Field & Safety Rules

1. Transmitter Control

On arrival you must check to see if it is safe to use your frequency. If there are more than 3 flyers present it is mandatory that the PegBoard is brought into use. You must ensure at all times that you have possession of the relevant frequency peg and that it is clearly displayed before the transmitter is switched on,

Note that this includes any ground checks.

You should also have a peg, painted yellow with your name on it, to fit to the PegBoard in place of your frequency peg. (See picture left)

You must keep your aerial retracted until reaching the pilot’s area prior to take off.

Don’t be a ‘Peghog’ please show consideration to other users who may be waiting

2. Pits area and engine testing

The pits area must be at least 30 feet away from the flight line,even if you are the only person at the field.

This is a precaution so that should other fliers arrive after you the pits area will be at a safe distance from the flight line.

When adjusting or testing an running engine (apart from minor pre-flight adjustments) it must be done away from the pits ,flight line or the pilots area.

All models must be either restrained with ground pegs or held firmly by a helper when starting.

Pilots must ensure that no one, including himself or herself, are in front of the aircraft when "running up".

Only the person starting the engine should be in front of the propeller at any time. Everyone else must always be kept behind at all times.

Models with their engine running must not be left unattended at any time.

3. Pre-Flight Checks

Always carry out pre-flight checks prior to every take-off, check that all control surfaces are secure and move in the correct direction.

If using a model fitted with a "failsafe" or PCM receiver It is mandatory that if a loss of signal occurs that the engine must be set to stop or run at a low idle. Please check if using a computer radio system that the correct model memory is selected. It is the pilots ultimate responsibility to ensure that his aircraft is airworthy

4. Range Testing

Prior to a Models 1st Flight, or following any heavy landing, crash or alteration to radio gear, a model must be range tested preferably with the engine running to ensure correct operation

5. Noise Limit

All models must conform to the 82db at 7 metres maximum noise limit.

No I/C engines are to be run before 10am or after dusk.

6. Prevailing Weather

Pilots should agree to use the flight line on the day that best suits the prevailing weather conditions:

7. Restricted Flying Areas

All flying is to be beyond the pilot’s stance. No over flying of the pits or car park. The reed beds at the Harty site are a strictly ‘No Low Flying’ zone.

8. . Lost Models

No person shall attempt to retrieve a model from any farmland adjacent to the flying site without prior consultation with a committee member to ensure that the situation is properly assessed and minimal disruption caused. If the committee member considers that the landowner’s permission should be sought before retrieving the model, it will be the committee member who must approach them for permission.

Failure to comply will result in dismissal from the membership.

In light of problems associated with the recovery of lost models, all models should carry the address and telephone number of the owner. It is also the committee’s strong recommendation that models carry some form of lost model indication device.

9. Pilot Area

All pilots must be in the designated "Pilot Area" area when flying. This ensures better communication for dealing with any hazard or "deadstick" situation.

10. Mobile Phones

Mobile phones should not be kept in close proximity to computerised transmitters and must not be taken onto the flight line when switched on.

11. Cars

All cars to be parked in the designated car parking area, unless specifically authorised by the committee.

12. Children

Children must be under adult supervision at all times. This is in the interest of both the child’s safety and prevention of damage to models. The adult is accountable for the child’s actions.

13. Dogs

Dogs are not allowed onto the flying field.

14. Litter

Do not leave litter or debris in the area, including cigarette butts, broken props etc.

15. Shutting Gates

It is the responsibility of the members to ensure that all gates are closed and properly secured at all times.

16. Etiquette

Please drive carefully, maintenance for an access road such as ours is not inconsiderable. Keep your speed low, to help reduce erosion to a minimum. It is also good manners to respect your surroundings and helps us to project a safe and responsible image of ourselves.

When approaching the pits when flying is in progress, walk around the edge of the field and not across the flight path.