Rules, Regulations and General Information

 

 

FLYRC

 

 

Fairfield League of Yankee Radio Controllers

P.O Box 3616

Danbury, Ct. 06813-3616

                                                                                                                Issue 01 01-15-2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION TO FLYRC                                                                                 03

 

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS                                                                     04

 

APPLICANT PROCEDURE                                                                                  05

 

FLYRC SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES                                                            06

 

GENERAL FIELD RULES                                                                                     07

 

MODEL INSPECTION                                                                                            08

 

MODELING SAFETY & SAFETY TIPS                                                                09

 

PFW FLIGHT TEST PROGRAM INTRODUCTION                                            10

 

PFW FLIGHT TEST DESCRIPTION                                                                     11

 

PFW FLIGHT TESTING MANEUVERS                                                               12-13

 

PFW FLIGHT TEST QUALIFICATION SHEET                                                   14

 

QUALIFIED FLIGHT TEST EXAMINERS                                                            15

 

MITCHELL FARM FIELD RULES                                                                         16-17

 

NEWTOWN FIELD RULES                                                                                   18

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION TO FLYRC

 

 

 

Fairfield League of Yankee Radio Controllers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FLYRC is a chartered club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). It includes a diverse group of people dedicated to the construction and flying of radio control aircraft with comradeship and friendship. Everyone is welcome to join the organization. Members are encouraged to help everyone participating in the hobby. Assist newcomers (applicants) and improving the modeling and flying skills of all members is a club goal.

 

Operations of the club are financed by annual dues, auctions and 50/50 club.

 

The club and the field are operated under the guidelines provided by the AMA and the club. AMA is the governing body of model aviation in the USA, and charters both the club and flying site. AMA provides liability insurance for members, the club, and co-insures the property owner.

 

FLYRC flies at Mitchell's Farm in Southbury, Ct. and at The Newtown field in Newtown, Ct..

 

The general business meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at the Brookfield Senior Center On Pocono Rd. in Brookfield, Ct. at 7:30 pm.

 

To join FLYRC, you must have a sponsor who is a club member in good standing who will be your mentor. To fly you must be a member of AMA. While you are learning, your status will be an Applicant and you may fly when any member is present assisting you in the flight activities. When you pass your flying test, you will be allowed to fly solo (by yourself)

 

 

 

 

 

3

IMFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

 

There are many aspects of radio control aircraft, which are powered by piston engines (2 stroke and 4 stroke), and also electric power. Sailplanes are primarily winch powered, but also may be electric powered or powered by a small piston motor on power pods. A wide range of helicopters are available to the modeling members. These models vary in sizes from 2 to 3 lbs. up to as much as 55 lbs. Radio control aircraft can perform and exceed maneuvers that a full scale aircraft can perform. RC models should be considered as real aircraft, with the pilot controlling remotely from the cockpit. This requires the pilot to learn to fly aircraft in two directions. Aircraft flying away from the pilot, and the aircraft flying to the pilot. The performance of the model is based upon the building and flying skills of the modeler.

 

HOW TO GET STARTED

To join FLYRC and fly you must be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Applications to AMA may be obtained from most model shops, modeling magazines or on-line. Your AMA Membership provides limited liability insurance and the monthly magazine (Model Aviation). AMA is the governing body of model aviation in the USA.

 

SPONSORSHIP

Additionally, an applicant must have a sponsor. The sponsor will sign the club application, which must be submitted to the membership chairman along with the payment of dues, the applicant is now ready to peruse his or her new found hobby. The sponsor will assist the applicant to obtain information from other sponsors, members, and modeling personnel to obtain suggestions of appropriate models, equipment and construction details.

 

MODELING SUGGESTIONS

All power modelers will need a model (trainer), engine, radio (servos), glue, knives, sandpaper, covering material (except ARFs), field boxes (well equipped)), fuel, glow plug exciter, starter, and battery. Some model kits will require additional materials to complete the kit. The sponsor should assist you in obtaining the additional materials, and the additional assistance may be obtained by attending monthly meetings.

 

THE COMPLETED MODEL

Before flying the new model, it must be thoroughly inspected to insure safe and proper operation. The sponsor may perform the inspection, establish the flight training program requirements, and fully brief the applicant on the flight training requirements leading to the final examination. Field and flight safety shall be stressed in these initial briefings.

 

 

 

 

 

4

APPLICANT PROCEDURE

 

1. Every applicant must obtain a sponsor who will assist him or her in the fundamentals of joining FLYRC. Your sponsor should be your guide through the initial stages of selecting, building, and checkout of your model aircraft. He will also be responsible for your conduct as an applicant. It is not the responsibility of the Club or it's officers to find you a sponsor. If you are interested in joining, become active by attending meetings, flying Sessions, this is how to meet those who may be willing to sponsor you. (AMA membership required to fly.).

