CHRISTCHURCH AND DISTRICT MODEL FLYING CLUB
55 YEARS OF MODEL FLYING
BMFA AFFILIATION NUMBER 2581
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CHRISTCHURCH AND DISTRICT MODEL FLYING CLUB
RULES FOR THE USE OF OLDFIELD FLYING SITE
EDITION 3.0 - AUGUST 2022 AMENDED 21 NOV 22 BOURNEMOUTH ATC NUMBER CHANGE
Introduction
All Club members are bound by the regulations for the flying of model aircraft issued by the CAA and the BMFA.
These rules provide specific interpretation of the above in relation to the Oldfield flying site, the conditions imposed by the site owner and by the Club Committee.
The background to all these rules is one of safety: safety of the general public and of Club members, who must be satisfied at the beginning of each flight that they do not endanger others.
The use of IC powered or gas-turbine models is not permitted.
Emergencies. In the event of an emergency, phone 999 and give the operator the location of the field entrance – what three words FASTER.COMPOSES.LIVER. Go to the entrance, unlock the gate and wait to direct the emergency crew to the field
Flying Site
Flying is limited to daylight hours only.
The first person to arrive at the field is to ring Bournemouth Air Traffic Control (ATC) 01202 364150 to say that flying is starting. The last person to leave is to ring them to say flying has finished.
They are then to set up the pilots’ box in a position aligned to take account of the wind direction and place the pits at least 15 metres behind this. Spectator seats are to be behind the pits, as shown in the diagram below.
Red Flag conditions. When there are fruit pickers or farm workers in the field immediately to the east of the patch, the only field layout to be used is the “Red Flag” one in the diagram below. Under these conditions, cars are to wait at the shed until called forward, and must then drive straight to the car park to unload.
Flight Zone. Model aircraft may not be flown:
- Out of line of sight and not further than a ground range of 500 metres (550 yards) from the launch point.
- Or closer than 30 meters (100 ft) to any uninvolved person. Once a person has engaged in conversation with a Club member (in the Pits, for example), they are no longer considered “uninvolved”.
- Or higher than 120 metres (400 ft) above ground level unless authority to fly to150m (500ft) has been received from the ATC on a Friday evening glider challenge
- Or in the no-fly zones to the west and east of the field, shown in the diagram below.
- Flying Restrictions. The following additional restrictions apply to model aircraft flying at the site:
- Models with a mass of 7.5kg or more are not permitted.
- Not more than four models are to be flown at one time.
- Models are not to be flown behind the pilots’ box or over ay no-fly zone
- Models are not to be flown over ongoing farm activities, including Pick You Own. The pumpkin fields to the east of the site present a specific area of concern in October and November.
- When horse riders or other members of the public are on the access track, they must not be overflown.
- Flying is not to take place when the flying field is being maintained.
- Helicopters. Model helicopters may be flown at the site, from the pilots’ box. For safety reasons, fixed-wing flying is to cease during helicopter flying.
Noise sensitivities Although this should not be a noise-sensitive location, fliers of pusher-prop and low blade count EDF models are to minimise noise propagation, particularly near the no-fly zone to the west.
General Site Requirements. The entrance gate must be kept shut and locked at all times unless entering or leaving. The last person to leave is to ensure that the gate is shut and locked
Access. Cars may normally unload near the pits and continue to the car park. Under red flag conditions, cars must wait to be called forward and drive straight to the car park to unload,
Car Parking. Cars are to be parked in the area south of the pit marked on the diagram above. Parking along the access track is not permitted.
Transmitter Control. No control is necessary for 2.4gHz transmitters. Members with 35mHz transmitters are to ensure that they are the only flier on 35mHz before switching on. If more than one flier is using on this frequency, a peg-on system must be used.
Guests. Members may invite a guest or guests to fly at the field. They are then responsible for ensuring that their guest(s) are competent to fly, are aware of the rules for the field and that they conform to them.
Dogs. Dogs may be brought to the field but must be kept under close contro on a lead and are not allowed on the grass strip. Dogs are not permitted on any of the Farm fields
Other requirements
In the event of any incident (eg with a full size aircraft, a serious injury involving the emergency services, an altercation with a member of the public) the owner of the field must be contacted - Mr Dan Tanner, tel 07801 345264. The Club Chairman and Committee must also be informed as soon as possible. A group email link has been added to the Club/Contacts page on the website www.cdmfc.org.
If there is an incident with a full size aircraft, Bournemouth ATC must also be immediately informed on 01202 364152.
In the event of a model coming down or flying away outside the field boundaries or in a no-fly zone, the pilot must make every effort to contact the land owner or their representative and make their apologies before collecting their model and any debris. The committee must be informed.
After a model crash on the main field or in the surrounding farm area, as much debris as possible must be collected and removed, with as little damage to crops as possible. If the model or any component cannot be located, the committee and the Farm staff must be informed.
RED FLAG LAYOUT
Mike Roach, Secretary CDMFC, 15 February 2023