Club Rules
Shropshire Model Flying Club Rules
The policy of SMFC is to operate with the minimum rules and regulations compatible with the safe operation of a model flying site. Model flying is a potentially dangerous sport and it is incumbent on your committee to advise you accordingly. It is also every member's responsibility to abide and ensure safety for all.
These Club Rules will be issued to each new member on joining. Thereafter, there is no excuse for pleading ignorance of the rules and safety procedures, which are absolutely essential for the safe running of the club. If there is anything you do not understand - please ask.
Article 74 of the Air Navigation Order covers all Aircraft, including Models and states: "A person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property". Therefore:-
1. You must have BMFA insurance to fly on this site (included in membership if required).
2. You should be conversant with, and abide by the BMFA safety Codes.
3. Flying of IC powered aircraft is only permitted at the following times:-
10:00 > 20:00 hrs, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. In winter Months close flying by 17:00 hrs GMT
4. The Gate: First on the field unlocks the gate, thereafter members are asked to CLOSE the gate after them and the last off the field makes sure everything is put away, including windsock, chairs and STOP poster, then secures gate.
5. The first qualified pilot on site sets up flight line for day, puts out the STOP poster, and is responsible for the safety aspect of the flight positioning in accordance with BMFA guidelines. The flight line may be amended by agreement if the wind changes. Fixed wing models all fly from same flight line.
6. When Club flying is in progress a notice shall be displayed on site advising visitors that, during the official flying times, the Club have exclusive use of the site and that they are on the site at their own risk. Members shall be responsible for any guests whom they bring to Club sites.
7. When arriving, stop at the stop sign and ensure that it is safe to proceed before parking in the designated car park.
8. Unload your car adjacent to the pits area if necessary and then park as far away from flight line as is feasible, BMFA recommends 100m i.e. adjacent to the fence north side of car park.
9. Always obtain the relevant 'frequency disc before turning on any transmitter (Replace with name only peg) and return it to board after your flight if there are others flying on the same channel. 2.4GHz users attach name peg to right hand end of board and remove before leaving site.
10. Electric models are to be regarded as 'armed' when the battery is connected irrespective of a switch. Arming should not take place in the building, except where no propeller (or impeller) is fitted.
11. You must have a minimum of a BMFA 'A' certificate to fly unsupervised fixed wing aircraft. Currently, helicopter flyers can hover practice without a helicopter certificate providing they have checked with a committee member or experienced helicopter pilot first. Helicopters may fly "slots" on the main strip when no fixed wing aircraft are flying except for hovering only when a separate area may be used in agreement with other flyers.
12. There should be no aerobatics directly towards the flight line, or any manoeuvre that gives cause for concern as to safety by other flyers.
13. No flying over the "no fly zone" (anywhere behind the current flight line) with the exception for sailplanes at height. Restrict flying to south of crab apple bush on west side of N-S runway.
14. When more than one aircraft is in the air, it is sensible to agree a particular circuit to avoid conflict (both with aircraft AND pilots). Any manoeuvre out of circuit should be called. All pilots while flying should stand reasonably close together, certainly within earshot, in order to maintain communication. Always fly in front of the specified flight line.
15. A maximum of 5 IC engines in the air at any time. Currently no limit to electric or silent flight aircraft.
16. Do not carry a transmitter onto the strip when recovering your model unless the engine cannot be stopped remotely. If the engine cannot be stopped - you must retract the transmitter aerial before moving onto the strip.
17. IC models must comply with BMFA noise recommendations (82 dBA @ 7 m); BMFA recommendations state noise checks should be carried out at full throttle.
18. Do not use mobile telephones close to models or transmitters - they should be left in your car or turned off.
19. Children and dogs must be kept under control with a view to their safety.
Shropshire Model Flying Club -- Advisory
The aim of the following advisory notes is to ensure a safe and pleasant flying environment for all club members. They compliment the mandatory SFMC Rules.
It is not advisable to fly IC or electric powered models when you are alone as accidents can happen and shock can kill.
There is a first aid box in the caravan but it is advisable to have one of your own in the car as well as a roll of paper towel.