 

2. Your sponsor must be a member in good standing of this club, and willing to assist you. He will either instruct you in basic flying skills, or will put you in contact with someone who can instruct you. An applicant is never to fly unsupervised. To do so is immediate expulsion from the club.

 

3. Your instructors will guide you through the skills necessary to pass a basic flight test after you obtain your AMA card. It is advised that you stay with one instructor throughout the learning process so that continuity in your progress exists. It is generally best to have a time scheduled with your instructor and be there promptly. He has volunteered his flying time to teach you, so please respect it.

 

4. Your aircraft should be able to pass a preflight safety test by a qualified instructor or examiner. This is for your protection as well as the preservation of your aircraft. Your sponsor can make the arrangements to have this done.

 

5. When your instructor, or a member in good standing who could be a sponsor or examiner, feels confident that you can pass the basic flying skills test, he will sign the instructors section of the qualification flight test sheet. The sponsor shall then set up the flight test with an approved FLYRC flight test examiner. The qualification test sheet shall be signed by the instructor, sponsor, and examiner.

 

6.The qualification test consists of maneuvers you have been practicing throughout your instruction program, so there should not be any surprises. By completing this test, you have demonstrated that you are capable of flying your aircraft in a safe and controlled condition.

 

7. At the next club meeting, your sponsor will present your name with a recommendation that you be admitted to full membership status. If accepted by the membership, you will be allowed full rights of any member and will be allowed to fly without your instructor or sponsor present. Applicants will be requested to attend 3 meetings and 2 events for the first year of their membership. Applicants are encouraged to meet members at various functions and events, and whenever possible to assist in the chores of running an event. It is a great way to show your interest in the hobby and club. As a rule the more members you know, the more help you can expect. Above all don't be discouraged if it seems difficult at first. We all found it so when we started. Even the best flyer in the club was a beginner at one time.

 

 

 

5

FLYRC SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Sponsors perform a very critical function in the FLYRC organization. The acquisition and retention of new members is related to how they interface with the club in their early relations with the current members. This relationship is one of the key sponsor responsibilities. The sponsor must assist the applicant in the transition from a keen interest to a highly responsible safe pilot.

 

 

Any full member can be a sponsor, however this member should fully understand all of the important issues as covered in this flight test program handbook. Also the applicant must understand that either the club or its officers are not required to find a sponsor for the applicant. It is suggested that the applicant attend events at the field, attend membership meetings, ask questions at the flying field to interface with modelers on the type of equipment to purchase. Not all members are able to sponsor an applicant due to other conflicting requirements, such as other applicants, club management priorities, event directorships, personal work or travel, and in some cases illness. Whenever conflicts arise as cited above, the member should help and assist the applicant to find a sponsor within the organization.

 

 

The sponsor shall be responsible for the training and conduct of his applicant (s).

 

 

The sponsor shall provide training or arrange training by a qualified instructor

 

 

The sponsor shall instruct the applicant in all aspects of field rules and etiquette of the club.

 

 

The sponsor shall integrate modeling safety in construction, field rules, flight line etiquette, and in all aspects of flight training.

 

 

The sponsor shall be the prime contact for construction information and equipment selection.

 

 

The sponsor shall be responsible for introducing the applicant to the club members.

 

Prior to recommendation for membership, the sponsor shall be in a position to vouch for the applicant certify that he or she has received the necessary flight training and is well acquainted with the training handbook, field rules, modeling safety, and field etiquette of the club.

 

 

 

 

6

 

General FIELD RULES

 

ALL badged pilots must comply with the AMA Safety Code as well as the following:

 

1.     Frequency identification pins and flags shall be used for channel identification

 

2.     Observe a fifteen (15) minute channel use time limitation.

 

3.     DO NOT turn on your transmitter before you have the frequency pin.

 

4.    No more than four (4) frequencies shall be in use at anytime:

       Three (3) power aircraft (including helicopters),  (1) one electric or one (1) glider.

 

5     No flying over the pits, toward the pits, or spectator areas. The initial turn after takeoff shall be away from these areas. (See map).

 

6     There is no flying aircraft before 9am on weekdays and 11 am on Sundays and all flying shall cease at sunset. (Also see specific field rules.).

 

7.    Engine break-in is not allowed at the field. Engine run up is only allowed in the flying box only and not for an extended time, or to distract other pilots in the boxes.

 

8     All two stroke aircraft engines shall be muffled and meet the 93-db requirement at nine (9) feet. Large gas engines and large four-strokes shall meet the requirements posted on the frequency board.

 

9.    Members must be present with guests and are responsible for their conduct. Guest flyers must have a current AMA license.

