CMAC FLYING FIELD OPERATING PROCEDURES

Canberra Model Aircraft Club Inc PO Box 387 WODEN ACT 2606 www.cmac.org.au CMAC FLYING FIELD OPERATING PROCEDURES Edition 10 May 2017

Contents 1. INTRODUCTION... 3 1.1 PURPOSE... 3 1.2 MODEL AIRCRAFT REGULATION... 3 1.3 CIVIL AVIATION ORDER (CAO)... 3 1.4 MAAA MANUAL OF PROCEDURES (MOP)... 3 1.5 CODE OF CONDUCT:... 3 2. FIELD MANAGEMENT... 4 2.1 ACCESS... 4 2.2 AUTHORISED PILOTS... 4 2.3 FREQUENCY CONTROL... 4 2.4 FREQUENCY BOARD... 4 2.5 TRANSMITTERS... 4 3. FLYING OPERATIONS... 5 3.1 OPERATIONS IN THE PITS... 5 3.1.1 Pit Area... 5 3.1.2 Running of Engines / Motors... 5 3.1.3 Starting Boxes... 5 3.1.4 Testing of Engines... 5 3.2 FLIGHT RULES... 5 3.2.1 Full Size Aircraft... 5 3.2.2 CASA Restriction... 5 3.2.3 Taking Off... 6 3.2.4 Pilot Box... 6 3.2.5 Flying Circuit... 6 3.2.6 Aerobatics... 6 3.2.7 Dead stick... 6 3.2.8 Landing... 6 3.2.9 Taxiways... 6 3.2.10 Completing a Flight... 6 3.2.11 Entering or Crossing the Airstrip... 7 3.2.12 Duty of Care / Safety... 7 3.2.13 Accident / Incident Reporting... 7 3.2.14 Gliders... 7 3.2.15 Helicopters... 7 3.2.16 Turbine Aircraft... 7 3.2.17 Control-line Aircraft... 7 3.2.18 Free flight Aircraft... 7 3.2.19 Unusual Aircraft... 7 3.2.20 RC Aircraft Flying Weight... 7 3.2.21 Optical Ignition Kill Switches... 8 3.2.22 Mufflers... 8 4. LOCAL ISSUES... 8 4.1 LITTER... 8 4.2 CRASH DEBRIS... 8 4.3 LAST MEMBER LEAVING THE FIELD... 8 DIAGRAM 1 CMAC FLYING FIELD LAYOUT... 9 DIAGRAM 2 CMAC FLYING AREAS... 9 DIAGRAM 3 SEPARATION OF GROUND TAXIWAYS... 10 Edition 10 May 2017 2

1. Introduction 1.1 Purpose These operating procedures are designed to provide a basis for the safe and enjoyable operation of radio controlled (RC) and control line (CL) models at the CMAC flying field by minimising the risk of injury to people and/or damage to property. CMAC members and visitors are required to comply with these operating procedures at all times. Our continued ability to operate at the CMAC flying field depends on maintaining our good safety record. These operating procedures together with the design of the CMAC flying field layout are part of the risk mitigation approach adopted by CMAC. If you have any queries about these operating procedures please seek the assistance of a Committee member. 1.2 Model Aircraft Regulation The operation of model aircraft in Australia is governed by regulations administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Model Aircraft Association of Australia (MAAA). The requirements of both CASA and the MAAA, as they apply to CMAC, are reflected in these operating procedures and in the CMAC field layout. 1.3 Civil Aviation Order (CAO) Model aircraft are subject to the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 101 Unmanned aircraft and rocket operation Model Aircraft. The Regulations deal with the safe and legal operations of model aircraft. These operation instructions comply with all of the requirements of CASR Part 101, as they apply to the model aircraft operated at CMAC. (A copy of CASR AC 101-3(0): UNMANNED AIRCRAFT AND ROCKETS -MODEL AIRCRAFT is available on the web at https://www.casa.gov.au/files/101c03pdf) 1.4 MAAA Manual of Procedures (MOP) The MAAA Manual of Procedures (MOP) deals with: administration/application of CASR Part 101; Permits to Fly; Model Flying Areas and Model Flying Displays. (A copy of the MAAA MOP is available on the web at: http://www.maaa.asn.au). 1.5 Code of Conduct: CMAC members and visitors shall: Be ethical, fair and honest in all their dealings with other people and CMAC Treat all persons with respect and courtesy and have proper regard for their dignity, rights and obligations Always place the safety and welfare of children above other considerations Comply with the MAAA s & CMAC s rules, policies and procedures Comply with all relevant Australian laws (Federal and State), particularly anti-discrimination and child protection laws Be responsible and accountable for children s conduct Pilots & members should also be aware of the MAAA s Member Protection Policy MOP041. (See https://www.maaa.asn.au/images/pdfs/mops/mop041-member-protection-policy.pdf) Edition 10 May 2017 3

2. Field Management 2.1 Access The CMAC Flying Field is located on the western side of the Monaro Highway, approximately two kilometres north of the Alexander Maconochie Centre. Entry is via the public car parking area. The member s car park is adjacent to the pits and club house. See Diagram 1 on Page 9. The club house has basic kitchen facilities and a single toilet. The club is dependent on tank water. The CMAC Pits setup is linear along the pit fence. Access to the starting boxes is via the opening in the front pit fence. Taxiways either side of the pilot box provide access to the airstrip for take-off. 2.2 Authorised Pilots Regular users (pilots) of the CMAC Field must be current financial members of CMAC. