Newcomers
32 Hollandbush Ct., St. Charles MO 63304
SOME ARE tucked away in parks near populated areas; others are six miles from nowhere. Some are just grassy fields, while others sport elaborately paved surfaces. There are little ones and big ones. But model flying sites tend to have some things in common. Public or private, they usually have at least a few rudimentary rules and certain types of etiquette.
These rules, regardless of their complexity, merge into a distinct pattern of behavior and protocol for those who fly there. In order to fly in a comfortable and safe fashion, it is very important to pay attention not only to the rules but to the developed protocol.
If you visit six sites, you will probably find six different approaches to many things. Although these differences may be quite subtle, it is still very important to learn them and correctly fit into the routines.
Flying model aircraft requires the development of certain habits or traits that are obtained virtually automatically. Developing the process of having the frequency pin before you turn on a transmitter is just as important—or more so—as recognizing that up-elevator becomes down when the model is inverted!
Let’s look at the different categories and what you might find at flying sites.
Perhaps the most freedom of operation and required protocol can be found at Free Flight (FF) sites. If you look at the AMA Safety Code, you will note that very few rules are listed for FF. The models are generally flown in much larger, open spaces, and the participants tend to spread out over a greater area.
There is little limitation regarding when or how often an individual can launch. The launching area may be defined by markings on the ground or it may simply be clustered near a pole with a streamer attached, which helps in monitoring wind direction and possible thermal activity. An FF launching area must remain fluid in reference to relocating as wind-direction changes occur.
Even though there are less restrictions at the FF site, that does not mean there isn’t a level of protocol. You will learn that at each site each person tends to set up an area allowing a zone of personal space. This is generally not a “rule,” but it becomes part of the protocol.
In like fashion, you may find certain tendencies of types of models launched at any given time. The very fast, engine-powered contest models and docile Towline types may find that sharing airspace is difficult. In a contest situation this is taken care of in the event organization.
In FF, probably the easiest place to run afoul of the rules or protocol for a site is in retrieving the model. Check carefully to determine what is allowed by the site owner. When there are crops planted downwind of the site, severe restrictions may be in place concerning the use of bikes. In the case of dry grass, the use of motorbikes may be taboo because of the possibility of fire.
These rules … merge into a distinct pattern of behavior and protocol …
Please remember that retrieval can also create a safety concern. Rough ground, hidden holes, and gullies can be a real hazard if you have your eyes glued to the model and not where you are going.
It is very important that you respect the property of the neighbors. Should the model land outside the site on private property, obtain permission to go on the property to retrieve it. To not do so could be treated by the owner as trespassing. Repeated incidences of this type of behavior are often a prelude to losing a site.
Control Line (CL) sites are usually more rule- and protocol-conscious. The operational area requirements are very small compared to other categories. As a result, it is more likely that you will find these sites in parks or near industrial areas.
A number of circles can be placed in just a few acres. Grass and paved circles are not uncommon at the same site. An important factor is the establishment of a center of the circle. It is a common occurrence for newcomers to find themselves drifting from the circle center, especially on windy days. This can create problems.
Two major points come to mind regarding etiquette. First, be aware of the amount of time you are in the circle while others are waiting to fly. A bulky engine or other problem tends to keep our attention focused on the problem and not on the courtesy we should be exercising toward others.
Second, CL sites will invariably have lines stretched out in the grass or on pavement. You certainly will not endear yourself to others if you fail to pay attention and walk on their lines. Sometimes they are very difficult to see, but some sites will provide a specific marked-off area where the lines can be placed.
You will learn that some of the larger CL facilities have special-use circles. For instance, you may find a fenced circle for Speed or Racing models. Make sure to check so that you are not using a special circle for your trainer while someone with the type of model designed for the circle is waiting.
The use of parking lots, school playgrounds, and the like require special consideration, primarily for safety. It’s amazing how an area devoid of people can suddenly become filled with spectators when an engine is fired up. You really should have permission to use such a site.
We find a greater number of rules and levels of protocol, almost without exception, at Radio Control (RC) sites. The very nature of the flying tends to require this. The models are not on wires; therefore, they are not contained as in CL.
Although the flying may approach the footprint required for FF, certain elements such as frequency control impose more rules.
At an RC field, one of the first things a newcomer should do is learn the frequency-control system being used. Nothing can be more devastating to a newcomer than to break the system used to operate a transmitter.
Again, if you visit six different sites, you will probably find six variations of frequency control. In some cases you will find subtractive systems where a pin or pad is removed to indicate the transmitter is being used; in others you will find the pin is simply missing and the modeler will search for it until he finds it. A few boards have a retaining clip or an automatic return mechanism which helps maintain the organization.
One problem with this system, especially at public sites, is that the pin or paddle “walks away,” which leads to trying to find it. On occasion, the person holding it may be elsewhere; you are led to the conclusion that it’s simply missing and proceed to turn on your transmitter. This can be a real problem at sites that have a combination of fixed-wing models, sailplanes, and helicopter operation.
In other cases, something is added to a board to show a transmitter is in use. Whatever the variation, be sure you understand the system before you operate a radio.
April 2002
frequency-control board to indicate the frequency use. It could be a personal paddle or pin, or a club or AMA membership card. Clubs that use a card provide a great level of help if you're trying to find out who is using the frequency at any given time.
The use of an additive and subtractive system, or using the membership card, probably creates the safest situation, especially if there is a central transmitter-impound area.
There are also clubs that set up the pit area in groupings for specific frequencies. These are usually the larger sites with larger numbers of members. This can be helpful as well in determining who is operating what frequency. I always check with other modelers present to see who might be on my frequency before flying.
The basic site rules consist of the AMA Safety Code. However, most clubs supplement the code with rules necessary for their specific site. These may include prohibited areas to fly over, positioning of maneuvers, direction of flypasts, and a host of others.
It is important to remember that any safety rule established for the site automatically becomes a part of the AMA Safety Code for the site. Unfortunately, the rules are not always grouped according to whether they are safety-related or operational.
Operational rules would include time limits for frequency use, flight-operation times, use of shelter, locking the gate, etc. Be certain not to overlook the operational rules.
There are often a number of "unwritten" rules that fit the protocol. These might deal with announcing your intentions, such as "landing," "dead-stick," "on the runway," etc.
There may also be methods used for setting up in the pits, including which way to face the model. In some cases, you will find these in the formal rules, but every site has at least a few items that have developed as traditions and have never been formalized as rules.
One thing you really need to watch for is the protocol involved when test flights are being made. There are times when it is best to have only one model in the air at a time. The first flight of a very large, very fast, or very scale model is treated by club members as a solo flight occasion. Watch for this.
The rules and protocol for a site should naturally follow courtesy and common sense. The best advice is to spend some time observing, study the rules carefully, and ask questions.
It matters not what kind of site you are using or the category you are flying, there are many things you need to be aware of in order to practice safe and enjoyable flight experiences.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
