Standing Safety Regulations
(rev. 23rd November 2016)
PILOTS MUST ABIDE FULLY WITH THE FLIGHT SAFETY CODE WHICH FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE STANDING REGULATIONS.
(see Appendix A below)
(a) SAFETY ON THE GROUND - ENTERING AND LEAVING THE FLYING SITE.
(i) Drive in and out of the MMAFA compound at the slowest possible speed and keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, especially children.
(ii) Members should park their cars in the marked parking zones on the Club House side in an orderly manner to allow parking for all members and visitors.
(ii b) ALL MEMBERS (whether fliers or non-fliers) MUST SIGN THE ATTENDANCE REGISTER AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE as follows:
DATE; NAME & SURNAME (CAPITAL LETTERS) &/ or MEMBERSHIP NUMBER; TIME IN; TICK FLYING BOX (IF APPLICABLE); SIGNATURE - BEFORE LEAVING ENTER TIME OUT.
Every member must personally sign the register himself. Signing in by fellow members is prohibited.
Nb. Parents or legal guardians of Junior Members are to sign for their wards.
It is in the individual member’s interest and duty to clearly and accurately record his/her attendance details especially the times of arrival and departure from the site.
(ii c) All members must always be in possession of their current membership card and insurance certificate when attending the flying site to be shown on demand.
(iii) Models and equipment should be assembled within designated pits areas.
(iv) Starting and running of models engines anywhere in the parking area outside the pits is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
(v) Members’ young children and the general public should not enter the pits area.
(vi) It is the responsibility of each individual member who makes use of club umbrellas, frequency board, wind sock and other portable equipment or furniture, to return them to the clubhouse after use.
(vii) It is the responsibility of the last member to leave the flying site at any time of day to make sure that the Club House, Toilet and the Gate are locked.
(viii) It is the duty of all members to make use of club facilities in a responsible manner and to leave them in a good state of repair and cleanliness after use.
(b) SAFETY IN THE AIR.
(i) Flying may only take place as listed below, on any day of the week including weekends :
- LOW POWER VIRTUALLY SILENT ELECTRIC POWERED PARK FLYER TYPE MODELS ONLY (incl. small helis and quads in the same category)
not before 07.00 hrs until sunset.
- ALL OTHER POWERED MODELS (incl. electric powered ducted fan jets and electric powered 3D helis and any electric powered HIGH PROP NOISE models)
Not before 08.30hrs until sunset.
Please respect the NO FLY zones at all times ! !
(ii) The Malta Model Aircraft Flying Association includes a majority of members who fly radio controlled fixed wing aircraft and also includes members who fly helicopters & multi-rotor quads, or both. IT IS AN ESTABLISHED SAFETY PRINCIPLE THAT FIXED AND ROTARY WING MODELS SHOULD FLY SEPARATELY.
(iii) Members flying helicopters and any type of Quad may fly during the FIRST 15 MINUTES OF EACH HOUR AS INDICATED BY THE AUDIBLE ALARM ON SITE. Fixed wing pilots may fly in the remaining 45 minutes of each hour.
(iv) The number of models in the air at any one time should not exceed 6 (six). Each individual flying session should not exceed a maximum of 15 minutes total FLYING time out of respect for other pilots waiting to fly.
(v) Models in excess of 20 kg dry weight (without fuel) may fly provided that the named pilot is in possession of the mandatory, current, “exemption to fly” permit issued by the CAD for that specific model aircraft.
(c) BEGINNERS (applies also to Helicopters and Quads)
(i) All beginners’ models must be checked for full airworthiness by an instructor or competent modeler before any attempt to test fly.
(ii) At NO TIME can a beginner operate a model, even on the ground, unless an instructor or an expert flier is standing by to assist in case of need.
(iii) Trainee pilots are only allowed to fly under the close supervision or guidance of an expert flier or instructor, at any time.
(iv) Trainee pilots must pass a flight test to determine their ability to fly unsupervised (solo flights) in a safe manner and can demonstrate full control of their model.
(v) The issue of Certificates of proficiency in model flying is at the sole discretion of the Committee or official(s) designated by the committee to oversee the training and flight test process.
