ARCS flying site rules

The following rules apply to any ARCS member or guest present at an ARCS flying site. Some sites will have more specific rules in addition to these that are spelled out along with the flying site information, but this core set of rules applies to all ARCS sites.

To ensure the continued safe use of these fields, all pilots and spectators must observe the following rules and field etiquette. Violators are subject to club expulsion.

1. Trainees being supervised by ARCS "intro pilot instructors" must obtain their ARCS and AMA memberships within 30 days of their first training session. Guests with AMA cards may fly at ARCS special events/competitions, or at the invitation of an ARCS member. All other pilots must be current members of both ARCS and AMA.

    

2. All operations must be in accordance with the current AMA safety code. If these field rules conflict with the current safety code, the stricter requirement will apply.

    

3. Take offs, landings and touch and go's will be made within the confines of the runway and parallel to the flight line. Taxiways are not considered part of the runway.

    

4. Unattended spectators, children, and pets are not allowed in the pit area, flight line, runway, or runway extensions. All pets must be leashed at all times.  Pet waste must be picked up and disposed of.

    

5. Take off and land with the flow of traffic.

    

6. Landing aircraft have the right of way over all other aircraft movements.

    

7. Recover aircraft stalled on the runway immediately. Check for traffic before advancing on the runway and announce, "taking the runway" to others still flying. Announce "clear" when you are behind the flight line.

    

8. Radio range, battery power, and control checks are always in order.

    

9. Do not litter. Pick up crash debris, paper towels, etc. Carry your trash home with you. Pack it in - pack it out, year round.

    

10. No smoking in the pit area or flight line. No alcoholic beverages to be consumed in public.

     

11. Know the location of the nearest first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and hospital.

     

12. Do not overfly the pit area, parking area or any spectators.

     

13. No off-road all-terrain sport or utility vehicles or snow machines allowed on any ARCS leased property.

Frequency control board

A frequency control board is located at each flying site with all non-spread spectrum frequency numbers displayed. ALL pilots (spread spectrum or not) are expected to use the frequency control board.  Place your AMA and ARCS cards on the frequency board when you are flying and remove them when you are through.  If you are using a non-spread spectrum radio, before turning on any equipment, check the board for your frequency number to determine if the frequency is available for use.  If you are using spread-spectrum equipment, simply place your cards in an unused 50 MHz position if there is no spread spectrum area on the board.   Common sense is the most important guide when it comes to R/C frequency use.

Field etiquette

1. Preferably, use a safety bench when running up engines to adjust fuel mixture. If you are running up an engine for an extended period such as engine break in, use a safety bench outside the pit area to reduce loud noise.

2. Preferably, do not fly alone, for safety reasons, and to be on the lookout for low flying full scale aircraft.

3. Do not touch another modeler's aircraft without his or her permission. However, if strong wind gusts threaten an unattended aircraft on a bench or on the ground, please secure it.

4. Keep children and pets under control at all times. They don't understand how they can get hurt and how they can damage model aircraft.

5. Be courteous to your fellow club members. No profanity. ARCS is a family oriented club.

6. To reduce the risk of injury, avoid take offs and landings that cross in front of another pilot standing on the flight line.

7. Be aware when an inexperienced modeler is at the field and give a hand when you think they may need it.

8. Give courteous guidance to anyone who is unfamiliar with these rules and etiquette guidelines.

9. Limit flight times to 15 minutes if a frequency conflict exists.

10. Have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher available or in your vehicle.

11. When more than one (1) aircraft is in the air, please limit the airspace above the runway to landing and takeoff maneuvers.