NNPRCC Flight Rules
Official Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2005
GENERAL
1. A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-carrying device capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It shall not exceed limitations established in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for recreational or competition activity.
2. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
3. I will abide by this Safety Code and all rules established for the flying site I use. I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a reckless and/or dangerous manner.
4. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model demonstrations until it has been proven airworthy.
5. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level, when within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator. I will yield the right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate.
6. I will not fly my model aircraft unless it is identified with my name and address, or AMA number, inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.
7. I will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts (other than air), nor will I operate model aircraft with fuels containing tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
8. I will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices, which explode, burn, or propel a projectile of any kind. Exceptions include Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight. Rocket motors up to a G-series size may be used, provided they remain firmly attached to the model aircraft during flight. Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code; however, they may not be launched from model aircraft. Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and practices as defined within the Air Show Advisory Committee Document.
9. I will not operate my model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or within eight (8) hours of having consumed alcohol.
10. I will not operate my model aircraft while using any drug, which could adversely affect my ability to safely control my model aircraft.
11. Children under six (6) years old are only allowed on a flight line or in a flight area as a pilot or while under flight instruction.
12. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or comply with comparable standards.
RADIO CONTROL
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground-range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a proficient flier, unless, I am assisted by an experienced pilot.
3. At all flying sites a straight or curved flight line must be established, in front of which, all flying takes place. Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the flight line. In the case of air shows, demonstrations, or competitions, straight lines must be established. An area away from the flight line must be maintained for spectators. Intentional flying behind the flight line is prohibited.
4. I will operate my model aircraft using only radio-control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.
5. I will not knowingly operate my model aircraft within three (3) miles of any preexisting flying site without a frequency-management agreement. A frequency-management agreement may be an allocation of frequencies for each site, a day-use agreement between sites, or testing, which determines that no interference exists. A frequency-management agreement may exist between two or more AMA chartered clubs, AMA clubs and individual AMA members, or individual AMA members. Frequency-management agreements, including an interference test report if the agreement indicates no interference exists, will be signed by all parties and copies provided to AMA Headquarters.
6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition Regulations rules, after launch, no powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilots and helpers located at the flight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual.
8. Radio-controlled night flying is limited to low-performance model aircraft (less than 100 mph). The model aircraft must be equipped with a lighting system which clearly defines the aircraft’s attitude and direction at all times.
9. The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft shall control it during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses that are prescribed for the pilot. No model aircraft shall be equipped with devices, which allow it to be flown to a selected location, which is beyond the visual range of the pilot.
City of Newport News
Department of Parks & Recreation
Newport News Park Radio Control Club
Operating Rules/Regulations
1. The Newport News Park Radio Control Club Flying Field (hereafter known as the Club Field) is a section of land controlled by the City of Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation set aside for the Newport News Park Radio Control Club (NNPRCC) for the sole use of flying remote control model aircraft and helicopters. The club field is located off of Richneck Road in York County, east of the railroad tracks. NNPRCC operates the Club Field as a guest of the City of Newport News and its Department of Parks and Recreation and therefore must adhere to all city ordnances and regulations that may apply. Additionally, all NNPRCC flyers and their guests will be members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). AMA provides $2.5M of liability insurance for the Club Field and its operations.
2. NNPRCC Remote Controlled Model Aircraft Permits
a. A Remote Controlled Model Aircraft permit is required by the Newport News Parks Department and must be obtained by each NNPRCC member prior to operating a model aircraft at the Club Field. The NNPRCC Treasurer, serving on behalf of the club and the Department of Parks and Recreation will issue appropriate permits to pilots and candidates. Persons using this facility without a permit will be in violation of the City Code concerning trespassing in a restricted area.
b. The following conditions are necessary for obtaining a permit:
• Each candidate must first complete a Flyer Registration Form, registering his or her name, address, phone number, and date of birth. Forms are available from the NNPRCC Treasurer or can be downloaded from the club’s web site at www.newportnewsrc.org.
• Each pilot candidate must provide proof of AMA membership. AMA member status must be kept current during the term of the NNPRCC permit. Failure to do so will result in the NNPRCC permit being voided until AMA membership is reestablished.
