Patuxent Aeromodelers Helwig Field Rules

GENERAL ITEMS:

1. All model aircraft operations shall be in accordance with the Official Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Safety Code and these field rules.

2. All pilots shall be current members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and members in good standing of the Patuxent Aeromodelers prior to engaging in flight operations at Patuxent Aeromodelers club fields. AMA cards with current Club Membership Validation stickers must be on hand for verification when flying at club fields. Pilots visiting from outside the local geographical area must be current AMA members. Membership requirement for visitors will be based upon the repetitiveness of the visits and duration of each visit. The club’s executive committee will determine whether or not multiple return visits or extended visits warrant membership requirement. This exemption from club dues only applies to those visitors from outside the local geographical area.

3. All members shall, by actions and attitude, keep safety paramount during ground and flight operations.

4. Flight operations are permitted between sunrise and sunset Monday through Sundays. Upon occasions, due to special functions being conducted at near-by park facilities, the club is requested to limit flight operations. These limitations will be disseminated via the club newsletter, web site, and meetings, and all members are required to abide by these temporary restrictions. Exceptions may be granted by the club Executive Committee.

5. When possible it is encouraged that a minimum of two people be present when flying Helwig Field as a personal safety precaution. If flying alone it is highly recommended that a cell phone be readily available in case emergency services are required.

6. Alcoholic beverages and/or controlled substances are prohibited at flying sites at all times. Pilots shall not engage in flying activities following alcoholic beverage consumption that day regardless of time/ quantity consumed.

7. All club members are responsible for the conduct of visitors to Helwig Field . Spectators are required to remain within the Sun Shade area or in the parking area behind the wheel stops unless accompanied by a club member. All members shall ensure that spectators are aware of restricted areas.

8. All members shall leash their pets, supervise their children, and keep them off the field.

9. Parking adjacent to the pit area and flight line is reserved for active pilots. Spectators are requested to park their vehicles on the side of the parking lot adjacent to Steer Horn Neck Road.

SAFETY ITEMS:

1. Only pilots, helpers, and selected, escorted spectators are permitted in the pit area.

2. Safety hubs or spinners are required on all aircraft. (exceptions will be granted by the club’s executive committee)

3. All flights shall be controlled from the designated flight stations only. The exception to this rule is for helicopters operating in the west end helicopter hover and practice area of Helwig Field.

4. All aircraft shall be given a radio range check prior to flight.

5. Only persons essential to aircraft retrieval are allowed on the runway area of the flying field only after ensuring other pilots engaged in flight are aware of their movement onto and of the field.

6. Deliberate flying behind the flight line (over the pit, spectator, pilot, or parking areas) is prohibited. Gliders are permitted to fly over the areas to the south of Steer Horn Neck Road.

7. Engines shall be started with the nose of the aircraft pointed towards the runway.

8. Pilots will be careful not to direct prop blast at nearby people or equipment in the pit area.

9. All aircraft in the pits will be under physical control whenever the engine is being started or is running. Use of a helper or a Plane Restraint System during engine starting is required. Taxing in the pit is prohibited.

10. R/C engine shut down capability by use of the transmitter throttle trim lever is required.

11. Any accident involving personal injury or damage to property other than models shall be immediately reported to a club officer.

RADIO CONTROL ITEMS:

1. It is highly recommended that all transmitters be placed in the transmitter impound immediately upon arrival at the field and when not actually in use.

2. Each pilot operating within the 27 MHz, 53 MHz , or 72 MHz band must have the correct club frequency/channel pin in their possession prior to the operation of that transmitter. Members utilizing newer 2.4 GHz spread spectrum control systems shall place their AMA Card with current club membership sticker in the designated position in the transmitter impound area. When taking custody of a frequency control pin the pilot shall attach his/her AMA with current club membership sticker on the appropriate frequency control board position.

3. Frequency control pins may not be removed from another pilot’s transmitter without the acknowledgement of that pilot.

AIR TRAFFIC/NOISE CONTROL ITEMS:

1. No model of any kind may exceed a noise level of 99 DB at 10’.

2. Pilots will limit engine runs in the pits to a minute or less. Break in or extensive tuning shall be accomplished at the far ends of the pits.

3. Servicing engines on the runway is prohibited.

4. Pilots will ensure safe clearance onto the runway by looking both ways, then loudly announcing the intent to enter the runway prior to doing so. Aircraft already on the field and aircraft on final landing approach have precedence.

5. Student pilots under instruction have priority for air space.

6. The following priorities in flying shall be honored: (1) Dead Stick Landing, (2) A person on the field, (3) An aircraft on landing final, (4) An aircraft ready to take off

7. Aircraft stalled on the runway shall be retrieved as quickly as possible. Intent to walk onto the runway shall be loudly announced prior to doing so.

8. Helicopters operated from any of the designated pilot stations must concur with the standard flight pattern established at the time of flight. (take off and landing pattern and direction)

9. Extended hovering and radical maneuvers over the runway area are prohibited during normal flight ops with multiple fixed wing aircraft in use.

10. Hovering while learning is restricted to within the Helicopter designated area at the west end of the field. In no case shall a helicopter be hovered or flown with 30 feet of another person.