Esher & District Model Flying Club

Flying Field Rules

Code of Etiquette

General Flying Code of Practice - All flying fields

1. Check frequencies of other flyers before flying
2. Use and fully understand any frequency control system in operation that day
3. Always leave TX aerial retracted unless you have clearance, then extend fully before starting.
4. Before switching on TX check with any pilot on adjacent frequencies to ensure no interference.
5. Carry out normal range and pre-flight checks before flying.
6. Check that your model / engine / prop / silencer combination complies with the site rules.
7. Securely peg down the model before starting.
8. Declare in a loud voice your intentions, i.e., "Take off", "Landing", "Dead stick!"
9. Pilots should group together when flying and not obstruct the runway.
10. Do not:
• fly over the pits
• do manoeuvres over the runway
• fly down runway
• fly up runway except on low throttle or for landing
11. Do not distract pilots when starting or flying as this can cause them to crash or injure themselves.

General Code of Etiquette - Treat other members with consideration!

1. When parking models, point them into wind so that the exhaust fumes do not blast over others.
2. When checking engine in a nose up position, make sure the exhaust is not blowing over others.
3. Do not taxi through the pits - you may get a glitch.
4. Do not fly in circles round the pits when others are flying - you will keep flying through their airspace and increase the risk of a mid-air. Try to fly in a clear segment.
5. Do not fly when mowing is in progress
6. Do not leave rubbish.

Flying Field Rules - Winter Site, Cobham.

1. Flying will be allowed on Saturdays only from 11am to 5pm (electric until 6pm and 12pm-5pm Sunday) and a minimum of two people must be present one of which must be a 'B' certificate holder.
2. Cars must be parked between the two access entrances and the slip road kept clear to allow the movement of farm vehicles. Do not obstruct the entrance or parking for the Vets surgery.
3. You must enter your name and frequency in the site book before flying and put a peg on the frequency board provided there is nobody else on your frequency.
   • If anyone else is on your frequency, let them know at once. When you want to fly and your frequency is clear, put a peg on the frequency board. After your flight, switch off, retract the aerial and remove the peg. Put it on your TX throttle stick as a reminder not to switch on.
   • For 2.4GHz put a black peg with your name on it on the top of the board.
4. Engines must be silenced to <82dBa at 7 Metres and must not be flown continuously at full throttle.
5. Models to be placed in the designated pits area at all times unless flying.
   • However extended engine runs must not be done in the pits, as members may not hear any warning that is called. Run up an engine only long enough to ensure it is running OK or to tune it.
   • If an extended engine run is required, peg the aircraft down at least 50 yards from the pits area and runway.
6. Pilots must stand close together behind the safety fence when flying and not take transmitters on the landing strip, or flying area, when retrieving aircraft.
7. Only 4 I.C. models to be flown at a time and a maximum of 5 models of all types.
8. All flying must take place in the designated flying area except for landing and take off.
9. No low, fast flying along the strip. Fast & low must be just off the far side of the strip.
10. Models must not be flown in the 'dead airspace' area, over the pits or behind the flightline at any time - this includes parkflyers, etc which may cause an accident as a result of distraction.
11. Models must not be flown over the 'paintball woods' on the right side.
12. The steep slope of the runway means that it will often be necessary to take off downhill and land uphill
    • The circuit direction is ALWAYS the direction of landing.
    • A request to take off against the circuit direction must be clearly stated i.e. "OK to take off downhill?"
    • Fliers already airborne need to confirm that it is OK to a take off, and then must remain clear of the runway while the take off is completed.
    • The departing aircraft must turn away from the runway as soon as it is safe to do so and either leave the circuit or join it in the correct direction.
13. All other club flying rules and the BMFA safety code must be observed.
    
    

Flying Field Rules - Summer Site.

1. Flying is only permitted between the times of 11.30 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. or sunset, whichever is earlier.
2. A duty member must be present at every flying session. The duty member usually holds a "B" certificate and is approved by the committee to whom he is responsible. He will be responsible for ensuring that the gate is closed and locked and the field is left in good order.
3. You must enter your name and frequency in the site book before flying. If anyone else is on your frequency, let them know at once. When you want to fly and your frequency is clear, put a peg on the frequency board. After your flight switch off, retract the aerial and remove the peg. Put it on your TX stick as a reminder not to switch on.
4. A maximum of 5 models in the air (except gliders or electric)
5. Models must not be flown over the pits at any time.
6. Maximum noise limit is 84db @ 7m. Models to be placed in the designated pits area at all times unless flying.
7. Do not fly at high throttle at the East end of the field as this is closer to houses.
8. Pilots must stand close together when flying and not take transmitters on the landing strip, or flying area, when retrieving aircraft.
9. When a model lands in the crops, only one person is to retrieve - walk in the tyre tracks if possible.
10. All hand-launches must be from the upwind end of the strip.
    

Flying Field Rules - Wednesday nights at NESCOT sports field, West Ewell.

1. Flying is only permitted between the times of 6.00 p.m. - sunset.
2. A duty member or committee member must be present before flying.
3. Flying is restricted to electric models and gliders.
4. For safety, flyers must have a 'B' certificate. Novice flyers and 'A' certificate holders may fly but must use a buddy box system at this site.
5. Flying is only permitted when it does not interfere with any other sports activity on the site.