Field Safety Rules

LUFKIN AREA RADIO CONTROL MODELERS CLUB, INC.

FLYING FIELD SAFETY AND COURTESY RULES 2006

Failure to observe these rules may result in loss of membership privileges and can seriously affect the outcome of any claims made against your AMA liability insurance.

1.        All pilots must have current AMA and LARCMC membership.   An experienced LARCMC member with a current AMA membership may give a non-AMA member a single demonstration flight using a "buddy box".   Any demonstration flights must be under the supervision of a designated LARCMC flight instructor.

2.        All pilots and models must adhere to the current OFFICIAL AMA SAFETY CODE which is printed in each monthly issue of the AMA magazine.                                 

3.         Only radio-controlled frequencies currently allowed by the FCC shall be used to operate model aircraft.

4.         Current AMA membership cards shall be used in the frequency slots.  (See items 13 and 14 for additional information covering radio use.)

5.        Fly no closer to the pilot box than the far edge of the runway over the grass.   This line extends to the north and south or east and west horizons depending on the runway used.   Flying over the runway is restricted to take-off, landing, approach to land or departure from the runway when others are flying.

6.        Fly within the PATTERN.   The pilots currently flying will establish the pattern direction. Landing aircraft have the right of way for runway use.

    7.        No taxiing planes between the pits and the shelter.    All aircraft not being readied for flight, shall be stored in the designated pit area

8.        All pilots while flying must stand in the pilot boxes.     No more than four pilots shall fly at one time.

9.        All engines with a displacement over .09 cubic inches shall be operated with a muffler installed.

10.      Before starting your engine, make sure the area is clear of other models and people.

Engine operation (starting and initial tuning) shall be limited to the pit area and starter benches.      Engine testing or prolonged operation should be done away from the shelter in an area designated for that purpose.   No engine shall be operated under the shelter at any time.   Pilots are encouraged to have an assistant holding or carrying the aircraft whenever an engine is running near the shelter areas.   Tuning an engine shall be accomplished by standing behind the model.    Pilots and /or assistants shall not stand to the side of a running engine.

11.      No small children are allowed at or near the flight line.   Individuals under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or acting guardian at all times.    Children are only allowed on the flight line or in the flight area as a pilot or while under flight instruction.

12.      All members shall:

             a.   Ensure that spectators are aware of restricted areas;

             b.   Leash their pets;

             c.   Supervise their children;

             d.   See that the pit areas are free of litter, cigarette butts, airplane parts, etc.

             e.    Refrain from the use of profanity.

13.       Each transmitter must have an AMA frequency identification panel attached to the antenna. Each Pilot must have the correct Club frequency pin attached to the transmitter before operation of that transmitter.  Sharing of popular radio channels shall be controlled by setting up a rotation with other pilots on your frequency.   Remove your card when you finish flying and inform the next person.

14.       Pilots operating a transmitter without the possession of the correct frequency pin, thereby causing a crash of another Pilot’s aircraft on the same frequency who is in possession of the correct frequency control pin, is liable for all damages and injuries resulting from such crash.    These may include, but not limited to:

                 a.   Repair or replacement of radio equipment;

                 b.   Repair or replacement of engine;

                 c.   Repair or replacement of aircraft.

            The monetary value of damage to models should be determined by the parties involved. If satisfactory assessment of damage cannot be reached in this manner, all parties shall agree to be bound by an evaluation made by the Club’s current Board of Directors.

15.      In accordance with AMA General Rules, Item 9, Pilots will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to nor during participation in any model operations.

 HAVE FUN AND ENJOY YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP, BUT BE SAFE!