RADIO CONTROL FLYING SAFETY

Condensed Extract from BMFA Guide

(a) Before you do anything else, make sure that you understand and are complying

with the field frequency control system. NEVER switch on until you are sure it is

safe.

ALWAYS check the pegboard – on EVERY flight.

(b) Before every flight, check that transmitter trims, rate switches etc. are in their

correct positions and that each control surface on the model moves freely and in

the correct sense.

(c) Immediately before take-off, flight controls must be checked for full, free and

correct movement under full power if applicable. If there are any doubts as to

their operation, DO NOT FLY.

(d) Flyers wishing to use adjacent frequency channels should first perform an

interaction check. Flyers regularly operating together on adjacent channels

should perform the check every two or three months.

(e) Inexperienced R/C flyers should never fly without an experienced helper.

(f) Unless positive controls are in force, all flyers should use the same take-off

area at any particular flying session.

(g) Do not taxi in or out of the pits area. Wheel or carry your model well clear of

the pits before commencing taxying and stop the model well clear when taxying

back after landing. Do not put other flyers at risk.

(h) Before take-off, check that both ground and sky are clear and never take off

or land towards other pilots, spectators or the pits area.

(i) Always make the initial turn after take-off away from spectators and parking

areas. Diving manoeuvres should always be pointed away from spectators,

parking areas and other people.

(j) Always maintain a clear view of the model and allow plenty of room between

the flight path and spectators, other flyers or model pit areas.

(k) DO NOT OVERFLY houses, domestic gardens, car parks, traffic, railways,

organised games or spectators. You may not be able to control people walking

by at a reasonable distance from the take off/landing area but you should take

care not to overfly them at low level.

(l) At any sign of malfunction or an unexpected jettisoning of model parts, land as

soon as it is safe to do so.

(m) Do not distract pilots, particularly when they are controlling models taking off

or landing.

(n) Clubs should exercise strict control over the take-off/landing area used. Pilots

about to take off should inform people already flying. Pilots landing should have

priority but must call out their intentions ‘loud and clear’ and must NEVER

assume that they have been heard. A pilot going out to take off may not hear a

call over the noise of his model's engine.

(o) NEVER assume that the landing area is clear even if you have called landing.

In emergency situations call for help from your fellow flyers and always be

prepared to land in a safe place off the landing area if necessary. In ALL cases,

the safety of people is paramount.