• Each pilot candidate must read, and demonstrate understanding of the Official Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code and the NNPRCC Rules set down in this document. Signing the Flyer Registration Form signifies compliance with this requirement.
c. An NNPRCC Novice Pilot Permit shall be issued to all new club members (regardless of prior experience) who have met the above-mentioned guidelines and those individuals will be considered novice pilots. Novice pilots must have an experienced club pilot (carrying a valid NNPRCC Experienced Pilot Permit) with them to provide guidance and assistance as necessary when operating model aircraft.
d. An Experienced Pilot Permit shall be issued to club members who meet the guidelines above and who pass a flying skills demonstration test. A pilot who may have been issued an Experienced Pilot Permit for the operation of model aircraft is not authorized to fly helicopters at the Club Field without demonstrating flying proficiency to an experienced Club helicopter pilot. The same applies to experienced helicopter pilots who may be novice airplane pilots.
e. The NNPRCC reserves the right to refuse or rescind the issue of permits to any person who violates rules and regulations set forth in the documents addressed in paragraph 2b above.
f. All pilots under the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian co-sign the Flyer Registration Form.
3. Operating a Remote Controlled Model Aircraft with a valid NNPRCC permit: Persons flying radio controlled model aircraft at the Club Field must adhere to the following rules/regulations:
a. Flyers must strictly adhere to all State and local ordinances, as well as City of Newport News Department of Parks and Recreation rules and regulations, at all times.
b. Flyers shall comply with the current official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code as well as the NNPRCC rules and regulations set forth in this document at all times.
c. Individuals observed violating any park ordinances, or any behavior that may jeopardize in any way the safety of any person and/or property will be asked to leave. Refusal to leave shall be cause for notification of appropriate authorities.
d. Suspected rules violators may be asked to land their model aircraft immediately. The pilot should immediately and safely land the aircraft. After the aircraft has landed, alleged violations will be discussed. Failure to comply may result in the immediate suspension (pending a formal hearing) of the NNPRCC Pilot Permit.
4. Displaying the NNPRCC Pilot Permit: Permits must be visible on the upper portion of the pilot’s body while participating in flying. (This is your club membership card with the current year on the face.)
5. Aircraft Identification: All airborne aircraft must have the owner’s name and current address or AMA number clearly printed on or carried inside the airframe.
6. Radio Requirements:
a. All radio equipment must meet the 1991 Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C.) regulations for narrow band radio equipment.
b. All radios must be operated on bands approved by the F.C.C. for controlling remote controlled model aircraft/helicopters.
c. Flyers shall comply with the current Official FCC and Amateur Radio Service Guidelines and Rules governing the operation of radio control equipment for the control of model aircraft/helicopters.
7. Frequency Management:
a. The F.C.C. designated frequency a pilot intends to use must be reserved and clearly visible on the frequency board before turning the radio equipment on. This is accomplished by use of a pin designed to hold up a single frequency flag on the Club Field frequency board. This devise is hereafter known as a “frequency pin.” Frequencies marked as “in use” on the board will not be used by another pilot.
b. Use of a frequency shall be limited to 15 minutes if another pilot is waiting.
c. Frequency pins will clearly display the pilot’s name and channel number (front and back).
d. At the completion of each flight, pilots should turn off their transmitters, remove their frequency pin from the frequency board, attach the frequency pin to the transmitter antenna, and impound their transmitter in the impound area or properly stow their transmitter. (This will allow others to reserve the frequency and will negate unauthorized transmitters from being turned on accidentally.)
Note: Damage attributed to accidents resulting from a pilot’s failure (or his/her guest’s failure) to properly adhere to the Frequency Management rules and regulations, shall be that pilot’s burden to bear. Damaged property should be properly repaired or replaced.