You are advised to use a model restraint device to prevent it moving forward on starting.
It is sensible to start aircraft facing out to the open field and also have regard to the blowing back of exhaust onto others or into the building.
Use the Mnemonic S.M.A.R.T. before each flight;
S = Switch on
M = Model selected is correct / Meter in the Green
A = Aerial secure / extended
R = Rate switches all in correct positions
T = Transmitter voltage good and Trims all in correct positions
Offer the peg to anyone waiting for the peg after your flight.
We wish to avoid `landing out' that is outside the airfield boundary, so avoid flying too far away from base, particularly if you are downwind. Should it be unavoidable, use discretion in recovery specifically to avoid damage to land, fencing, stock or property.
Tables are provided for members use in the 'hanger' but limit yourself to one table each if there are others in need.
The disabled toilet is provided primarily for disabled and ladies or emergencies.
Personal rubbish should be disposed of by taking it home,
Keep the site and hanger clean and tidy
Any member who feels that there are omissions or error in the above should report to secretary or any committee member
Name
1.Objectives
2.Membership
3.Subscriptions
4.Office Bearers
5.Committee
6.Annual General
Meeting
7.Finance
8.Flying Rules
9.Models
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CLUB CONSTITUTION The name of the Club shall be the SHROPSHIRE MODEL FLYING CLUB
The aims of the Club shall be:
a) To provide facilities for the sport of model aircraft construction and flying.
b) To assist members to improve their standards of building and flying and to require strict observance of all rules in the interests of safety.
c) To encourage Club social activities.
d) To abide by and promote the national policies and rules of the governing body for the sport by affiliation to the British Model Flying Association (Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers Ltd.).
a) ORDINARY MEMBERSHIP - There shall be two classes of Ordinary Membership viz. SENIOR and JUNIOR. Persons seeking membership who are aged 18 or over on the date of application for membership shall be required to join as SENIOR. Those under the age of 18 on the date of application, or who are in full time education to the age of 21, may join as Junior members for the remainder of the current Club year.
b) FAMILY MEMBERSHIP- for parent+ junior(s)
c) HONORARY MEMBERSHIP - Honorary membership shall be conferred at the discretion of the Committee.
In the event of it being necessary to limit the number of members admitted to the Club (for lease considerations or other reasons) the membership limits shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting.
d) Membership of the BMFA/SMAE is a condition of membership of the Club
a) The amount of any initial "joining" fee and the amount of the annual subscriptions shall be determined at the Annual General Meeting.
b) The annual subscription shall be payable on 1 January and shall cover membership for the calendar year.
New members who are not existing members of the British Model Flying Association (The Society of Model Aeronautical Engineers Ltd.) will be required to join the BMFA/SMAE as a condition of membership of the Club and pay the BMFA/SMAE fee together with the Club subscription. Following payment of the fee the Club will issue the requisite BMFA/SMAE Certificate of Insurance, which is required by all members flying under Club rules.
a) The principal Office-Bearers shall be Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, and such other posts that the club shall decide. Any two of these posts may be combined. All Office-Bearers shall retire annually but shall be eligible for re-election.
b) The club may appoint a President who will be a non committee member .The role of the president is to offer additional and experienced advice to the committee if required
a) The business of the Club shall be managed by a committee of 5 or more Including the Office-Bearers,
b) The Committee shall have the authority to co-opt further members at their discretion.
c) The Committee shall be responsible for the production and maintenance of Club "Flying Rules" which shall be binding on all members operating on any site being used officially by the Club.
d) BYE-LAWS - The Committee, during their term of office, may vary the "Flying Rules" at their discretion and may also pass By Laws relating to other aspects of the Clubs activities.
e) QUORUM - A quorum of any Committee meeting shall consist of a majority of Committee members including co-opted members.
f) FREQUENCY OF MEETINGS - The Committee shall meet not less than three times in a year)
g) All Committee members shall retire annually but shall be eligible for re-election.
