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.
1st May 2026 – By-Laws – Incorporating Club Rules adopted by the 2025/2026 Committee as the subordinate governance document to the Constitution. Reissued as “LMMAC_By-Laws & Rules_Rev 00”.
1. BY-LAWS
1.1 PURPOSE
These By-Laws set out the rules for how the Club is managed and how members safely and enjoyably use its facilities and take part in activities. They are made under the authority of the Club Constitution and may be amended by the Committee from time to time.
1.2 TERMS OF OFFICE
There is a limit of three (3) consecutive years for office-bearers to hold the same office unless there are no other candidates nominated.
1.3 GENERAL CONDUCT
1.3.1 Members and visitors must behave in a safe, respectful, and responsible manner always.
1.3.2 Members must comply with all applicable aviation safety requirements, including those of Aeromodellers New South Wales (ANSW) and Model Aeronautical Association of Australia
(MAAA).
1.3.3 The Committee may take disciplinary action in response to misconduct, which may include suspension of flying privileges and termination of membership.
1.3.4 No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs is permitted to operate model aircraft.
1.4 FIELD AND FACILITY USE
1.4.1 The Club’s flying field, pits, and shelters must be used only for their intended purposes.
1.4.2 Members must keep all areas clean and tidy and remove their rubbish.
1.4.3 Equipment and facilities must be treated with care. Any damage must be reported to the Committee.
1.4.4 Vehicles must be parked only in designated areas.
1.4.5 Children must be always supervised.
1.5 VISITORS AND GUESTS
1.5.1 Visitors may only fly under the supervision of a qualified member and in accordance with MAAA requirements.
1.5.2 The Committee may limit visitor access during events or busy periods.
1.6 NO SMOKING
Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaping) is prohibited within all Club facilities, buildings, shelters, pits, and operational areas due to safety considerations. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas as determined by the Committee.
1.7 DOGS AND ANIMALS
1.7.1 Dogs are permitted but must be always kept under control.
1.7.2 Owners must immediately clean up after their animals.
1.7.3 The Committee may restrict the presence of animals where safety or amenity is adversely impacted, including requiring the removal of offending animals.
1.8 EVENTS AND OPEN DAYS
1.8.1 All Club events must be conducted in accordance with Committee-approved procedures.
1.8.2 Additional safety measures may be implemented during events, including restricted flying zones and designated spectator areas.
1.8.3 Members are expected to assist in the safe and orderly conduct of events.
1.9 USE OF CLUB EQUIPMENT
1.9.1 Club equipment must only be used for approved purposes.
1.9.2 Authorisation from the Committee or a designated officer is required for use of major equipment (e.g. mowers, tractors, generators).
1.9.3 Equipment must be returned clean and in good working order after use.
1.10 SOCIAL MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
1.10.1 Club communication channels, including social media, are to be used only for matters relevant to aero modelling and Club activities.
1.10.2 The appointed administrator has discretion to remove inappropriate or irrelevant content and may take further action, including restriction or removal of posting privileges, in the case of repeat offenders.
1.10.3 Members must not post content that may bring the Club into disrepute.
1.11 COMPLIANCE
1.11.1 All members are required to comply with these By-Laws.
1.11.2 Repeated or serious breaches may result in disciplinary action by the Committee.
1.12 AMENDMENTS
The By-Laws may be amended by resolution of the Committee.
2. CLUB RULES
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 Purpose
The Club 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:
(a) RULES – To be always observed at the LMMAC field.
(b) PROTOCOLS – To be always observed at the LMMAC field, particularly when sharing LMMAC facilities with other members and or visitors.
(c) GOOD PRACTICE – For aero modellers.
2.1.2 Observance of Club Rules
LMMAC members and visitors are expected to observe the Club Rules (Rules, Protocols and Good Practice) requirements. The Committee may initiate disciplinary action against any member or visitor who persistently fails to comply with the Club’s Rules.
2.2 MODEL AERONAUTICAL ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA
The LMMAC club is affiliated with the Model Aeronautical Association of Australia (MAAA) and as such all Policies and Procedures published by them shall form the basis for the safe operation of the club’s activities.
2.3 LMMAC MEMBERS
Regular pilots must be current financial members of the Lake Macquarie Miniature Aircraft Club Inc. (LMMAC)
2.4 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 pilots are permitted a maximum of four (4) days flying per financial year.
2.5 BEGINNER PILOTS
Beginner pilots may have four (4) days flying under the supervision of an LMMAC member before joining LMMAC. As required by MAAA policy, each day, the beginner must enter their name, the LMMAC member’s name supervising and the date in the visitor’s log located in the Frequency Box.