(d) OTHER UNIVERSAL PRE-FLIGHT AND IN-FLIGHT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS.
Note: The responsibility for the safe conduct of the flight lies with the person flying the model aircraft.
Thoroughly check your model prior to each flight for:
(i) Apparent damage resulting from prior in-flight vibration, landing knocks, or during transportation.
(ii) Check for integrity all control surfaces, hinge points and control linkages, flying surfaces, ROTOR blades (Helis and Quads)
(iii) Ensure your batteries are fully charged, fuel tanks are full and compressed air tanks pressurized (where applicable).
(iv) Perform a range test of your model before each flight.
(v) Ensure that “fail safe” operation of radio equipment is active to allow throttle slow and other control surfaces holding at neutral position.
(vi) Secure and restrain your model during start up to prevent it from moving forward. Use a helper as necessary. Ensure spectators are kept at a safe distance.
(vii) Ensure safety equipment where applicable (eg. Fire extinguisher) is within immediate reach and that you or your helper is conversant with its use.
(viii) Check your flight controls before takeoff for full and free movement of control surfaces.
(ix) Carry out a full power check prior to take off.
(x) The larger, faster and more powerful the model plane or helicopter, the greater the responsibility of care and extra caution by the pilot to ensure a safe flight (irrespective of whether it is a turbine, big block internal combustion or high output electric propulsion).
(xi) All models powered by Jet turbines or internal combustion engines above 26 cc and helicopters (whether electric or IC powered), must be started and shut down in designated start up areas. (Hover taxi of Helicopters is restricted to runway and landing zones)
(xii) Electric powered propeller driven model planes of any output must be treated with equal respect and caution as any other power plant, especially when connecting batteries and or carrying models to and from the flight line.
(xiii) All flyers must be ready to take evasive action and land immediately if a full size helicopter or micro-light / light aircraft is spotted heading directly towards the flying site at low altitude.
(xiv) Max. operating height per Air Navigation Order (ANO) is 400 feet (123 metres) above ground level.
Max. operating radius is 500 metres as measured from our runway. Avoid flying directly over any building within this radius. Factor in your model SIZE and SPEED to respect these limits.
(xv) Running in of engines must be performed away from the pits and flyers in the designated area and always respectful of other members present.
(xvi) Effective silencers on IC engines are compulsory. A maximum level of 85 dB at 7 metres is in force on all days of the week.
(xvii) Pulse Jets – The operation of pulse jets is prohibited at our flying site by virtue of the specific “exclusion clause” in the Association’s insurance policy which states that no third party insurance cover shall apply to these power plants.
(ix) It is forbidden to conduct uncontrolled free flight at any time, with any hot air or gas filled balloons or lanterns , self-propelled rockets or projectiles of any kind using any type or method of propellant, explosive material or compound ANYWHERE inside our 500m radius designated area by the CAD. WARNING: the above are NOT covered by our insurance. Any infringement shall be regarded with utmost severity.
(e) TRANSMITTER FREQUENCIES
The predominant radio frequency is 2,4 Ghz which no longer falls under the mandatory control procedures (i) to (viii) that follow.
Members who still use internationally approved 35 and 41 Mhz frequencies must follow the rules hereunder without exception in their own interest.
(i) Be on the lookout for other users (if any) of 35 and 41 Mhz equipment so as to be aware of each other and coordinate your activity, especially if on the same channel frequency.
(ii) Use the FREQUENCY BOARD TAGS without exception.
(iii) Pick up your frequency tag BEFORE switching on your Transmitter.
(iv) Return your frequency tag to the board immediately after switching off your transmitter and ensure you do not take the tag home in your flight box, to the inconvenience of other members.
(v) It is strongly recommended that the principle remains of impounding transmitters between flyers on 35 and 41 Mhz bands.
(vi) Transmitter aerials (35 and 41 Mhz) should be retracted while in the pits and while taxiing in & out to the runway. REMEMBER TO EXTEND YOUR TRANSMITTER AERIAL BEFORE TAKEOFF!
(vii) Beginners nowadays are more than likely to be equipped with 2.4 Ghz radio. However, any beginner who opts to use 35 Mhz may only use channels numbers 81 to 90 on this band until further notice.
