Cumbernauld Model Flying Club

Basic Criteria:

• Any pilot using our facility must produce evidence of insurance and qualification to fly. This will be achieved by placing your SAA or equivalent card on the peg board.

• Trainees must be supervised by a qualified pilot at all times.

• Trainees may only fly models powered up to .46 two stroke, .55 four stroke.

• No one may fly a model over 7Kg without the express permission of the Committee.

Flight Zones

• The Pits, Pilot Stance and an area ten paces forward of the Safety Fence is designated as a Protected Zone. Models must be physically restrained by the pilot or assistant in this area.

• The Pilot Stance accepts a maximum of seven Pilots. Mobile phones and alarms are discouraged.  Never carry a running model through the Stance.

• The Small Model Flight Line is ten paces in front of the Pilot Stance, small models may launch and land forward of this line. For guidance a small model will use less than 300 Watts electric power or .30 glow power. Launch into wind away from the Pilot Stance. Never launch across the face of the Pilot Stance. Fly aerobatics forward of the main Flight Line.

• Larger models may taxi out from and home to, the Small Model Flight Line. Returning models must be brought to a halt parallel with the Pits.

• The main Flight Line is 25 paces in front of the Pilot Stance and defines an area that is designated safe to fly. Pilots must respect this line absolutely during take off, flight and landing. If winds make it impossible to complete the flight within this zone then it should not be attempted.

Preparation

• Never switch on your transmitter until you have obtained the necessary frequency control peg. Your SAA or equivalent card must be slotted in the peg board. Relinquish the peg as soon as you are able. Both 35Mhz and 2.4Ghz users must obtain a peg.

• Keep 35Mhz transmitter aerials down while you are in the Pits

• Routinely check the airframe, battery voltages and control movement prior to attempting flight.

• If the model is new then ensure the CoG is within bounds, that the propeller is blunt, range check the radio and ensure that the fail safe shuts the throttle.

Starting

• Ensure all loose items are secured and that your clothing cannot be drawn into the propeller.

• Fuel the model and prime the engine. Check it is not flooded.  A flooded engine can throw a propeller. Turn the engine over by hand. If it is flooded lift, tilt and drain the exhaust and crankcase.

• Ensure no one is standing inline or ahead of the propeller. Restrain the model, power the glow plug and start, keeping your fingers out of the propeller arc. Use a chicken stick, electric start, reverse twist on the spinner or as a last resort put your finger flat on the front of the blade to flick.

• Do not run the engine up to full power in the Pits. Do not hold it running at head height endangering everyone in the Pits. Tune the model in the designated tuning area or at the Safety Fence pointing away from the Pits.

• Never leave a running model unattended in the Pits. Running in should be undertaken in the designated tuning area.

Pre Flight Checks

• Stop at the Safety Fence. Raise the aerial and check the transmitter’s battery reading. Check the controls systematically, briefly check at full power. Ensure the lane is free of pedestrians and riders. Call for permission to take off.

• Listen to what is going on. Dead stick calls and landing calls have priority over take off. If it appears safe to do so, move the model forward of the Flight Line.

Take off

• Beginners may stand to the rear of the model for initial training. Thereafter stand between the model and the Pilot Stance at a sufficient distance to allow you to hear calls. Take off, do not allow the model to veer across the Flight Line or Heli Hover Practice area. If necessary abort the take off and ditch the model with a good margin of safety.

• Do not delay your take off or tinker with the model in the Flight Zone. Clear the area as soon as you can and let other pilots know you are clear.

Landing & Recovery

• Ensure the lane is free of pedestrians and riders before attempting a landing. Call for permission to land. Dead stick calls have priority.

• Do not cross the Flight Line whilst landing. The model must be brought under control forward of the Flight Line, either carry it or taxi it back.

• Stop your taxi at the Small Model Flight Line with the model parallel to the Pits. Do not stop it facing in to the Pits with the motor running.

• Let other pilots know you are clear of the Flight Zone, kill the motor, switch off the model then switch off the transmitter.

• Relinquish the peg as soon as you are able.