 

10.   No alcoholic beverages are allowed at the field.

 

11.    Aircraft shall be operated only on Frequencies Authorized for aircraft use.

 

12.    See frequency board for ADDITONAL RULES.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

                      MODEL INSPECTION

 

 

The preflight and safety inspection is a necessary final inspection before flight to ensure the best possible chance for incident free flights. Your instructor will help you with this inspection and will make recommendations for additional work on the aircraft.

Do not be discouraged by any delays. Your instructor is only interested in the safety of your model and the spectators

Name, address, and telephone #, or AMA # are required by AMA to be attached to your aircraft.

 

WING REMOVED:

1.  If aileron equipped, aileron is shock mounted and secure.

2.  Aileron linkages & clevises secure & clamped closed with a piece of tubing or equivalent.

3.  Wing dowels not loose or cracked.

4.  Check for wing warping. (Explain to applicant how to remove warping)

 

FUSELAGE AND ENGINE

1.  All engine and motor mounts are tight.

2.  Muffler installed and secure.

3.  Propeller tips not nicked and propeller blades not cracked.

4.  Spinner, safety nut, or prop nut securely tightened (AMA safety nut W/O spinner)

5.  Fuel hoses not punctured or pinched and properly connected.

6.  Klunk moves freely.

7.  Fuel tank compartment fuel proofed. (Fuel proofing is strongly recommended)

8.  Servos shock mounted and securely fastened.

9.  Pushrods & control surfaces move freely, clevises closed and secured. (Fuel tubing or equiv.)

10.Servo plugs clean and plugged into correct receiver channel.

11.Switch assembly properly secured. (If possible check soldering)

12.Fully charged Rx batteries, or new Dry Cells. (If possible check with ESV.)

13.Receiver and battery pack wrapped in foam and secured in place.

14.Receiver antenna not broken and fully extended in a safe manner.

15.Control surface hinges pinned and secured.

16.Wheel collars tight and wheels should rotate freely.

17.Nose gear aligned and at proper height.

 

REINSTALL WING:

1.  Aileron servo plugged into correct receiver channel.

2.  Wing hold down screws tight, or rubber bands per model requirements. Typically #64 size with on per side for each 3/4 lb of model weight. Two crossed bands for security of bands.

3.  Center of gravity falls within model limits.

 

RADIO CHECK:

1.  Place you frequency pin on your transmitter. Then you can activate your transmitter.

2.  Fully test all control surfaces for proper movement to transmitter commands.

3.  Range check: With antenna collapsed walk about 100 feet towards the parking lot.

     Check control motions, noise or jitter during the walk. This is done with the engine off.

 

 

8

 

MODELING SAFETY

 

One of FLYRC’s primary requirements is to establish and maintain field and flight safety to insure the model is properly built and SAFE to fly. When a model is completed the sponsor or instructor will check it for safety.

 

A log is recommended to be used by the applicant to assist him or her through the instruction and leaning experience. It is suggested that the applicant log his or her flights and request the instructor to sign and comment on the instructions as given. The log will assist applicants and instructors to maintain a steady learning process. SAFETY is vitally important. Radio controlled models are heavy and fast. Handled unsafely, the model can do a great deal of damage. Remember that SAFETY must be considered on the ground as well as in the air. The applicant should consult with the sponsor and or instructor on the equipment best suited for him or her. Come to the field and to the meetings and get to know the members. Ask questions and ask for help. Everyone is more than willing to assist.

 

SAFETY TIPS

 

You should read and become familiar with the full AMA Safety Code. The following is a short list of safety tips that you should keep in mind whenever you are operating an R/C model.

 

    1.   Observe all field and safety rules. Failure to do so could result in loss of club flying

          privileges and could lead to expulsion from the club.

2.  When the engine is running, make all needle valve adjustments from behind the rotating propeller.

3.  Keep face and body out of line with the propeller arc. If a blade were to break off it could be thrown like a KNIFE. THINK OF THE PROPELLER AS A RIP SAW BLADE.

4.  An R/C airplane when operated out of control or in a reckless fashion can be a lethal missile. If you are in trouble in the air, alert your instructor and others around you immediately.

5.  Do not fly your aircraft over the pits area or spectators.

6.  The first turn after takeoff must be away from the pits and spectators.

7.  Landings shall parallel to the pit area or angularly away from the pits.

8.  There should only one retriever per plane. Notify all pilots "ON THE FIELD "before proceeding on to the field. Children are NOT ALLOWED on the RUNWAY at any time.

9.  Excessive running of a motor for tune up or carburetor adjustments is not allowed in the pits and should not infringe on another persons flight time.

10.Please communicate effectively when in the flight boxes. Notification of takeoffs, landings, emergencies, man on the field, etc. Must be communicated to all pilots who are flying. Whenever possible, use another member or friend as an observer.

 

 

9

FLIGHT TEST PROGRAM INTRODUCTION

 

Required Materials: 1. Club Badge 2. AMA card 3. Suitable equipment.