(viii) Fliers who opt to continue teaching their children to fly, using their own 35mhz and 41 Mhz equipment, are exempt from clause (vii) and may use their own allotted frequency for this purpose, however full responsibility lies with the parent.
IN ALL CASES IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED NOT TO USE MOBILE PHONES ANYWHERE NEAR ANY TRANSMITTER AS THEY HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO HAVE CAUSED INTERFERENCE.
APPENDIX “A”
FLIGHT SAFETY CODE
FOR FIXED WING AND HELICOPTER PILOTS (This code forms an integral part of the Association’s Standing safety regulations and must be observed at all times)
FLYING POSITIONS
(ii) Launch on a SE heading and recover on a NW heading, and keep clear of the runway, and other helicopters.
(iii) Avoid the Club gate area and access road at all times.
(iv) Never launch or recover a Quad from the pit area.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS AND THE MODEL’S LIMITS. DO NOT SHOW OFF.
(see Appendix A below)
(a) SAFETY ON THE GROUND - ENTERING AND LEAVING THE FLYING SITE.
(i) Drive in and out of the MMAFA compound at the slowest possible speed and keep a sharp lookout for pedestrians, especially children.
(ii) Members should park their cars in the marked parking zones on the Club House side in an orderly manner to allow parking for all members and visitors.
(ii b) ALL MEMBERS (whether fliers or non-fliers) MUST SIGN THE ATTENDANCE REGISTER AS SOON AS THEY ARRIVE as follows:
DATE; NAME & SURNAME (CAPITAL LETTERS) &/ or MEMBERSHIP NUMBER; TIME IN; TICK FLYING BOX (IF APPLICABLE); SIGNATURE - BEFORE LEAVING ENTER TIME OUT.
Every member must personally sign the register himself. Signing in by fellow members is prohibited.
Nb. Parents or legal guardians of Junior Members are to sign for their wards.
It is in the individual member’s interest and duty to clearly and accurately record his/her attendance details especially the times of arrival and departure from the site.
(ii c) All members must always be in possession of their current membership card and insurance certificate when attending the flying site to be shown on demand.
(iii) Models and equipment should be assembled within designated pits areas.
(iv) Starting and running of models engines anywhere in the parking area outside the pits is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
(v) Members’ young children and the general public should not enter the pits area.
(vi) It is the responsibility of each individual member who makes use of club umbrellas, frequency board, wind sock and other portable equipment or furniture, to return them to the clubhouse after use.
(vii) It is the responsibility of the last member to leave the flying site at any time of day to make sure that the Club House, Toilet and the Gate are locked.
(viii) It is the duty of all members to make use of club facilities in a responsible manner and to leave them in a good state of repair and cleanliness after use.
(b) SAFETY IN THE AIR.
(i) Flying may only take place as listed below, on any day of the week including weekends :
- LOW POWER VIRTUALLY SILENT ELECTRIC POWERED PARK FLYER TYPE MODELS ONLY (incl. small helis and quads in the same category)
not before 07.00 hrs until sunset.
- ALL OTHER POWERED MODELS (incl. electric powered ducted fan jets and electric powered 3D helis and any electric powered HIGH PROP NOISE models)
Not before 08.30hrs until sunset.
Please respect the NO FLY zones at all times ! !
(ii) The Malta Model Aircraft Flying Association includes a majority of members who fly radio controlled fixed wing aircraft and also includes members who fly helicopters & multi-rotor quads, or both. IT IS AN ESTABLISHED SAFETY PRINCIPLE THAT FIXED AND ROTARY WING MODELS SHOULD FLY SEPARATELY.
(iii) Members flying helicopters and any type of Quad may fly during the FIRST 15 MINUTES OF EACH HOUR AS INDICATED BY THE AUDIBLE ALARM ON SITE. Fixed wing pilots may fly in the remaining 45 minutes of each hour.
(iv) The number of models in the air at any one time should not exceed 6 (six). Each individual flying session should not exceed a maximum of 15 minutes total FLYING time out of respect for other pilots waiting to fly.
(v) Models in excess of 20 kg dry weight (without fuel) may fly provided that the named pilot is in possession of the mandatory, current, “exemption to fly” permit issued by the CAD for that specific model aircraft.
