Please note, The following Rules and By – Laws were discussed and voted on at the club’s AGM 14/June/2014.
The Rules and By-Laws were amended in 2017 after release for comment to club members. The amendments correct some minor grammatical errors, recognise the security features of 2.4 Ghz radios, and include rules and protocols for “Multi Rotor Aircraft” and “First Person View” in accordance with current CASA and MAAA legislation and guidelines.
4th May 2021 – Rules and By-Laws revised by LMMAC 2020/21 Committee and re-issued as below.
Introduction
Purpose
These Rules are intended to provide a basis for the safe and enjoyable operation of radio controlled (R/C) and control line (C/L) model aircraft at the LMMAC field by minimising the risk of injury to people and/or property.
The Club’s Rules are divided into three (3) categories:
1) RULES – To be observed at the LMMAC field at all times.
2) GUIDELINES – To be observed when sharing LMMAC facilities with other members and or visitors.
3) GOOD PRACTICE – For aero modellers.
Observance of Rules
LMMAC members and visitors are expected to observe these Rules. The Committee may initiate disciplinary action against any member or visitor who persistently fails to comply with the Club’s Rules.
1 Rules
1.1 Model Aeronautical Association of Australia
1.1.1 MAAA
The LMMAC club is affiliated with the MAAA and as such all Policies and Procedures published by them shall form the basis for the safe operation of the club’s activities.
1.2 General Requirements
1.2.1 LMMAC Members
Regular pilots must be current financial members of the Lake Macquarie Miniature Aircraft Club Inc. (LMMAC)
1.2.2 Visiting Pilots
Visiting pilots must be affiliated with the Model Aircraft Association of Australia (MAAA), be carrying a current MAAA membership card and be accompanied by a LMMAC member. Visitor pilot’s are permitted a maximum of four (4) days flying per financial year.
1.2.3 Beginner Pilots
Beginner pilots may have four (4) days flying under the supervision of a LMMAC member before joining LMMAC. As required by MAAA policy, on each day, the beginner must enter their name, the supervising LMMAC member’s name and the date in the visitor’s log located in the Frequency Box.
1.2.4 Insurance Cover/s
The owner of an aircraft is the responsible party for damage caused by their aircraft (Note: a trainee’s instructor is not responsible for any damage caused by trainee’s aircraft. All care and responsibility is taken by the instructor, but it is the trainee’s insurance that carries any claim/s).
1.2.5 Flight Times
Field Availability for IC Aircraft:
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (AEST)
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (EDST)
for Electric Aircraft:
Daylight Hours
Flying or starting of IC engines must not commence before 8.00AM on any day.
1.3 Radios and Frequency Control
1.3.1 Frequency Control
Only one (1) non 2.4ghz Radio system shall be operated at the LMMAC Airfield at any one time.
1.3.2 Frequency Keys
A non-2.4Ghz transmitter must not be switched on anywhere at the LMMAC field, including the car park, unless its matching Frequency Key, carrying the user’s name and transmitter frequency, has first been placed in the appropriate slot in the frequency keyboard.
In order to provide a ready check that frequency keys are correctly located in the Frequency keyboard, pilots are provided an individual Frequency Key for each channel which they wish to use. Under no circumstances should a Frequency Key be inserted in the Frequency Keyboard in a slot which does not correspond with the channel marked on the key. (Visitor keys are available for use by visitors, beginner pilots or forgetful members, if necessary.)
2” keys should be used for tested 36mhz frequencies and placed in the appropriate slot in the upper keyboard (leaving the frequency each side of the designated 36mhz frequency unavailable)
2.4 Ghz frequencies do not require the use of a frequency key.
Visitor keys are available for use by visitors, beginner pilots, or forgetful members, if necessary.
Under NO circumstances is a Frequency Key to be removed from the Frequency Keyboard by any person other than the owner of the key.
1.3.3 Transmitter location
All fixed wing radio controlled (R/C) model aircraft must be flown from the airstrip and controlled from the Pilot area. For helicopter operations see Rule 1.3.2.
When retrieving a model from the airstrip or elsewhere on the field, the controlling transmitter must remain in the Pilot Area until the model is recovered. (To avoid damage to servos, it is suggested that the transmitter remain switched ‘on’ until the model is recovered.)
