Flying Site Rules 2025
- Site-specific rules
Thorney: Do not drive on uncut grass. Contact Sally before you arrive unless the WhatsApp Call Round says that someone has already done this. Note there is a 10 mph speed limit in the grounds. The trees you can see to the East towards the lakes are 350m away – do not overfly them as it could annoy people fishing.
Hornblotton: Raise windsock when flying taking place. Stick to roads and vehicle designated paths. Report damage/injury to site owners - Safety
It is the responsibility of all club members to ensure that all flying activities are carried out in a safe manner. To this end the club has adopted the BMFA’s safety code and all flying activities shall be conducted in accordance with BMFA Article 16. All models must carry a current CAA Operator I/D.
It is strongly recommended that you do not fly a powered model unless another person is present, so that immediate help is on hand in the event of personal injury. (Constitution Section 8). You are strongly recommended to enter your Emergency contact details on the BMFA Membership Portal/ My profile/. Committee members should also have a paper copy or digital copy of the club members’ emergency contacts. - Pilot Competence
Flying members are encouraged to participate in the BMFA Achievement Scheme. If pilots haven’t gained at least the BMFA ‘A’ Certificate, then they must either have demonstrated to the Club Instructor or Safety Officer that they are capable of safe solo flying, or they must be supervised on the flight line by someone who is deemed competent by the committee. (Constitution Section 7.1)
All pilots must have a valid CAA Flyer I/D. Special rules apply for novice visitors (Constitution section 3.2.7 ) - Equipment
2.4GHz equipment is preferred. Pilots using 35MHz equipment must ensure that the intended frequency is clear by means of active communication with other pilots. 27 MHz equipment is not recommended. - Use of Failsafes
Pilots must be able to demonstrate that on any loss of radio contact, as a minimum, throttles will automatically be cut.
Electric powered models must be fitted with a kill-switch at the transmitter, disabling the throttle control, to prevent accidental motor start-up (by a transmitter falling over, for example) or, in the model, a means of disabling the power to the motor until the pilot is ready to fly.
Pilots must carry out thorough range-checks and a failsafe check prior to flying models for the first time each session, - Noise
All powered models shall comply with the Department of Environment Noise Code for model aircraft as detailed in the BMFA Handbook. Models deemed to be excessively noisy are not to be flown. If necessary, a committee member may rule on this. - Models in the Pits
It is forbidden to run motors (IC or Electric) within the line of other parked models and persons in the pits area. To run-up any motor, the model must be relocated forward, so that the arc of the propeller is well clear of all other people and models in the pits. Onlookers or helpers must be asked to stand behind the line of the propeller before motors are run.
Models must be restrained when running-up motors as above. This can be by strap or pegs or hand-held by another person from behind. - Flight Line Etiquette
Pilots are expected to stand at the edge, or just behind, the runway (a location referred to as the ‘pilot boxes’)
Pilots are to group themselves together to aid communication.
A clear, verbal warning must be given when taking-off, landing (especially ‘dead-stick’), when approaching for a low pass or when retrieving a model after landing. With regard to circuit direction and numbers of models being flown at once, etc, this is largely a matter of common sense and agreement among pilots present. Communication with other pilots is the key.
Hand-launched models must not be launched from the pit area. They must be carried out to the flight line and other pilots made aware.
There is evidence that mobile phones can interfere with transmitters so please don’t take them out to the flight line and it might not be your model it affects!
All flying should be conducted over the strip or on the far side of the active runway i.e. away from the no-fly zones. Pilots must seek specific approval from all other pilots flying before entering the active runway in use. All diving and high speed manoeuvres shall not be conducted towards the pilot box, pits, spectator or parking areas. Pilots of models landing outside of the flying site will require specific permission from the landowner before retrieving their model. Retrieval of models to take place after all models have landed.
- Taxiing safety
Under no circumstances are models to be taxied unrestrained out of the Pits area or towards an active pilot box. Models must not be taxied back into the pits area. Motors must be stopped at a safe distance and models wheeled or carried to their parking spot. Seek other pilots’ permission if you intend to backtrack when taxiing e.g. doing a 180 turn before take-off or after landing. - Runway in use
All members present are to agree the most suitable runway direction in the prevailing conditions. All take-offs and landings are to be carried out along this runway. If a change of runway direction becomes necessary during flight then the positive confirmation of all pilots is required. - FPV
FPV flying is acceptable and shall be carried out in accordance with Article 16 requirements. - No Fly Zones
Members must familiarize themselves with the no-fly zones that apply to each site.
Under no circumstances must the no fly zones, pits or parking areas be overflown.
13 Spotters
Pilots of fast-flying, large models (jets or otherwise) must enlist the services of a ‘spotter’ (observer), who will stand with them whilst flying and make the pilot aware of any (possibly unnoticed) other aircraft, conflict or boundary. Also, if applicable, advise the pilot of the flight time remaining.
- Spectators
Spectators are welcome but members are to ensure that, for safety reasons, they remain within the spectator/parking/pits area. Particular care must be taken with the supervision of small children. - Dogs
Dogs and models do not mix. All dogs are to be suitably restrained. - Accidents/ Incidents
If necessary call 999. All accidents or serious incidents should be reported to the landowner. Additionally, all accidents or serious incidents should be brought to the attention of the committee as soon as reasonably possible.
Pitney Aero Club Committee v4 10 March 2025