(c) BEGINNERS (applies also to Helicopters and Quads)
(i) All beginners’ models must be checked for full airworthiness by an instructor or competent modeler before any attempt to test fly.
(ii) At NO TIME can a beginner operate a model, even on the ground, unless an instructor or an expert flier is standing by to assist in case of need.
(iii) Trainee pilots are only allowed to fly under the close supervision or guidance of an expert flier or instructor, at any time.
(iv) Trainee pilots must pass a flight test to determine their ability to fly unsupervised (solo flights) in a safe manner and can demonstrate full control of their model.
(v) The issue of Certificates of proficiency in model flying is at the sole discretion of the Committee or official(s) designated by the committee to oversee the training and flight test process.
(d) OTHER UNIVERSAL PRE-FLIGHT AND IN-FLIGHT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS.
Note: The responsibility for the safe conduct of the flight lies with the person flying the model aircraft.
Thoroughly check your model prior to each flight for:
(i) Apparent damage resulting from prior in-flight vibration, landing knocks, or during transportation.
(ii) Check for integrity all control surfaces, hinge points and control linkages, flying surfaces, ROTOR blades (Helis and Quads)
(iii) Ensure your batteries are fully charged, fuel tanks are full and compressed air tanks pressurized (where applicable).
(iv) Perform a range test of your model before each flight.
(v) Ensure that “fail safe” operation of radio equipment is active to allow throttle slow and other control surfaces holding at neutral position.
(vi) Secure and restrain your model during start up to prevent it from moving forward. Use a helper as necessary. Ensure spectators are kept at a safe distance.
(vii) Ensure safety equipment where applicable (eg. Fire extinguisher) is within immediate reach and that you or your helper is conversant with its use.
(viii) Check your flight controls before takeoff for full and free movement of control surfaces.
(ix) Carry out a full power check prior to take off.
(x) The larger, faster and more powerful the model plane or helicopter, the greater the responsibility of care and extra caution by the pilot to ensure a safe flight (irrespective of whether it is a turbine, big block internal combustion or high output electric propulsion).
(xi) All models powered by Jet turbines or internal combustion engines above 26 cc and helicopters (whether electric or IC powered), must be started and shut down in designated start up areas. (Hover taxi of Helicopters is restricted to runway and landing zones)
(xii) Electric powered propeller driven model planes of any output must be treated with equal respect and caution as any other power plant, especially when connecting batteries and or carrying models to and from the flight line.
(xiii) All flyers must be ready to take evasive action and land immediately if a full size helicopter or micro-light / light aircraft is spotted heading directly towards the flying site at low altitude.
(xiv) Max. operating height per Air Navigation Order (ANO) is 400 feet (123 metres) above ground level.
Max. operating radius is 500 metres as measured from our runway. Avoid flying directly over any building within this radius. Factor in your model SIZE and SPEED to respect these limits.
(xv) Running in of engines must be performed away from the pits and flyers in the designated area and always respectful of other members present.
(xvi) Effective silencers on IC engines are compulsory. A maximum level of 85 dB at 7 metres is in force on all days of the week.
(xvii) Pulse Jets – The operation of pulse jets is prohibited at our flying site by virtue of the specific “exclusion clause” in the Association’s insurance policy which states that no third party insurance cover shall apply to these power plants.
(ix) It is forbidden to conduct uncontrolled free flight at any time, with any hot air or gas filled balloons or lanterns , self-propelled rockets or projectiles of any kind using any type or method of propellant, explosive material or compound ANYWHERE inside our 500m radius designated area by the CAD. WARNING: the above are NOT covered by our insurance. Any infringement shall be regarded with utmost severity.
(e) TRANSMITTER FREQUENCIES
The predominant radio frequency is 2,4 Ghz which no longer falls under the mandatory control procedures (i) to (viii) that follow.
Members who still use internationally approved 35 and 41 Mhz frequencies must follow the rules hereunder without exception in their own interest.
(i) Be on the lookout for other users (if any) of 35 and 41 Mhz equipment so as to be aware of each other and coordinate your activity, especially if on the same channel frequency.