1.3.4 Transmitter Testing
Any 36 Mhz transmitter used by members or visitors at the LMMAC is to have been tested to MAAA requirements at least once and is to be re-tested by a MAAA approved testing station after any crystal change or major transmitter repair. Such testing is to be demonstrated by an appropriate sticker on the transmitter and provision of the test certificate upon request.
If visitors cannot meet the above requirements, transmitter operation by a visitor at the field will be permitted for a period of up to 14 days on condition that a 40 Megahertz Key is used.
1.3.5 Transmitter Storage at the LMMAC Field
Non-2.4 Ghz transmitters are to be turned off and placed in the transmitter pound, whenever the associated frequency key is not properly located in the frequency keyboard. (The frequency key should remain with the transmitter in the pound for the information of other members.)
1.4 Flying Operations and Flying Areas
1.4.1 Fixed-wing Aircraft
All fixed-wing radio controlled (R/C) aircraft must be flown from the airstrip and controlled from the Pilot Box. Gliders must be towed, winched, or bungee launched as close to the airstrip as conditions permit, but must be controlled after launch from the Pilot Box
1.4.2 Rotary Wing Aircraft
1.4.2.1 Gyrocopters
Gyrocopters are permitted to be flown as per the requirements of fixed wing aircraft.
1.4.2.2 Helicopters
Radio controlled Helicopters are permitted to be flown only when there are no fixed wing models currently flying, or by agreement of currently flying members.
1.4.2.3 Multi-Rotors
Multi-rotor aircraft (quadcopters) are permitted to be flown only when there are no fixed wing models currently flying, or by agreement of currently flying members.
1.4.3 Control Line Aircraft
The club has constructed a dedicated Control Line circle which can be accessed as required.
1.4.4 Taxiing
For safety reasons, taxiing is not permitted in the Pit Area. Aircraft must be carried or wheeled to the Taxi Lanes. After landing, models may be taxied off the airstrip and down the Taxi Lanes.
1.4.5 Repairs on the Airstrip
Engine running or aircraft repairs on the airstrip are prohibited. (Remove the model to either the Apron or the Pit Area for restarting and running.)
1.4.6 Time Limit
Please limit flying times to 5 minutes for adjustments to engines and 15 minutes flying, a total of 20 minutes per flight.
1.4.7 Clear for Take-off
Prior to taxiing onto the airstrip for take-off (or similar launch by hand or bungee line in the case of gliders), each pilot must first check that no one is landing and then call “Clear for Take-off?” The pilot must not proceed until pilots currently flying acknowledge with a “Clear” response.
1.4.8 Take-off
A pilot may move onto the airstrip to control the model during take-off, but must then move promptly to the Pilot Area behind the Safety Barrier. (Pilots are encouraged to learn to take-off whilst standing behind the Safety Barrier.)
All take-offs are to be along the airstrip and not across the airstrip, except by prior arrangement with pilots currently flying.
1.4.9 Circuit
General flying is to be in a rectangular circuit, left turning or right turning as determined by requirements to take-off and land into the wind along the airstrip. Pilots must not fly against the general traffic direction. (The circuit direction may be determined by arrangement between pilots if there is no wind or when there is a cross wind.)
1.4.10 Flying Area
Flying height is limited to (400 feet) AGL (Above Ground Level). Aircraft must not be flown directly towards the pit area, over the pit area, clubhouse or carpark.
Flight to the EAST is limited to the western bank of Cockle Creek.
Flight to the WEST is limited to the LMCC building, when occupied.
Flight to the SOUTH is limited to the HV Power Line Easement.
1.4.11 Aerobatics
Pilots reforming Aerobatic manoeuvres (including hovering) are to have due regard to the safety of other aircraft.
1.4.12 Beat ups (Low Pass Fly By’s)
Pilots intending to make a high speed, low level pass over the airstrip must advise other pilots.
1.4.13 Dead Stick
A pilot whose model experiences an engine failure should immediately call “Dead Stick” to obtain landing priority. Other pilots must immediately give landing priority to the pilot of the ‘Dead Stick’ aircraft.
1.4.14 Landing
When preparing to land, each pilot must call “Landing”. Landings have right of way ahead of take-offs.
