Field Rules
(Revised 6/15/09)

Table of Contents

• REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS
• NOISE
• GROUND OPERATIONS
• AIR OPERATIONS
• FLYING GUESTS

Wingmasters Board of Directors unanimously agree to allow Lithium battery powered models to be operated at the Wingmasters flying site. The use of Lithium battery power requires the registration of pilot/owner, aircraft, and power system in the LiPo Logbook on the field.

Wingmaster’s Lithium Battery Charging Policy

(Applies to all lithium-based batteries) -- Updated 12/12/10

1. All lithium-based batteries must be charged on the designated charging table and in a closed, suitable fireproof container provided by the member.
2. Each member must provide his/her own charger that is designed for charging his/her specific type of lithium-based battery.
3. Each member must provide his/her own power source (ie: sealed lead acid battery with a capacity between 7 amp-hours and 28 amp-hours). Connections shall be secure and all connections properly insulated. For more information about sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries go to: SLA battery information
4. Each member who is charging a lithium-based battery shall periodically monitor his/her battery while it is charging.

The following Club rules are in addition to, and in some cases a restatement of, the AMA safety code which is in force at all times (see AMA Handbook).

REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS

1. Flying is permitted during the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. seven days a week.
2. All pilots, students and incoming members, must be certified for solo flight by an instructor prior to flying solo. Practice flights before certification should be performed with an instructor or accomplished pilot, preferably with buddy box.
3. Pilots who have not flown recently and/or are uncertain of their competence to handle an aircraft should request the assistance of an instructor or ask a more experienced pilot to test fly the aircraft. This will improve safety and the life expectancy of your aircraft.
4. If, in the opinion of two or more safety committee members, a pilot's flying ability or aircraft's airworthiness is judged to create a danger, he may be requested to cease flying and make improvements in his flying skills or his aircraft. He may ask the assistance of an instructor or practice with a skilled pilot using buddy box. When he feels his skills or aircraft are safe he should ask an instructor for a check out. Any member so approached should treat this attention to his equipment and flying as in his best interest and also that of the club and his fellow fliers.
5. All members must carry a current Wingmasters membership card and their AMA membership card.
6. No alcoholic beverages are permitted at the flying site.
7. No gasoline powered aircraft are allowed.
8. Spectators/visitors are not allowed in the pit area or Pilot Stations—unless at the specific invitation of a member pilot. In this case, the member pilot assumes responsibility for the actions of the spectator/visitor. The pit area is marked by a yellow line and/or a fence.
9. Young children must be continuously monitored by an adult. Animals must be leashed at all times.
10. All pilots are required to do their part in maintaining the cleanliness of the field. If you bring it in (trash) you must take it out.
11. Helicopter pilots must adhere to the following rules:
    1. The pilot must be a competent helicopter flier.
    2. The helicopter flight must be conducted with the agreement of all fliers present.
    3. The helicopter must meet the field sound requirement.
    4. Frequency control is the same as for fixed wing.
    5. All hovering and forward flight maneuvering will be conducted well clear of the pit area.

NOISE

1. All engines must have mufflers. Muffled tuned pipes are acceptable. Maximum noise levels not to be exceeded are:
   • 2-cycle - The dBA reading, using the club provided sound meter, measured from the exhaust side of the aircraft at 9 feet, with the maximum throttle setting, must not exceed 90 dBA.
   • 4-cycle - Same as for 2-cycle engines listed above.
   • Electric - 90 dBA at nine feet.
2. Using their subjective judgment, any club member has the authority to question the validity of these measurements and request retesting to verify the maximum noise level.
3. All members must log the results of the noise measurements in the log provided. This log is of value to all members in assisting the decision on what engine, prop, and muffler system to use in their similar airplane.

GROUND OPERATIONS

1. Transmitters must have one and only one clearly distinguishable frequency flag attached at all times.   The exception is 2.4 ghz transmitters.
2. Transmitters must be Gold Sticker certified.
3. Engines should not be run at high RPM for an extended period in the pit area. Be aware of the effect of your prop wash and exhaust spray at all times.
4. A preflight radio check and control surface direction check before each flight is mandatory. A range check is additionally required prior to a first flight of a new, or repaired aircraft.
5. Never fly using a radio that is showing any signs of intermittent operation or less than perfect performance.
6. No transmitter may be turned on for any reason without first obtaining the frequency control pin and clipping it to your transmitter. All pilots should be aware of others on the same frequency and be courteous and careful in sharing the frequency pin.
7. Aircraft must never be taxied on the pit side of the safety fence.
8. It is the pilot’s responsibility to insure that no one is in line with the rotational plane of his propeller when starting and operating the aircraft engine in the pit area.

AIR OPERATIONS

1. All members must use the field flight log. This is in accord with our agreement with the Bonsall Planning Group The log provides field and frequency usage data.
2. All pilots must fly from the four Pilot Stations only, to enhance good pilot to pilot communications.
3. All aircraft will takeoff and land in the runway direction as dictated by the prevailing wind. In the case of a strong crosswind, a consensus between the flying pilots must be verbally agreed to.
4. Liftoff of the aircraft should not occur before the model has passed all of the pilots in the Pilot Stations. Similarly, power for "touch and go" take offs should not be applied before passing all the pilots in the Pilot Stations.
5. "Dead stick" landings should be announced loudly to all pilots in the Pilot Stations by yelling "DEAD STICK". "Dead stick" landings have priority over all other flight and taxi operations and other pilots should immediately yield and assure the "dead stick" pilot that he has the runway.
6. If your model goes out of control, or you see someone else's model apparently out of control, yell "HEADS UP" or some appropriate warning immediately. Don't wait to see if it's really necessary.
7. All flying, except for takeoff, landing and touch and goes, must take place north of the runway (the side opposite from the pits) and west of our self-imposed eastern boundary line (if you need further clarification of this, see the map carved into the club table top, or ask a club officer).
8. NEVER FLY OVER THE AREA TO THE SOUTH OF THE RUNWAY.
9. No more than three (3) internal combustion powered aircraft may be in the air at the same time. Four aircraft is permissible if one is a glider, or electric powered.
10. When going out on the runway to retrieve a plane, announce to those flying by calling "ON THE FIELD". Minimize your time on the runway and be watchful for other aircraft. Call "CLEAR" when you are clear of the runway.

FLYING GUESTS

Flying guests must have a current AMA membership and have been checked out for flying proficiency by a club instructor in order to fly their own, or their host's, aircraft. The host member is responsible for insuring that the guest understands the club rules and that these rules are adhered to. It is considered a courtesy to other club members that guest privileges be limited to occasional use only. If a guest wishes to fly more often, he should join the club.

RULES ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR COMMON SENSE

Please consider when operating your model aircraft that this club was established to promote and assist those interested in the hobby. The Wingmasters have invested a great deal of time and money in the flying field. Please insure that your actions will in no instance jeopardize your own, or other club members’, right to fly at our facility.

We have been allowed to use the land which comprises our flying field solely at the discretion of the County authorities. This right can be withdrawn at any time should your actions or those of any other member create a situation which prompts the County to do so. In this regard, strict adherence to our sound restrictions is vital—as well as a sensible flight pattern that does not overfly the area east of the line shown on the club table top. If in doubt, ask a club officer or a more experienced club flier.

A critical aspect of model aircraft flying that should receive every club member's continued attention is safety. The accident record of the Wingmasters Club has been very good, but the very nature of the sport requires continued vigilance if we are to maintain this record. In all cases, the operation of an aircraft should be dictated by a concern for the safety of yourself, other pilots and spectators.

When there is any doubt about safety:    DO NOT FLY