HomeMy WebLinkAboutEllensburg RC Flyers Club Rules (2)Ellensburg RC Flyers
Field Rules
This document represents the specific set of rules for the Ellensburg RC Flyers (ERCF) flying site
located at the Kittitas County Airport (Bowers Field) in Ellensburg, WA. It is intended to
supplement the rules and guidelines provided by the AMA and FAA, and to provide information,
rules, and procedures specific to ERCF operations at Bowers Field.
*** IMPORTANT – IMPORTANT – IMPORTANT ***
We fly on the grounds of an active, full-scale airport. Our flying site is located adjacent to the
airport’s active runway and beneath the flight path of aircraft using the airport. Therefore, it is
vital that members always pay particular attention to full-scale operations. We expect our
members to conduct RC flight operations with the same focus on safety and adherence to rules
and regulations as is expected and required of full-scale pilots.
While RC aircraft are at all times restricted to flying below 400 feet above ground
level, it is the responsibility of club members to stay WELL CLEAR of full-scale
aircraft and active areas of the airport under all circumstances.
RC aircraft must remain within the airspace allocated for RC operations as defined
in Section 2 of this document. NO EXCEPTIONS.
Members must abide by all rules, regulations, and guidelines contained within this document
and within the AMA Safety Code. In addition, members must abide by all FAA regulations
regarding the operation of model aircraft and UAS. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary
action up to and including removal from the club.
If you have questions regarding anything contained within this document, the AMA Safety Code
and other guidelines, or FAA requirements you should contact the club’s safety officer for
clarification BEFORE FLYING.
Section 1: General Rules
1.1 Club members must be active members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).
1.2 Club members must register with the FAA and receive their FAA Small UAS Certificate
of Registration before flying.
1.3 Club members must complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) before flying.
1.4 Club members must have in their possession their AMA membership card with club
membership sticker, FAA Small UAS Certificate of Registration, and The Recreational
UAS Safety Test (TRUST) Completion Certificate when flying. Members should be
prepared to produce these documents at the request of the club president or safety
officer, airport personnel, or FAA personnel.
1.5 Per FAA Regulations, all RC aircraft should display the member’s FAA Small UAS
Registration number on the outside of the airframe.
1.6 Per AMA Safety guidelines, all RC aircraft should be labeled with the member’s Name,
AMA number, and contact information. This information may be placed on the inside or
outside of the airframe.
1.7 Club members must at all times follow the AMA Safety Code. The current version of
the AMA Safety Code can be found at: Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model
Aircraft Safety Code
1.8 Club members must at all times follow the AMA’s See and Avoid Guidance. The current
version of the AMA’s See and Avoidance Guidance can be found at: Microsoft Word -
540-d.docx (modelaircraft.org)
1.9 Club members should familiarize themselves with and follow all guidelines contained in,
the AMA’s Safety Program Handbook located at: 100.pdf (modelaircraft.org)
1.10 Club members must always conduct RC flight operations within the airspace boundaries
defined in Section 2 of this document.
1.11 RC aircraft are restricted to flying below 400 feet above ground level.
1.12 Pilots must maintain visual line of sight with their aircraft at all times.
1.13 Only instructors are allowed to fly without a spotter. Solo pilots must use a spotter when
flying. Student pilots must always fly with an instructor present.
1.14 Pilots should land (or descend to 50’ or below) when full-scale aircraft are over the area
defined for RC flight operations.
1.15 If a vehicle is entering the vicinity of the RC flight area during a flight, the pilot should
maintain altitude until the vehicle is clear. Members approaching the flight area in their
vehicles should stop at least 300 yards from the flight area and wait there until they are
waved in.
1.16 It is the responsibility of the pilot to stay WELL CLEAR of full-scale aircraft and active
areas of the airport at all times.
1.17 Aircraft in flight must remain in the designated flight area at all times. Flying over
people, the pits, or the spectator area is strictly prohibited.
