Club Rules

BURTON MODEL FLYING CLUB RULES and RECOMMENDATIONS 

AFFILIATED TO THE BMFA No 2092

    
April 2025 Issue   

 

  1. All members of the Club must also be current members of the British Model Flying Association and have a CAA operator number. They must also have a valid BMFA Registration Competency Certificate (RCC), or a CAA online DMARES test which will give a CAA Flyer ID. All members must carry their membership card and proof of BMFA insurance and Flyer ID, also their CAA operator number must be attached to each model. Spot checks can be carried out and any one not complying will be told to stop flying immediately.
  2. All models and equipment must be checked before each flight by the pilot – Safety is all important
    – It is to be noted by all members flying at the Club’s flying field, that they are responsible for their own safety and that of others whilst attending the Flying Field. Consequently, the Club cannot be held responsible for any injury, loss or damage to others either on the flying field or elsewhere as a direct or indirect result of individual members’ action. In recognition of the change in the “Air Navigation Order 2018 & 2019 Amendments – Guidance for Small Unmanned Aircraft Users” and the flying field’s position within Tatenhill Airport’s Air Traffic Zone (ATZ), All Models flown at our flying field, must be flown within the following parameters:
  • a. within line of sight of the pilot
  • b. limited to 400ft above ground within a radius of 0.2 nautical miles (370m) of the centre of the model runways’ crossing, whilst also observing the existing “No Fly Zones” to the West and North-West of the flying field. (See http://www.burton-mfc.co.uk/flyingsite.html)
  • c. First Person View (FPV) flying is permitted but only within direct line of sight of the pilot and the pilot is accompanied by another person acting as a “spotter”.
  • d. In the event of an emergency situation arising that may have the potential for the foregoing flight
    restrictions being breached (e.g. a “flyaway” or a glider being rapidly carried above 400ft above the
    field within a thermal), it is incumbent on the pilot to immediately arrange for the emergency
    situation be reported by mobile phone to the duty controller at Tatenhill ATC on 01283 575283.
  • e. Similarly, in the event of an emergency situation becoming apparent such as a full-size aircraft flying below 400ft above ground over or near the model flying field, all pilots must land their model aircraft as soon as possible and then contact Tatenhill ATC duty controller to inform them of the actions taken and to seek further guidance as may be available.
  • f. Taxiing from the flight line back to the pit area towards other members, parked cars, or the model
    tables is not permitted. Models should be carried or towed back to the pit area.
  1. Radio systems working on 35MHz are still permitted, but these days it is very much a minority activity. However, if using this system it is incumbent on the member to ascertain whether or not there are any other fliers using this form of control before turning on his or her transmitter and if so check that they are not using the same frequency. A frequency flag should be attached to the transmitter aerial.
  2. No flying over the pit / car parking area and no fly zones (see notice board). No combat flying. Vehicles are restricted to the car park and not to be driven on to be harvested grass or pit area.
  3. All IC models must have silencers fitted and noise levels must conform to 82dBs measured at 7 metres (the model held 1 metre above ground). If the model does not conform it will not be allowed to fly until it is modified and found to conform. Any member can ask for a check to be made on any model he considers to be noisy. A noise meter is available for this purpose.
  4. Any model having a maximum take off mass more than 25kg must comply with the relevant Large Model Association rules for both construction and flying.
  5. All pilots must sign in before flying (either in the book in the clubhouse, or on our website). A guest is allowed to fly only 2 times in any calender year and must be signed in by a member with proof of BMFA insurance, CAA Operator ID and CAA pilot ID obtained. For further visits they must either take out club membership, or pay a fee of £10 for each flying day, or part day.
  6. Flying is permitted for ic and electric from 09 AM. to dusk Monday to Saturday and Sunday 09 AM to 14.00 PM for ic. Electric only 14.00 PM until dusk.
  7. All members to fly from other approved sites only. (As prescribed by the BMFA Insurance)
  8. The maximum number of adult club members will be generally limited to 60 plus limited number of Juniors. Those members aged 18 years and over on the 1st of January of the year of membership are classed as “Senior members”. Those younger than this are classed as “Junior members” (but have full
    membership status).
  9. The Annual General meeting will be in December, existing members subscriptions can be paid on this day or by the last day of January, or date stated at the AGM if unable to attend. Any member joining after this date, will pay the full amount whatever the time of year that they join.
  10. All future new members will pay the full amount at the beginning of the year and pro rata after May
  11. Only pilots and helpers are allowed in pits/flight line. No Mobile Phones allowed on the flight line area as they can cause a distraction, or possible interference which could result in an accident.
  12. It is recommended pilots should not fly by themselves for safety reasons (should an accident occur) (See also Rule 2 above)
  13. Only max four (4) aircraft should be in the air at any one time. For safety reasons
  14. Non junior member children are the responsibility of their parent’s and failure to keep them under control will result in no admission of their children.
  15. Outer gates, first one in opens up and pulls the chain and lock to the inside, not locked, but with the numbers scrambled. Last one out locks up and scrambles the numbers. Last one out also checks that the cabin has been properly locked with the gas turned off. When animals are in the first field the middle gate is to be kept shut.

Any one not complying with these rules may lead to loss of membership. Rule 8 and 9. Especially!

  • Chairman. N Ratcliffe Tel: 01283 515972
  • Secretary T. Teece Tel: 01283 712933
  • Treasurer T. Seres Email: admin@burton-mfc.co.uk