Safety is of paramount importance to our members and guests and it remains Northern Connecticut Radio Control Club’s (NCRCC’s) utmost goal to provide a safe experience while enjoying the hobby of aeromodelling.
Here is an excerpt from the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ Safety Handbook. NCRCC embraces its message.
“Adherence to AMA’s safety regulations should not be viewed as an obstacle to the enjoyment of model flying, but rather as proof that model fliers are responsible and can operate safely in a community-based environment. It is to each model pilot’s personal benefit to make certain that no action on his or her part will result in an unsafe situation or an accident. Before each flight, the pilot should verify the model’s condition and proper function to ensure a safe and efficient flight. A pilot should check for proper fitting and placement of parts, with special attention to the engine(s), propeller(s), and control surfaces.”
To that end, NCRCC has taken a number of steps including having: an effective Field Marshal/Safety Officer, NCRCC Club and Flying Rules (see below), NCRCC Flying Protocol (see below), and a requirement that all members and guests be fully compliant with these and with the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ Safety Code. To contact the NCRCC Field Marshall/Safety click here or, to be brought to the NCRCC ‘Contact Us’ prompt, please click here .
Likewise, all guests are expected to take steps to remain safe. Safety is a shared responsibility.
In the event a NCRCC member continually displays poor judgment or disregard for the AMA Safety Code and other AMA rules, and NCRCC Club and Flying Rules, Flying Protocol, safety information, and other club rules, a grievance process has been established. Click here to access information concerning the NCRCC grievance process.
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NCRCC Club Rules
1: Safety is the primary concern of NCRCC. Please be aware of all that is going on around you while at the flying field.
2: Only NCRCC members and their guests are allowed to use the flying field (except for club-sponsored events).
3: All club members and flying guests must have a current AMA membership in order to fly.
4: Clip your current AMA membership card (or a copy) to your frequency area on the impound board when flying.
5: AMA safety codes must be known and followed.
6: Wear your current NCRCC member badge when you are at the flying field.
7: After two (2) visits, guests must apply for NCRCC membership to fly at our field.
8: Unescorted spectators are not allowed beyond the pit area.
9: No running of internal combustion engines before 7:00 AM.
10: For engine break-in, use the designated area (far end of pit area by dumpster). Do not leave engine running unattended.
11: Mufflers are required on all internal combustion engines.
12: Failure to observe NCRCC safety rules can result in expulsion from the club.
13: Report any “immediate issues” to the Ellington Police Department at (860) 875-1522.
14: Report any “suspicious activity” to Jon Hosney of FBI Community Outreach at (203) 650-2432.
If you would like to print a copy of the NCRCC Club Rules, please click on the ‘download’ link immediately below. Once you download it, simply click on your computer’s ‘print’ icon.
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NCRCC Flying Rules
1: For 72 Mhz transmitters, attach your AMA membership card (or a copy) and place it in impound when not flying. Clip your AMA membership card to the matching frequency pin on the board when in use. Channel numbers must be displayed on 72 Mhz transmitters.
2: 2.4 GHz transmitters do not need to be placed in the impound area. Clip your AMA membership card (or a copy) to the board under the 2.4 area when in use.
3: Prior to flight, examine your equipment, range-check your radio, and observe all other activities going on.
4: No radio activation under the pavilion – fuel or electric.
5: When starting your motor/engine, ensure that your model is properly restrained. Respect electric start-up possibility.
6: Check all R/C functions with engine/motor running. The pilot must position himself/herself behind the model.
7: Taxi down to the runway area on the left or right taxiway, not down the center.
8: Takeoff, fly, and land only on the far side of the berm (flightline).
9: All flying shall be from a pilot station. The pilot must stand on the pad behind safety fence.
10: A glider pilot should move to a pilot station immediately after launching.
11: First turn after take-off should be away from the spectator area.
12: All landings and takeoffs should be loudly announced to the other fliers. Dead-stick aircraft have the right of way for landing.
13: No flying above the AMA-specified altitude limit of 400’.
14: Utilize a spotter when flying, if possible.
15: When more than one (1) plane is in the air, all fliers should use the same flight pattern (i.e., clockwise or counterclockwise as determined by wind direction). Takeoffs and landings should be into the wind.
16: Before walking onto the runway, loudly announce your intention.
17: When returning to the pit area, shut down your engine/disarm your electrics before crossing the stop line on the taxiway and carry or tow your model back to the pit area.
18: If you experience problems while airborne, loudly tell others so they can assist or take cover.
If you would like to print a copy of the NCRCC Flying Rules, please click on the ‘download’ link immediately below. Once you download it, simply click on your computer’s ‘print’ icon.
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NCRCC Flying Protocol
When you arrive at the field:
· 2.4 Ghz – Put your AMA membership card on the frequency board.
· 72 Mhz – Put your transmitter in the impound with your AMA membership card affixed to it.
· Wear your NCRCC member badge.
Waiting to fly:
· Range check your radio.
· Prepare your equipment.
· Observe the other activity going on at the field.
Preparing to fly:
· 72 Mhz – Put your AMA membership card on the matching frequency pin – impound.
· No aircraft pre-flight preparation under the pavilion.
· Ensure that your aircraft is restrained; respect electric start-up possibility.
· Check all R/C functions with engine/motor running.
· Observe what’s going on prior to taxiing your aircraft.
· Taxi or carry your aircraft to the pilot station area – recheck all functions.
Flying:
· Takeoff with first turn away from the pit area.
· Fly and land only on the far side of the berm.
· Communicate your intentions to the other pilots who are flying.
Returning to the pit area:
· Shut down your engine, disarm electrics, before crossing the stop line on the taxiway.
· Carry or tow your aircraft back to the pit area.
If you would like to print a copy of the NCRCC Flying Protocol, please click on the ‘download’ link immediately below. Once you download it, simply click on your computer’s ‘print’ icon.
