Flying site rules

All pilots should adhere to the rules and guidelines as described in the BMFA Handbook as well as the following Brighouse MAC Clifton flying site rules, which are there to ensure the safety of club members and members of the public.

All pilots must have self checked their model(s) for airworthiness. If in doubt seek assistance before attempting to fly. All pilots must be aware of No-Fly Zones before flying. (See map attached)

Remember: The BMFA motto states “SAFE FLYING IS NO ACCIDENT”

  1. On arrival close the gate behind you. If you arrive first ensure the padlock is re-locked on to the chain, making sure you use the correct code before pushing the hasp back in, THEN rotate the combination to a random number.
  2. Unless permitted otherwise cars shall only be driven to and parked on the parking area next to the hedge on the immediate left as you enter the field. Remember cars are not allowed on the field at all in very wet weather conditions – a notice will be posted on the gate to that effect. Models and equipment must be carried to the pits area. All members are expected to assist less able members.
  3. Following consultation with other pilots present, if any, Flight Line, Take Off Direction, Circuit Pattern, and Landing direction to be agreed. The Windsock, if in use, to be located appropriately.
  4. It is recommended that a range check be carried out before the first flight, as per the manufacturers instructions, Also ensure model to be flown is as displayed on transmitter and all controls operate correctly.
  5. All engines/motors must only be run facing away from the pits area. Models must be safely restrained at all times when engines/motors are running and when off the runway.
  6. No taxiing towards the pits, flight line or pits area at any time.
  7. All airborne pilots are to be within hearing distance of each other.
  8. Going out for take off or retrieval must be clearly called, and acknowledged by airborne pilots. After takeoff/ retrieval let the airborne pilots know when the strip is clear. “Dead stick” landings have priority and must be clearly called.
  9. Any committee member has the right to examine any model for airworthiness, and ground a model thought to be unsafe, coopting advice from other pilots present if thought necessary.
  10. The last person to leave the site must put away all equipment for storage eg, windsock etc, and ensure the storage tub inner gate is locked before closing the tub lid. The field gate must be locked with the padlock ‘hasp to hasp’ with the farmers padlock and as in Rule 1 above.
  11. Strictly no dogs allowed.
  12. Visiting BMFA members – Visitors and guests who are members of the BMFA can only fly at the Clifton site at the invitation of, and in the presence of, an existing BMAC member, and a BMAC committee member. Permission must be obtained from a BMAC committee member prior to such a visit. The BMAC committee member and BMAC member will assess the flying capabilities of such a visitor after the first flight. At the discretion of the BMAC committee member further flights will be allowed. A total of 3 visits will be allowed after which, a visitor or guest would be expected to join before any more flying visits will be allowed. Visitors and guests are to be made aware of the BMAC rules before flying, and must provide proof of current BMFA membership and evidence of being CAA compliant. Non flying visitors/guests must be made aware of potential risks before entering the field, and accompanied at all times by a BMAC member.
  13. Visiting Non BMFA members. Potential new members, can fly at the Clifton site on 3 separate occasions, but only using the “buddy box system” under instructor supervision. After 3 visits such potential members must join the club before any further flying. This obviously means joining the BMFA and become CAA compliant.
  14. It is strongly recommended that only confident/experienced pilots fly when alone. They must recognise the dangers e.g. cuts from propellers, possibly being hit by their own model etc.
  15. ANY electric powered model may be flown from 9am, until dusk. BUT see note 1 below.
  16. Turbine powered models are not allowed to fly at the Clifton flying site. 17. ANY I.C. powered models may be flown from 10am until 8pm. Monday to Saturday, and 12 noon, until 8pm, Sunday. BUT see note 1 below. Note 1. I.C. flying may start earlier for special events at the discretion of the committee.

NOTE Rules 15 and 17 above only allow helicopter flying until the end of the season, and can be stopped at any time at the request of any club member present at the flying field. Helicopter flying to be reviewed at the next AGM.