8. Restrictions on Airspace:
a. Main Pattern: Aircraft (regardless of type/power source) will not be flown over the pit area, parking area(s) or the spectator area(s) defined by an imaginary infinite line extending from the white fence (Safety Line) outward in each direction.
b. High speed flights or low passes parallel to the runway should be performed over or beyond the asphalt runway.
c. Electric Flight/Helicopter Hover Area Pattern: Electric powered aircraft may be flown in the designated areas on the north and south sides of the pit area with the following restrictions:
1). Only one aircraft or helicopter may be flown in each Electric Flight/Helicopter Hover Area at any time. Concurrent operations in the north and south areas will be allowed.
2). The boundaries of the Electric Flight/Helicopter Hover areas are defined by flight safety lines. Aircraft will be flown to remain inside the safety lines at all times.
3). Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line.
d. The boundaries established by the Main Pattern and the Electric Flight/Helicopter Hover Area Pattern are mutually exclusive. Aircraft will not be flown so as to transition from one flying area to the other.
Note: Damage attributed to accidents resulting from a pilot’s failure (or his/her guest’s failure) to properly adhere to the flight boundaries, shall be that pilot’s burden to bear. Damaged property shall be properly repaired or replaced.
9. Altitude Restrictions: There is an active Airport within three (3) miles of the Club Field. Therefore, no model shall be flown at an altitude higher than 400ft.
10. Restrictions on Numbers of Airborne Aircraft: Unless at an AMA sanctioned event, a maximum of four (4) aircraft/helicopters (regardless of size or type) are allowed airborne over the Club Field at any given time. Helicopters hovering at an altitude of 10 ft or less in designated helicopter practice areas shall not be counted. Only one helicopter is authorized to be hovering in each of the designated helicopter practice areas at any time.
11. Restrictions on Noise: Noise from a single model aircraft will not exceed 98 decibels (db).
12. Starting Engines:
a. Aircraft engines will be started within or in front of the pit area (runway side) with the propeller(s) facing the runway (directed away from spectators).
b. Helicopter engines will be started within or in front of the pit area (runway side) or within the fenced area of the designated helicopter practice areas.
13. Use of starting stands / flight stations: Pilots should remove their aircraft and starting equipment from the starting area or stands as soon as possible after landing so as to allow others to prepare their models for flight. The flight station directly in front of a starting stand is reserved for the pilot using that starting stand/position.
a. Starting and running engines on a starting stand/area behind a pilot who is flying is not allowed. Pilots waiting to fly may prepare their model for flight using a starting stand behind an unoccupied flight station. Engines should not be started until there is less than 4 models airborne (see rule 10 above). With proper coordination, pilots are welcome to share starting stands. As a pilot occupying the flight station lands his/her aircraft/helicopter, the pilot preparing a model for flight may start the model’s engine.
b. Only members assisting the pilot in starting engines or spotting/calling during flight may be in the pit or flight station area. Spectators must remain behind the fence.
c. Pilots performing engine break-in procedure runs must use the designated engine break-in area/stand. This will leave flight stations open for flying and minimize noise distraction for pilots who have aircraft/helicopters in the air.
14. Taxi Restrictions:
a. Upon engine start, aircraft should be carried (or guided by hand) from the starting bench or ground starting position to the Safety Line (white fence line) with the prop always facing away from spectators.
b. Aircraft returning to the pit area will be shut down at the Safety Line (white fence line) and carried/guided by hand into the pit area.
c. At no time will a helicopter be flown in or out of the pit area.
15. Announcing Your Intentions: Keeping other pilots informed of your intended actions is critical. Clearly announcing your intentions will increase everyone’s situational awareness and enhance the safety of field operations. As a minimum, pilots will clearly announce the following actions prior to initiation:
a. Dead stick landings – Always have the right of way.
b. Landings – (Announce landing left or right) Have the right of way over take-offs.
c. Taking the active for take-off.
d. Walking onto the runway for any reason – WATCH for model aircraft, which have the right of way.
e. In the event an aircraft crashes on or near the runway, permission to retrieve the aircraft must be given by all other pilots with airborne aircraft before anyone crosses the flight line. The airborne aircraft will then remain well clear, and circle in a pattern as indicated by the runway control arrow (see rule number 16) during the retrieval process. No other aircraft may take off until the aircraft is removed.
f. In the event an aircraft crashes inside the over fly area, but away from the runway, all other pilots with airborne aircraft will be notified of any recovery effort. Aircraft are prohibited from any aerobatics or low passes in the area of recovery personnel.