 

Knowledge:      1. Field rules 2. Basic flight aerodynamics 3. Airplane parts and operation

                          4. Safety rules and etiquette

 

Safety:           1. Suitable equipment 2. Preflight inspection 3. Proper frequency control

                       3. Safe starting procedures  4. Calls out intentions on flight line

 

Development of practical skills: The development of practical skills never ends in flying. This required activity is the primary reason why people get into RC modeling. Some people attempt to fly without instruction, and almost always end up with piles of wreckage. The concept of qualified members who have passed a qualifica­tion flight test, and the applicant who will train to meet the requirements, is the primary purpose of the FLYRC organization. The practical skills test demonstrates the applicant’s ability to maintain adequate con­trol of the aircraft at all times, in any direction. The flight maneuvers are intended to prove the applicants abil­ity to make the aircraft to go in an INTENDED direction, not as a test of precision flying ability. The appli­cant must exhibit proper safety and field etiquette procedures. The examiner must note unsatisfactory perfor­mance and provide a written record to be used by the applicant and instructor for further training. All the practical skills are intended to develop the capability to fully fly the pattern, through the KEY POINT in both directions. The KEY POINT is 10 to 15 feet above the runway and is located at the end of the runway as a plane descends for its landing. The plane should glide through the KEY POINT to establish the proper touch down point for the landing.

 

 

Figure from Model Airplane News Tech Tips

 

10

PFW FLIGHT TEST DESCRIPTION

 

FLYING THE PATTERN

 

The pattern contains all the necessary maneuvers to make the landings in a Consistent manner that all pilots follow as a standard. Your instructor is interested in developing your skills and capabilities to fly the pattern with relative ease. Please review the pattern as shown below to learn the location of the FLIGHT LINE, the SPOT, and the KEY POINT. The FLIGHT LINE is located along the pilot's edge of the runway. We are to be trained never to fly through or over this line. The SPOT is located in front of the pilot (about 200 feet) and 50 to 100 feet high in altitude. On a downwind leg the SPOT represents the location to reduce power and descend into the landing pattern into the base leg and final approach to the KEY POINT. This maneuver will require a lot of practice, but forms the basis of becoming a good pilot. As you develop your approach skills you will also learn to adjust the aircraft rate of descent through the KEY POINT. This blending of the rate of descent and accuracy of flying through the KEY POINT will provide the real clean landing that all pilots love to achieve.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure from Model Airplane news Tech Tips

 

11

PFW FLIGHT TESTING MANEUVERS

 

The following maneuvers are considered to be essential to an applicant’s ability to fly in a safe controlled manner at the flying field. Remember; we are not establishing precision maneuvers but are establishing the proper procedures and intended safe maneuvers.

 

TAXI, TAKEOFF AND PROCEDURE TURN: Taxi and takeoff requires the development of skills to hold a straight line into the wind. The ability to hold a straight line is greatly influenced by the aircraft and its wheel alignments. This is true for both the tricycle, and tail draggers. The aircraft should be checked frequently for wheel alignments. Remember to check the wind prior to takeoff. Trainer type aircraft with flat wings need to be carefully controlled in crosswinds. If you turn from the flight line too early (before getting good air- speed) the crosswind can push up the wing and cause a wingover crash. Get some altitude and airspeed before initiating the procedure turn. This turn starts with the initial turn away from the pits or flight line (90 degrees) then a turn at constant altitude, which will cover 270 degrees back to the runway with heading adjustments to be made on the return. (See figure below.)

 

 

HORIZONTAL FIGURE EIGHT: To demonstrate aircraft maneuvering skills, the horizontal figure eight provides all the turns required in pattern flight. This maneuver should be conducted at about 100 feet of alti­tude, with the crossover point 200 to 250 feet in front of the pilot. Maintaining altitude is one of the measure­ment parameters in the horizontal level.

 

 

 

 

12

 

PFW FLIGHT TESTING MANEUVERS

 

SQUARE FIGURE EIGHT: The square figure eight is conducted the same as the horizontal figure eight except that the turns are squared in all of the maneuver. This maneuvering enables the instructor to see some precision in flying skills while maintaining a constant altitude in the horizontal level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SLOW FLIGHT AND LANDING: This maneuver demonstrates the flyers ability to fly near a stall speed at 20 to 30 feet of altitude the full length of the runway. This speed is obtained by setting the throttle at the 1/4 to 1/3 setting. This maneuver should be flown into the wind for safety reasons and the pilot should be aware of the flight line, maintain a straight line, and hold a constant altitude. The ability to land an aircraft, in most cases, is the most challenging part of learning to fly. Learning to fly the pattern, turning capabilities, maneu­vering, slow speed flight, and awareness of the FLIGHT LINE, SPOT, and KEY POINT are all important elements of the model pilot’s expertise. All experienced pilots will tell you that the most important maneuver in flying is practice, practice, practice, etc.