2.6 INSURANCE COVER/S
The owner of an aircraft is the party responsible 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 are taken by the instructor, but it is the trainee’s insurance that carries any claim/s).
2.7 FIELD AVAILABILITY
2.7.1 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.
2.8 RADIOS AND FREQUENCY CONTROL
2.8.1 Frequency Control
Only one (1) non 2.4ghz Radio system shall be operated at the LMMAC Airfield at any one time.
2.9 FLYING OPERATIONS AND FLYING AREAS
2.9.1 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.
2.9.2 Rotary Wing Aircraft
GYROCOPTERS: Gyrocopters are permitted to be flown as per the requirements of fixed
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.
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.
2.9.3 Control Line Aircraft
The club has constructed a dedicated Control Line circle which can be accessed as required.
2.9.4 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.
2.9.5 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).
2.9.6 Time Limit
Please limit flying times to 5 minutes for adjustments to engines and 15 minutes flying, a total of 20 minutes per flight.
2.9.7 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.
2.9.8 Take-off
A pilot may move onto the airstrip to control the model during take-off but must then move promptly to the Pilot Box (Pilots are encouraged to learn to take-off whilst standing in the Pilot Box). All take-offs are to be along the airstrip and not across the airstrip, except by prior arrangement with pilots currently flying.
2.9.9 Circuit
General flying is to be in a rectangular circuit, left turning of 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).
2.9.10 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 (LMMAC side) 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.
2.9.11 Aerobatics
Pilots performing Aerobatic manoeuvres (including hovering) are to have due regard to the safety of other aircraft.
2.9.12 Beat ups (Low Pass Fly By’s)
Pilots intending to make a high-speed, low-level pass over the airstrip must advise other pilots.
2.9.13 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.
2.9.14 Landing
When preparing to land, each pilot must call “Landing”. Landings have right of way ahead of take-offs.
2.9.15 Entering the Airstrip
Anyone wanting to enter the airstrip (for purposes other than take-off) must seek clearance from pilots currently flying, before proceeding.
2.9.16 First Person View (FPV)
FPV flying off 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, MOP066 – FPV-and-SGMA-Policy. Pilots who wish to use FPV must comply with all aspects of this guideline.
Note: The guideline requires that a line of site Pilot in Command always be in control of the aircraft during flight under a buddy-box system for models over 2kg. Models under 2kg require an observer to be present who can immediately take control of the model by handover of the transmitter.
2.9.17 Commercial Flying
The use of the club’s facilities for commercial flying purposes is not permitted under any circumstances.
2.9.18 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 pilots flying skill and provide direction regarding the club rules. (committee shall be notified and verification minuted)
2.10 AIRCRAFT
2.10.1 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.
2.10.2 Flying Weight
Aircraft over 7kg in weight, 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)
2.10.3 Aircraft Noise
Effective mufflers are recommended for all internal combustion engines. An exemption for “no muffler” is permitted for use with vintage engines, glow plug, diesel, and C/L racing classes where mufflers are not able or not intended to be used.
The overriding noise policy document is: MAAA MOPO62 Noise Policy and Guidelines.
3. PROTOCOLS
3.1 ENGINE RUNNING IN THE PIT AREA
Prolonged running off 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.
3.2 RANGE TESTS
When conducting a range test, pilots must:
Remove their aircraft from the set-up tables and ensure it is positioned safely within the grassed pit area to avoid risk to people and equipment. Ensure range testing is carried out by a minimum of two persons, whenever possible:
One person to monitor/ securely restrain the aircraft and confirm correct control surface operation; and The pilot, who operates the transmitter from the prescribed distance.
3.3 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.
3.4 RESTRAINTS
The use of aircraft restraint systems (such as Safety Pegs) in the Pit Area must be used when starting your engine.
3.5 LITTER
Please do not litter the area in any way. Please take the litter home with you.
3.6 CRASH DEBRIS
If a model is crashed, please pick up and remove all the debris.
3.7 ELECTRIC POWERED AIRCRAFT
Electric powered aircraft shall follow the same rules as all other powered aircraft.
4. GOOD PRACTICE
4.1 FLYING PRACTICE
When flying, pilots are encouraged to stand facing South and always keep their aircraft clearly in front of them 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.
4.2 PAPERWORK
Please keep all important paperwork (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 paperwork. A fee may be charged by the MAAA to replace lost documents.
4.3 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.
4.4 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.
4.5 FLIGHT INSTRUCTION
Instructors play a key role in ensuring safe, enjoyable, and effective flying experiences for new and developing pilots. The following principles should be observed: 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. Instructors are encouraged to obtain a Working with Children Check (WWCC) through Service NSW, particularly when instructing junior members.
4.6 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 can fly alone.