h) INDEMNITY - If a Club Committee member engages or becomes involved in Court Proceedings, whether criminal or civil in his representative capacity on behalf of the Club, as opposed to in his capacity as a private individual notwithstanding that he is taking part in club activities but in circumstances where it would be unreasonable for the Club as a whole to ratify his actions then In the former Instance i.e. in his representative capacity the Club will indemnify the Committee member In respect of any fines or damages or costs awarded against the Committee member. In the event of a Committee member being awarded damages or costs in the course of proceedings taken by him in representative capacity such damages or costs will belong to the Club and not the Committee member personally and forthwith upon receipt by the Committee member that Committee member will pay them to the Club Treasurer.
a) An Annual General Meeting shall be held in October to December each year for which 14 days notice shall be given. The meeting shall consider the reports of the Secretary and Treasurer and Chairman, and elect Committee members and Office-Bearers for the ensuing year.
b) VOTING - Each Ordinary member shall be entitled to one vote.
a) AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS An Auditor shall be appointed for the ensuing year at the Annual General Meeting.
b) BANKING - The funds of the Club shall be lodged in a bank account approved by the Committee.
c) WITHDRAWAL OF FUNDS - Money may be drawn from the Club's account on the signature of the Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer.
Flying Model Aircraft involves an element of risk. The rules of the club are concerned with the safety of the hobby and those who participate in it. Membership of the club involves a commitment by every member to abide by these rules and by any other safety rules that may be posted at any time. Detailed Safety rules are displayed in the club accommodation and it is the responsibility of each club member to be familiar with latest amendments)
Article 56 of the Air Navigation Order must be observed, it states
A person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property.
b) Article 55 of the Air Navigation Order must be observed, it states:
A person shall not recklessly or negligently act in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft, or any person therein.
c) The "FLYING RULES" shall apply to all Club members while operating on any site officially approved and recognised by the Club for Club flying.
d) The official Club Site comprises Part of The former Forton Airfield at Montford Bridge Nr Shrewsbury
Over flying of dwellings is not permitted and flying should be in accordance with the general rules laid down in the BMFA Members Handbook. The Annual General Meeting shall decide flying times and venues for Club flying but these can be varied by the Committee as necessary (subject to any constraints by the Site lease.).
e) Only pilots who hold a BMFA `A' certificate (fixed Wing) are permitted to fly `solo' i.e., without being supervised by a member who does hold such a certificate. Special exemptions are available to trainee Helicopter pilots where they are allowed to practice individually subject to the prior authorisation of an experienced helicopter pilot.
f) Club members are required to meet any statutory requirements and BMFA/SMAE requirements regarding the use of radio for the remote control of models. The use of radio control on 27megs is allowed.
f) The control of the allocation of all frequencies for radio control transmission shall (except for 2.4ghz users) be by means of coloured or numbered pegs. No member shall switch on radio control transmitters or receivers without having the appropriate peg attached and displayed on his transmitter. Members are also encouraged to place their name peg on the board when they have the frequency peg and indicate the frequency in use by displaying a pennant showing the frequency or frequency colour on the top of the transmitter aerial.
g) Operation is restricted to the following types or models:
1) Aircraft powered by two or four stroke engines and under guidance of Radio Control.
2) Gliders and electric powered aircraft under the guidance of Radio Control.
3) Free flight rubber powered or glider aircraft.
4) Free flight CO2 powered models)
5) Any other model that the committee shall approve from time to time
h) Members must not fly in such a manner that is likely to endanger other members or visitors to the site
i) Pilots involved in "dead stick" landings as a result of an engine cut shall have priority for landing over all other radio controlled airborne models. "Dead stick landing" to be called clearly by the pilot.
j) Faulty models must be landed Immediately.
k) When Club flying is in progress a notice shall be displayed on site advising visitors that during the official flying times the Club has exclusive use of the site and that they are on the site at their own risk. Members shall be responsible for any guests whom they bring to Club sites.
l) NO car parking is allowed on the field except within the area so designated
m) Any behaviour by a Club member, which is prejudicial to the continued use of the Club's facilities, will be considered by the Committee and may result in the expulsion of the offender from the Club.
n) The "Flying Rules" shall be subject to annual review and ratification by the Annual General Meeting.
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