3/. You are responsible for the safety of other pilots, spectators, the general public and yourself.

4/. If you cannot accept the decision of the Club Safety Officer or the Assistant Safety Officers you must not fly until the difference is resolved. (Any complaints must be made to the Chairman or sent in writing to the Secretary of the Club).

5/. Any flying restrictions will be displayed in the Club caravan. (This can include permitted flying times).

6/. A plan showing Dead Air Space (no flying area) is on view in the caravan. Markers are attached to the boundary fences. Dead air Space extends to 5,000 feet.

7/. When the wind is from the South West restrictions will apply to your flying if you cannot take off or land without flying in the Dead Air Space. Also in this wind direction the car parking area may be restricted.

8/. Until a pilot has obtained an “A” certificate for solo flying he must be accompanied by a suitable helper.

9/. Only pilots and immediate helpers may go to the Pilot’s Box or out to the flight line.

10/. At busy times all pilots will be expected to share on a rota basis the duties of Safety Marshal.

11/. You must find the cause of any malfunctions of aircraft or equipment and inform the committee if necessary.

12/. Any complaints from the public must be reported to the committee.