LADMAC CLUB RULES


  1. THE LAW – LADMAC Membership is conditional on abiding by The Law and established BMFA principles. Members must have read and understood this guidance ... https://bmfa.org/Info/Know-the-Law. From 30th November 2019 UK operators of all model aircraft/drones over 250 grams are legally obliged to register with the CAA Drone Registration & Education Scheme (DRES) or face fines of up to £1000

     2. INSURANCE - Anyone flying at LADMAC must hold current BMFA Membership which includes third party insurance. Members are advised to comply with CAA Drone Registration Scheme as required by UK Law, failure to do so may prejudice any insurance claims.
New members who are interested in learning to fly are entitled to 3 free flying days prior to joining LADMAC providing the Committee are made aware in advance of each visit. BMFA temporary insurance covers the potential new members during the 3 free flying sessions.
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   1.MODEL RESTRICTIONS – Rotary and MultiRotor models must not be flown with Fixed Wing models
  • ‘First Person View’ (FPV) flying requires a ‘spotter’ who must ensure the flight is within ‘line of sight’
  • No Jet Turbines or Rockets may be flown at LADMAC
 
  1. FLIGHT LINE – At Ladmac we don't have a fixed flighbox, so if someone is flying and if you wish to join them you must stand with them, wherever they are on the patch.
Same if you are flying and someone wants to fly at the same time, they must stand where you are standing.


  1. You must make announcements for “Taking Off”, “Landing”, “Dead Stick”, “Retrieving”, etc AND always wait for confirmation from other pilots before proceeding.
  • Circuit direction decided by agreement between pilots
  • Models may not be flown closer than 10 metres from the Flight Line
  • MOBILE PHONES – should be set to ‘silent’ mode when on Flight Line to avoid distracting other pilots
  • Maximum 4 pilots flying at any one time unless agreed with Committee Member beforehand
  • High Flying Glider pilots may sit adjacent to the pits providing they can communicate with other pilots
 
  1. PERMITTED FLYING ZONE – Please check the map on the side of the container for flying areas, this must be adhered to, except for take offs and landings ... never over the pits or car parking areas. Depending on wind conditions it may be necessary to take off or land over the south side public bridleway when extra care should be taken.


Full Size aircraft have right of way over our flying space so look out for them and stay well clear
Taxying – model aircraft must not be taxied towards personnel or within 10 metres of the pits boundary, ask if you need assistance
Maximum Altitude – we have exemptions from the CAA 400ft rule. There are currently no restrictions for models under 7kg. Models between 7 and 20kg are restricted to an altitude of 400ft


  1. GENERAL SAFETY – The Committee are committed to upholding stringent safety rules in the interests of all stakeholders including other Members, the public, landowner, BMFA and the adjacent full size glider club that share our airspace. Serious breaches will be investigated and may result in disciplinary action, members should report any concerns in writing to The Secretary. Anyone refusing to accept a Committee Members’ instruction will be asked to leave the flying field until The Committee have met to review the incident
FIRST AID – a First Aid Kit is held in cabin – please report any accidents to a Committee Member
PETS – must be under owners control at all times, kept away from pits and flight areas
CHILDREN – parents/guardians must be present and in control at all times. Young children are not permitted in the pits unless accompanying the parent/guardian with aircraft pre/post flight preparation, children must not handle ‘live’ aircraft. Supervised flying training (buddy box) is encouraged but limited to one child on the Flight Line at any time, ask for assistance if required
LOADING/UNLOADING – you may do so in Keep Clear area at north end of car park. After unloading move car into car park area and reverse into the parking position, this is to avoid accidents when leaving


  1. FLIGHT SAFETY – Members are expected to maintain models and flight systems in good condition at all times, if in any doubt DO NOT FLY and seek assistance. Don’t assume ... check!
  • Radio Receiver ‘Fail Safe’ MUST BE SET to put model in safe condition in event of signal failure
  • A Flight timer should be used to avoid running out of fuel/electric power whilst flying
  • Throttle function and control surface movement should be checked prior to take off
  • Radio systems should be ‘range checked’ according to manufacturers recommendations
IC MODELS – Members must provide and use a substantial tether capable of restraining model on full power. Use tether when starting up until pre flight checks are completed, request assistance if needed. Always use an effective silencer.
ELECTRIC MODELS – point in safe direction when connecting flight battery. Turn on transmitter and ensure throttle lock is set BEFORE connecting flight battery in the pits, otherwise connect power on Flight Line and disconnect before returning model to the pits
NEW MEMBERS must be assessed for basic flying skills and model safety before they are permitted
to fly unsupervised. There is a 6 month probationary period for all new members.
FREQUENCY CONTROL – 35 MHz users must use the pegboard (not required with modern 2.4GHz radios)


  1. NON MEMBERS – Members’ Guests are welcome to fly at LADMAC providing they hold current BMFA membership and operate within Club Rules. Guest visits are limited to a maximum of 3 per year
 
  1. JUNIOR MEMBERS – must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Other Members must not encourage Juniors to assist with their own models if this could expose them to unnecessary hazards. LADMAC are keen to promote experienced Club Members offering guidance to Juniors in order to develop their skills and knowledge of the hobby. Our policy is for parents/guardians to be present whilst Club Members are helping Juniors.
 
  1. SITE ACCESS
ON ARRIVAL – Unlock the Farmers Gate and lock it again behind you (unless it was open when you arrived in which case leave it open). Please drive with care along the track, condition varies throughout the year
FIRST TO ARRIVE - Unlock Club House and put up windsocks
LAST TO LEAVE – Put windsocks in Club House and lock it, lock generator store. Close and lock Farmers Gate


  1. COMPLAINTS – Please bear in mind that Committee Members are unpaid volunteers with several responsibilities and with no extra perks, they pay the same fees as all Members. If you have a complaint please contact The Secretary in writing rather than take issue with a Committee Member at the field, the Committee will discuss your issues and respond accordingly. The Committee’s decision is final. We want to avoid heated discussions where things can get personal ... relax, it’s a hobby!


Revised Nov 2022