1.4.15 Entering the Airstrip
Anyone wanting to enter the airstrip (for purposes other than take-off) must seek clearance from pilots currently flying, before proceeding.
1.4.16 First Person View (FPV)
FPV flying of aircraft is permitted subject to CASA regulations, which allow FPV model flying ‘under the procedures of an approved model flying association’.
Accordingly, FPV flying at the club is subject to the guidelines and rules of the MAAA, in particular MOP066 – FPV-and-SGMA-Policy. Pilots who wish to use FPV must comply with all aspects of this guideline.
Of particular note, the guideline requires that a line of site Pilot in Command be in control of the aircraft at all times during flight under a buddy-box system for models over 2kg. Models under 2kg require an observer to be present who is able to immediately take control of the model by handover of the transmitter.
1.4.17 Commercial Flying
The use of the club’s facilities for commercial flying purposes is not permitted under any circumstances.
1.4.18 New Pilot (Non MAAA) Solo Authorisation
Prior to new pilots (without MAAA wings rating) flying solo at the airfield a club Instructor / Gold Wing Rated pilot shall verify the new pilot’s flying skill and provide direction regarding the club rules. (Committee shall be notified and verification minuted.)
1.5 Aircraft
1.5.1 Civil Aviation order CASA Part 101
Model aircraft are subject to the Commonwealth of Australia Air Navigation Regulations. The specific regulations for model aircraft are included in CASA Part 101. A copy of CASA Part 101 can be loaned to you from the Club Secretary.
1.5.2 Flying Weight
Aircraft over 7kG in weight, including the weight of fuel, but less than 25kG, require a special MAAA Permit issued by an authorised MAAA Inspector.
Aircraft exceeding 25kG in weight, including the weight of fuel, must not be operated without a current MAAA Permit to fly and written permission for each flight.
Permission for each flight is obtained from the appropriate Director of a region of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. (CASA)
1.5.3 Mufflers
All models (including C/L aircraft) equipped with an internal combustion engine must be equipped with a suitable muffler to limit the sound to a maximum of 90 dBA at a perimeter distance of three (3) metres in all directions, measured over a hard surface.
Refer to MAAA MOP062 for additional information.
2 Guidelines
2.1 Engine running in the Pit Area
Prolonged running of an engine in the Pit Area is discouraged.
Anyone wishing to perform extended tuning or running, is to ensure that this is done well away from other models and people in, or adjacent to the Pit area.
2.2 Prop Wash
When warming-up or adjusting motors in the Pit area, care should be exercised to ensure that dust, smoke or oil does not blow onto other people or models.
2.3 Restraints
The use of aircraft restraint systems (such as Safety Pegs) in the Pit Area must be used when starting your engine.
2.4 Litter
Please do not litter the area in any way. Please take the litter home with you.
2.5 Crash Debris
If a model is crashed, please pick up and remove all the debris.
2.6 Electric Powered Aircraft
Electric powered aircraft should follow the same rules as all other powered aircraft.
3 Good Practice
3.1 Flying Practice
When flying, pilots are encouraged to stand facing South and keep their aircraft clearly in front of them at all times to aid orientation with the circuit, to avoid over flying the flight line and other potential hazards such as flying into the sun or directly overhead.
3.2 Paper Work
Please keep all important paper work (such as these Rules, your current MAAA membership card, Club receipt and certificates) in a readily accessible, safe place.
Please seek the assistance of one of the committee members if you have any queries about the Club’s Rules or other paper work. A fee may be charged by the MAAA to replace lost documents.
3.3 Running-in Engines
Please ensure an engine is well run-in before it is flown in a model as this will avoid the need for prolonged running or tuning at the field. It will also reduce the possibility of a ‘Dead Stick’ on test flights.
3.4 Club Badges/Tags
Members are encouraged to wear a club badge or other form of club identification whilst at the field and when visiting other clubs.
3.5 Instruction
Each instructor should not be asked to instruct more than two (2) student pilots per day.
This does not restrict any instructor to only 2 students if they so wish.
3.6 Student Pilots
The “Buddy Cord” system is to be used where possible, between a new pilot and their instructor and until the instructor is totally satisfied the new pilot is capable of flying alone.