Note: Acknowledgement of these announcements by all other pilots operating their aircraft is required before proceeding across the runway.
16. Range Checks/Flight Control Checks:
a. Aircraft/helicopters will be range checked prior to the first flight of the day.
b. Pilots will conduct control checks prior to each flight.
17. Takeoff and Landing Restrictions: A runway control arrow is mounted near the flight line to indicate the required direction of travel for all aircraft landing or taking off. This arrow will be changed to reflect the wind direction as needed. All pilots are required to land and take off in the direction indicated by the arrow. When multiple aircraft are airborne, pilots should generally fly over the asphalt runway only in the direction established by the red arrow.
18. Motorized Vehicle Restrictions: Motorized vehicles are restricted to the access road and the designated parking areas. Vehicles may not be driven on any other part of the property. (Equipment hired for the purpose of field maintenance is an exception).
19. Animal/Pet Restrictions: Animals (including pets) brought to the field will be properly restrained at all times and are restricted to the parking and spectator areas. Animals are not permitted in the pit, flying station, runway, or over fly areas.
20. Field Marshals: Field Marshals shall be designated by the club to assist the City with the operation of the flying field and, specifically to observe flight operations for the purpose of identifying rules violations or unsafe practices. However, it is the responsibility of all Club Members to enforce and obey the rules. Repeated offenses must be brought to the attention of club officers.
a. The Department of Parks and Recreation reserves the right to revoke the permit of anyone who does not follow the rules or who operates their aircraft or helicopter in an unsafe manner. Persons who fly a model aircraft/helicopter without a valid permit will be considered trespassers.
b. Members shall immediately comply with any directions, requests for action, requests for inspection, etc. from Club Field Marshals. This can include requests to land immediately, stop flying, and/or leave the field immediately. Persons suspected of safety/rule violations may be required to cease flying until the situation can be reviewed at the next regular scheduled meeting of NNPRCC.
21. Training Instructors: Experienced NNPRCC instructor pilots will be asked to volunteer to inspect aircraft for compliance to regulations, orient new members/pilots to the Club Field characteristics and restrictions, and insure continued adherence to all AMA and NNPRCC rules and regulations. Club Instructors will also ensure new members/pilots possess the necessary skills and competence to properly fly their aircraft and are responsible for assisting and training less experienced pilots and beginners.
22. Operating a Remote Controlled Helicopter with a valid NNPRCC permit: Persons flying radio controlled helicopters at the Club Field must adhere to the following rules/regulations:
a. All flight line rules pertaining to flying model aircraft also apply to operating helicopters.
b. Pilots will not perform extended hovering maneuvers over the runway when other flyers are present who may need to use the runway. Helicopter hover practice areas are provided solely for this purpose.
c. Other than take off and landing, no flying should be done along/over the flight line closer to the pit area than the near edge of the asphalt runway. No flying should be done behind an imaginary infinite line extending from the white fence (Safety Line) outward in each direction.
d. When other pilots are operating their aircraft or helicopters, no autorotation practice should be done in front of them. Autorotation practice may continue if the pilot is flying from stations at the far ends of the flight line. Landings should be clearly announced to make other pilots aware of your intentions.
e. When multiple aircraft are in the pattern, designated by the flight line direction arrow, helicopters should generally fly the same pattern. When possible, spotters should be employed to assist the pilot in avoiding conflicts with other aircraft.
These rules and regulations are not intended to replace common courtesy and common sense as they apply to all activities/operations at the Club Field. FAILURE TO COMPLY, HOWEVER, COULD INVALIDATE AMA INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR YOU AND THE CLUB, COULD CAUSE REVOCATION OF YOUR CLUB MEMBERSHIP, OR COULD EVEN CAUSE THE CLUB TO BE RESTRICTED FROM USE OF THE FIELD. WE MUST ALL BE DILIGENT IN ENFORCING THESE RULES!
Be courteous and above all….be safe and enjoy the hobby.
