Atlanta RC Flight Zone RULES

These rules were voted on and ADOPTED after 4 months of discussion, in November 2009.
 Please fly safe and respect these guidelines.

Protected PIT Areas: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should either helicopters or airplanes intentionally fly over any pit area, the shelter or the parking area. This is true if the pit areas are OCCUPIED OR NOT.

Fixed Wing Aircraft: All fixed wing powered aircraft must fly north of a line going east to west from the safety fence in front of the pit area and parallel to the runway. Only during a landing approach may a pilot fly closer to the Helicopter area, but only up to a line connecting the Airplane pit area to the Radio Tower at the east end of the field. This requires that all landing approaches going from the east to the west be made with a right hand turn.

Helicopters generally fly North of the two Helicopter tables by the woods, while staying South of the physical paved runway. Helicopter flyers must also limit flying toward the parking lot and aircraft pit areas. While flying to the west (toward Downtown Atlanta) the helicopter flight zone ends along a line that extends from the east end of the runway to the old helicopter safety net and then to the park lot. The “old helicopter area” near the runway shall only be used for hover practice and all helicopter pilots should avoid flying over the runway.

Shared Zone: There is a zone where both airplanes and helicopters are both permitted. This zone begins approximately 150 feet EAST of the end of the runway, and extends to the East to the tree line. When both airplanes and helicopters are flying, it is recommended that ALL pilots flying in the intersection zone use “spotters” to give them advanced warning. Everyone must practice the rule “see and avoid”. Helicopters will attempt to minimize the time they spend in the intersections zone when airplanes are using it (especially when wind is out of the West, and airplanes are landing).

Safety

1. All pilots must have a current AMA license on their person in order to fly.
2. All pilots must abide by the current safety rules and regulations of the AMA and the ARCC pertaining to the use and operation of radio controlled model aircraft.
3. All pilots will stand in one of the four designated pilot boxes when flying aircraft.
4. Helicopters may practice hovering in the grass area at the southeastern corner of the field.
5. All turns after takeoff are to be away from the pit or spectator areas, and no flying is to be done over the pit, spectator, or parking areas.
6. The frequency board will be used at all times by all pilots. Each pilot will attach a clothes pin with the pilot’s name on the appropriate frequency number on the board.
7. All radios shall be narrow band. Transmitters must have frequency numbers attached. All transmitters must have gold stickers, except for 53 MHz operation.
8. All engines must have the crankshaft end covered by a spinner or an acorn type prop nut. All threads must be covered.
9. All engines .15 cu and above must be equipped with a muffler or pipe device to reduce noise. Certain racing aircraft are exempt from this rule as specified in the AMA rules.
10. All spectators must remain behind the roped safety line unless escorted by a club member.
11. Engines are not to be started or restarted on the runway. Starting of engines may take place in the pits or on the taxiway.
12. No aircraft will be taxied back to the pit area. Shutdown of engine(s) is to occur at the taxiway entry.
13. Takeoffs and landings shall be executed with prevailing traffic pattern. Changes in the direction should occur only when all aircraft have landed and all pilots have been informed.
14. All aircraft shall contain the owner’s name, address, phone number and AMA number.
15. No alcoholic drinks are allowed in the pit area. No flying while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
16. All aircraft and field boxes shout remain in the pit area behind the frequency board line when not in use.
17. Any member sponsoring a guest should be with that guest when they are at the field. Guests are allowed two visits for flying, and then they are asked to join the club.
18. There shall be a maximum of four (4) transmitters on at any time for flight. Two additional transmitters can be used for ground testing only.
19. Landing aircraft have unconditional right of way. Landed aircraft shall clear the runway as soon as possible.
20. Notify all pilots before walking onto or crossing the runway.
21. No R/C cars are allowed at the field.
22. The field is closed to public flying when any club organized or club sponsored event is in progress, including awards, special recognition, or meetings.
23. Do not stand in the line of the prop arc of a running engine.
24. Children and pets are not allowed in the pits and must be supervised by a non-flying, non-participating adult.

Guidelines and Courtesies

1. All members should wear their name badge while at the field.
2. Please limit flights to fifteen minutes.
3. If the engine doesn’t start in five minutes, give up the frequency and check out the problem.
4. Don’t pin up on the frequency board until the aircraft is fueled and ready to fly. Use ground testing clothespins for testing.
5. In the event of a crash, turn off the transmitter, leave the transmitter in the pit, remove frequency pin, and THEN retrieve aircraft.
6. Announce takeoffs, landings and dead sticks so others may clear the way.
7. Range check radios when new, repaired, or after a crash.
8. Ask unfamiliar flyers if you can help, and if they have a membership card.
9. Remember that everyone is flying for FUN.