1.18 Pilots must fly from the area of the pilot line illustrated in Section 2.
1.19 Pilots will perform range and control checks as appropriate before flying.
1.20 Only two aircraft are permitted in the air at one time.
1.21 It is the responsibility of the pilot to avoid any livestock present in the flying area.
1.22 Club members must be approved by the head flight instructor before flying solo.
1.23 RC flight operations will be conducted during daytime hours. Night operations are
prohibited.
1.24 Only RC flight operations are allowed. Free flight and control line flying are not
permitted.
1.25 No drugs or alcohol are permitted on flying field grounds. Pilots will not fly while under
the influence of drugs or alcohol.
1.26 Members will immediately report any incursion into the active areas of the airport to
the club safety officer and club president. Members will not enter active areas of the
airport to retrieve equipment or for any other purpose unless instructed to do so by
airport management.
1.27 All RC flight operations conducted at the field fall under the ultimate supervision of
airport management, the FAA, and Kittitas County. Representatives of these
organizations may suspend, modify, or make additions to the rules under which RC
flight operations are conducted at any time. Members must immediately comply with
any instructions provided by these authorities.
1.28 Members will be encouraged to monitor the airport traffic. Traffic can be monitored by
an aircraft band radio receiver or by using a flight traffic app such as Flightradar
24. Training in the use of traffic monitoring tools such as Flightradar 24 and aircraft
band receivers will be included as an integral part of student training. The club now
possesses one aircraft band receiver and multiple members are familiar with the
Flightradar 24 app.
1.29 Club members will report any observed violation of these rules to the club safety
officer.
1.30 Unless otherwise posted, keep the gate to the field closed at all times.
1.31 If you are the last person leaving the field, you must connect the electric fence that
surrounds the pit area.
1.32 All vehicles must be parked in the area designated in Section 2 unless entering or
leaving the flying field area. Vehicles must always remain on designated access roads.
1.33 Please report any problems with the gate, electric fence, or other equipment to the club
president or safety officer.
Section 2: Flying Site Layout and Boundaries
Section 3: Types of RC Aircraft Permitted
3.1 Only RC aircraft weighing less than 10 pounds are permitted unless specifically
approved by an instructor.
3.2 RC aircraft speed may not exceed 100 mph.
3.3 Turbine powered RC aircraft are not permitted under any circumstances.
3.4 RC aircraft designed to resemble jet powered aircraft that are powered by electric
ducted fan units are permitted. All such models fall under the restrictions included in
sections 3.1 and 3.2.
3.5 Only radio control models are permitted. Free flight and control line models are
prohibited.
Section 4: Flight Training
4.1 ERCF supports the growth of model aviation. To support that goal we provide flight
training for new members as available resources allow.
4.2 All flight training is to be conducted by approved club flight instructors. The safety
officer and head flight instructor are responsible for designating which club members
may serve as flight instructors.
4.3 Until approved by the head flight instructor for solo flight, all members and guests
must fly under the direct supervision of a club flight instructor.
4.4 Students will demonstrate that they understand the information contained within this
document before flight training commences.
4.5 Students must be AMA members.
4.6 Experienced RC pilots who wish to become club members will initially be treated as
student pilots and must still be approved by the head flight instructor before flying
solo.
4.7 Please note: Flight training is provided as flight instructor time permits.
Section 5: Guests
5.1 All guests must be accompanied and supervised by a club member at all times.
5.2 Guests who are spectators must remain in the area designated for spectators at all
times (see Section 2 for location.)
5.3 Guests who are RC pilots may only fly under the supervision of a club flight instructor
and must follow all rules included in this document.
5.4 Guests who wish to fly must be AMA members and must present their AMA
membership card before flying.
5.5 Club members are responsible at all times for the actions of their guests.
Section 6 – Disciplinary Action
6.1 Club members who violate the rules contained in this document will be subject to
disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the club.
The following violations will result in membership revocation and dismissal from the
club:
1. Failure to remain well clear of full-scale aircraft
2. Failure to remain within the airspace designated for RC Operations
3. Incursion into active areas of the airport including but not limited to the
runway and taxiways.
Other rules violations will be subject to the following disciplinary actions:
Violation 1: Warning
Violation 2: Suspension
Violation 3: Membership Revoked