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BCFT – Benton County Flying Tigers Model Airplane Club Field Safety Rules  

 

In addition to these Safety and Operating Rules, all club members/pilots shall abide by the current AMA rules and guidelines

  

1. All pilots MUST be a current member in good standing of the Academy of Model Aeronautics   (AMA), and have in their possession a currently valid AMA card or a receipt for payment of membership dues issued by the AMA. Minor Members Under 16 years of age will fly with their guardian or assigned member present only.

 

2. First Aid Kit and Emergency numbers are located in the First Aid lock box. The combination is the same as the entry gate combination. See the Safety Officer if you have any questions.

     

3. ALL PILOTS USING 72 MHz RADIOS MUST seek out and coordinate with any other 72MHz flyer the use of shared channels. The responsibility is totally on the 72MHz pilots.   

  

4. Full-scale aircraft always have the right-of-way over models and it is our responsibility to “See and Avoid”all full-scale aircraft. Therefore, ALL PILOTS MUST WATCH FOR FULL-SCALE TRAFFIC AT ALL TIMES!   Keep blue sky between you and the fullscale airplane at all times.

  

5. All model aircraft will be pointed toward the runways and away from any spectator area during engine start or run-up.      

 6. There will be a maximum of four (4) aircraft flying at any one time, except under certain PRE-ARRANGED group launches, such as "foam constructed combat". Pilots must stand in designated extended pilot box. If there is one pilot flying the next flying pilot must stand next to the first pilot so communication of intent can be heard by all flying. If there are 4 pilot’s they must stand next to each other in the extended pilot box. During events a spotter is required. During normal flying it is strongly recommended to use a spotter.  

7. Under no circumstances shall a model aircraft be flown over other pilots, the Pit Area, Spectator Area, Vehicle Parking Area, the roads adjacent to the entrance, nor flown in a reckless manner that could be dangerous to people or property.  

       

8. All airplanes performing “Hovering or 3D” will follow these guidelines: 

  1. All Hovering and 3D can be performed at centerline of the runway if that Hovering 3D Pilot is the only pilot in the Pilot Box. Otherwise Hovering and 3D will performed beyond the far side of the runway.

  2. This would include event flying and normal flying or nonevent flying.

    (The reason for this rule is to protect the other Pilots in the Pilot Box not being able to see if a problem occurs with the Hovering 3D plane and be able to react quick enough and get out of the way. Also, a distraction for the other pilots flying and training.)

  3.  Helicopters may fly in the normal traffic pattern over the main runway when not flying “3D” type maneuvers otherwise if there are other Pilots in the Flight Box move the 3D beyond the far side of the runway.   

9. With the exception of taxiing directly to the runway after engine start, NO aircraft will be hovered, landed, or launched in or from the Pit Area!   Aircraft may be hand-launched from the pilot area grass barrier immediately adjacent to a runway.   Immediately after landing and clearing the runway, the pilot will stop the aircraft engine and push, pull, or carry his aircraft back into the Pit Area. Pilots are NOT ALLOWED to taxi their aircraft into the pit area following a flight!

  

10. The Active Runway is Off Limits to everyone except when aircraft retrieval or placement on or beyond the runway is necessary.   Any person retrieving an aircraft or placing an aircraft for takeoff must first insure that all pilots who are currently flying an aircraft know that he is going onto the runway!   This may be accomplished by shouting: “ON THE RUNWAY!” and wait for the active pilots to acknowledge before walking onto the runway.   Make the retrieval or placement as quickly as possible and when you are clear of the runway shout, “CLEAR!”

 

11. Nonclub members, spectators, and children are not allowed into the Pit Area or Pilot Box when a plane is started, battery hook up, or when a plane is flying. Non club members, spectators, and children are allowed in the Pit Area or Pilot box only if they are receiving instruction from an Instructor/Pilot while starting, battery hook or flying. The Club member is responsible for the person they are escorting to ensure their safety at all times.  

    The Club members are responsible for insuring the Pit and Flight area restrictions are observed.

 

12. A “Student Pilot” shall NOT be allowed to fly an aircraft unattended at BCFT Field until he/she has demonstrated flight proficiency and knowledge of these Rules to a club instructor.  

      (proficiency is being worked on for specific requirements)

  

13. Engines cannot be run without any type of header, muffler, or pipe.

    

14.No Drinking of Alcoholic beverages at any time during or after flying.   Drugs are not allowed.   You will lose your membership over this action.

  

15. Pets are allowed in the pit area or pilot area during regular nonevent flying.   ALL pets MUST remain on a leash or in a confined area at all times during Fun Flys. Pet owners must keep pet under control to prevent damage to airplanes. If the pet makes a mess the owner is obliged to pick it up immediately. 

  

The club will not be responsible for items left at the field by members or visitors.

   

NOTE: Failure to comply with these rules may result in revocation of membership after review of the incident by the Safety Officer reported to the Board of Directors.       

 

 

 

 

Rev 4.   BCFT Safety Rules mod 1.4   Voted and approved on Aug. 6th 2019