(ii) Use the FREQUENCY BOARD TAGS without exception.
(iii) Pick up your frequency tag BEFORE switching on your Transmitter.
(iv) Return your frequency tag to the board immediately after switching off your transmitter and ensure you do not take the tag home in your flight box, to the inconvenience of other members.
(v) It is strongly recommended that the principle remains of impounding transmitters between flyers on 35 and 41 Mhz bands.
(vi) Transmitter aerials (35 and 41 Mhz) should be retracted while in the pits and while taxiing in & out to the runway. REMEMBER TO EXTEND YOUR TRANSMITTER AERIAL BEFORE TAKEOFF!
(vii) Beginners nowadays are more than likely to be equipped with 2.4 Ghz radio. However, any beginner who opts to use 35 Mhz may only use channels numbers 81 to 90 on this band until further notice.
(viii) Fliers who opt to continue teaching their children to fly, using their own 35mhz and 41 Mhz equipment, are exempt from clause (vii) and may use their own allotted frequency for this purpose, however full responsibility lies with the parent.
IN ALL CASES IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED NOT TO USE MOBILE PHONES ANYWHERE NEAR ANY TRANSMITTER AS THEY HAVE BEEN REPORTED TO HAVE CAUSED INTERFERENCE.
APPENDIX “A”
FLIGHT SAFETY CODE
FOR FIXED WING AND HELICOPTER PILOTS (This code forms an integral part of the Association’s Standing safety regulations and must be observed at all times)
FLYING POSITIONS
- Fixed wing pilots must maintain one common grouped position on the flight line.
- Helicopter pilots shall exceptionally align themselves and maintain a greater safety distance (min. 30 metres) between them on one side of the runway.
- Quad pilots shall if other helicopters are flying :
(ii) Launch on a SE heading and recover on a NW heading, and keep clear of the runway, and other helicopters.
(iii) Avoid the Club gate area and access road at all times.
(iv) Never launch or recover a Quad from the pit area.
- Pilot(s) already on the flight-line HAVE PRIORITY and other pilots wishing to fly must group themselves on the same side as these pilots.
- In the interest of safety it is ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN for pilots to fly models from opposite sides of the runway at the same time.
- Any Pilot who feels uncomfortable flying from the current fliers' position (example facing the sun), should delay the flight for a few minutes until all the other pilots land, after which he is free to cross to the far side of the runway and assume priority.
- PRE-FLIGHT CHECK your model thoroughly before each flight in a methodical manner.
- START your engines safely in the prescribed areas.
- TEST your engines and TAXI your models AT A SAFE DISTANCE from other fliers. Test your brakes if fitted.
- Pilots on the flight line are to keep clear of the central taxiway RUNWAY EXIT to allow unrestricted space for models to taxi in and out, and pilots to walk in and out, safely.
- Do NOT take-off, or land in the direction of other fliers.
- Ensure the take-off and landing area is CLEAR. Be ready to abort your take or landing if the runway becomes obstructed.
- Do NOT fly over other pilots.
- CALL OUT LOUD AND CLEAR your take off, missed approach (overshoot ), landing and DEADSTICK engine failure.
- Exercise utmost CARE when exceptionally crossing the runway when you have priority only (see flying positions above above).
- Make your intentions KNOWN to other pilots on the flight-line loud and clear.
- Fly in a SENSIBLE AND SAFE manner and coordinate your flying through clear and calm communication between pilots and / or their spotters to avoid mid-air collisions.
- Factor in your model’s SIZE and SPEED in managing your flight path and height above ground.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS AND THE MODEL’S LIMITS. DO NOT SHOW OFF.
- IN ALL CASES IT IS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN TO FLY OVER THE CLUBHOUSE, PIT AREA, TAXIWAY AND GRASS FORECOURT AT ANY TIME AND AT ANY HEIGHT.
- AVOID NO FLY ZONES AT ALL TIMES (SEE MAP ON CLUB NOTICE BOARDS).
- DO NOT PLACE YOURSELF AND OTHERS AT RISK.
- DO NOT JEOPARDISE THE CONTINUED USE OF OUR FLYING SITE BY YOUR ACTIONS, OR NEGLECT.