Flying Field Rules

The Rockford Park District Radio Controlled Flying Field

Rules and Regulations

Effective February 4th, 2008

The Rules and Regulations have been established to ensure all Flyers have a fair and equitable opportunity to utilize the Rockford Park District Flying Field Facility and to promote safety. The Rules and Regulations are in conjunction with the National Model Aircraft Safety Code as listed by the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics).

The Rockford Park District has authorized The Rock Valley R/C Flyers Club to set and enforce the Rules and Regulations. It is incumbent upon the Members to insure that Rules and Regulations are observed. Failure to adhere to the Rules and Regulations could result in suspension of Membership.

I. HOURS OF OPERATION

1. Fuel powered aircraft – 8:30 a.m. to dusk

2. Electric powered aircraft – sunrise to dusk

3. The field will be closed during scheduled Events and/or when posted on the Flying Field Bulletin Board.

II. RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Flyers must obtain a Photo ID/Membership Card from The Rock Valley R/C Flyers Club before using the Field. Exceptions are “Guests” and “Non-Members” attending a scheduled Event referenced in Rules 2 and 3.

To obtain a Photo ID/Membership Card the Pilot must present a current AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) Membership Card or Home Owner/Renter Liability Insurance Coverage of at least $1,000,000 with the Rockford Park District named as Beneficiary for any incident or accident occurring at the Field. The Home Owner/Renter portion may be eliminated in the future.

2. Guests may fly at the Field if accompanied by a Member. If the Guest is to fly solo (without a buddy box) then the Guest must have, in their possession, a current AMA Membership Card. A Guest, flying solo, is restricted to two flying sessions, in a lifetime, before being required to obtain a Photo ID/Membership Card from The Rock Valley R/C Flyers Club.

3. Non-Members attending a scheduled Event must have, in their possession, a current AMA Membership Card.

4. Before flying at the Field all Beginner/Novice Flyers must be assisted by an experienced Club Member.

5. Use of the Radio Frequency Control Board is mandatory regardless of technology, no exceptions. The only accepted method for securing a “channel” is with the Member’s Photo ID/Membership Card. The only exceptions are Guests flying solo and Non-Members attending a scheduled Event in which case a current AMA Membership Card will be posted. Note: channels 27, 28, and 29 are bad, do not use.

6. No transmitter is to be turned on prior to securing a “channel” on the Radio Frequency Control Board.

7. Flyers are not permitted to secure more than one channel at a time. In the event that more than one Flyer has the same channel each Flyer will be limited to (15) fifteen minutes duration so others may fly.

8. Aircraft Traffic Pattern will be determined by Wind Direction.

9. Mufflers must be used on all engines greater than .051 displacement.

10. No vehicles, other than maintenance vehicles or vehicles to move contest equipment, are allowed on the Flying Field.

11. No flying is permitted during Field Maintenance or Event set up and take down.

12. Dogs must be leashed at all time. Dog owners must clean up after their dogs immediately.

13. All cigar/cigarette butts must be disposed of properly.

14. All trash must be placed in appropriate trash receptacles.

III. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

1. Spectators are not allowed on the Flying Field. Spectators are only allowed in the Pit Area if invited by a Member. Non-flying children will only be allowed in the Pit Area if accompanied by and at the sole risk of a Guardian. Children under six (6) years old are only allowed on the Flight Line Station as a pilot or while under instruction.

2. All Flyers are to fly from the established Flight Line Station. If a Flyer chooses not to remain behind the Flight Line Protective Fence, the Flyer does so at own risk.

3. Except for take-off away from the Flight Line Station, Pilots are not to fly closer than (30) thirty feet in front of the Flight Line Stations. Take-off, landing, or flying toward the Pit Area is not allowed. Aircraft are not to be flown over, near, or behind the Pit, Spectator, Pavilion, or Storage Shed Areas or the Driveway.

4. Helicopter Flight – All warm up/preflight adjustments are to be performed within the designated helicopter pad/practice area. Once complete the helicopter can proceed to the runway for flight from the Flight Line Station. At the end of the flight, the helicopter is required to land on the helicopter pad.

5. Airplane hovering is allowed in the south east portion of the Field.

6. Aircraft requiring “high start” or “winch tow” are allowed if an assistant is available to remove the tow line immediately after launch. The launch device is to be positioned to cause the least amount of interference with other aircraft.

7. Kite flying, R/C Cars, and Rockets are not allowed.

8. Aircraft on final approach have priority over other aircraft except for aircraft making a “dead stick” landing. Prior to entering final approach the Flyer is responsible to announce their intention of “landing.”

9. When an approaching aircraft appears to present a hazard it is the responsibility of all observers to announce a warning.

10. In the event of engine outage, it is the responsibility of the Flyer to announce “dead stick.” A dead stick will have priority over all aircraft.

11. Prior to take-off the Flyer is responsible to announce “take-off.”

12. Engine restarts are not allowed on the Flying Field unless no other aircraft is in flight or ready for take-off.

13. Aircraft are not allowed to taxi into or out of the pit area. Taxiing or hovering toward the pit area, at a high rate of speed, is not allowed.

14. Prior to retrieving a stranded aircraft on the field, the Flyer is responsible to announce “on the field,” then proceeds with caution.

IV. COURTESIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Any Flyer causing another aircraft to crash due to turning on a transmitter on the same frequency is liable for the cost of the damaged aircraft.

2. Except for scheduled Events, there are to be no more than five aircraft flying at any time.

3. All aircraft are to be readied and serviced in the Pit Area only.

4. To expedite flying, during crowded conditions, Flyers are to have their aircraft ready for flight prior to securing a radio channel.

5. Engine “break-in” is to be done south of the entrance drive.

6. In the Pit Area, aircraft are to be positioned so prop blast will not interfere with other aircraft or equipment.

7. It is the responsibility of each Flyer to be courteous and responsible to others. Good judgment tempered with common sense and knowledge of the Rules should be used at all times.