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GENERAL INFORMATION AND CODE OF CONDUCT
Your primary responsibility is that of safety; to the general public, to other fliers and to yourself.
You should familiarise yourself and comply with, all regulations, codes of practice etc. applicable to your model flying activities. These include CAA regulations, conditions of insurance, local bye-laws and additional regulations that may relate to particular flying sites or model types and you should be familiar with the flying procedures in operation at the location.
You are responsible, through your BMFA insurance, for any claims or liabilities arising from your model flying activities.
Changes or additions to this code of conduct and the rules applicable to individual flying sites will be publicised to members and shall become effective immediately.
The membership of any member continually ignoring this code of conduct may be terminated in accordance with our Constitution.
Guidelines for tricky situations
If confronted by a non-member determined to fly, please proceed as follows:
Explain that it is a requirement that flying be restricted to C&DMFC members only and do all that you reasonably can to persuade the flyer concerned not to fly.
If persuasion fails, try to find out as much as possible about the person and if possible note their car registration number.
Report the details to a Committee member as soon as possible.
If confronted by a member of the public, please proceed as follows:
Be polite and try to resolve the matter, but do not get drawn into an argument.
If the matter cannot be amicably resolved at the time, try to obtain details of the complainant (i.e. name, address, telephone No.) and the reason for the complaint.
Report the details to a Committee member as soon as possible.
Flight Safety Procedures
Pre Flight Procedures
Check airframe for transit damage, noting the following specific points:
Attachment of control surfaces.
Security of mechanical linkages.
Security of electrical connections.
Check the flight line location, pit area and procedures for the day.
Start Up Procedures.
Check that receiver and/or flight battery and transmitter battery are adequately charged before each flight.
Select model number and switch on transmitter, switch on receiver or connect flight battery (in that order).
Check that all control surfaces move in the correct sense to transmitter stick inputs.
Carry model to the flight line. Do not taxi from the pit area.
Flying Procedures.
Get permission from other pilots of your intention to take off by calling ”OK to take off?” or “Launch?” as appropriate.
Look for a clear slot to take off..
Take off and gain a safe altitude, always being aware of any other aircraft flying at that time.
At all times while flying remain at the Flight Line, unless attempting to recover or avoid a potentially unsafe situation e.g. landing out, in which case inform other pilots at the flight line of your intentions.
Do not fly over or behind the Flight Line, pits, parking or private property areas, or any other restricted places defined for that site.
Landing Procedures.
Inform other pilots of your intention to land by calling ”Landing Circuit”.
On final downwind leg call “Landing”.
In the event of a power failure resulting in the requirement for emergency landing call “Dead Stick” to warn other pilots of your need to land.
Retrieval Procedures.
Taxiing
After calling ”Taxiing” the model may be taxied back towards (but not at!) the Flight Line. Do not taxi into the pits area.
By Hand
Call “Retrieving” to inform other pilots you are entering the area and, checking to ensure it is safe to do so, retrieve your model leaving your transmitter on the flight line, switched on, until the model is retrieved and switched off.
Post Flight.
Disconnect the flight battery.
Turn the transmitter off
Check for structural damage, loose linkages etc, especially if the model has been subjected to a heavy landing,
Please note that these simple procedures are general safety, the purpose being safe and enjoyable flying for all our members. The ultimate responsibility for safety remains with the pilot.
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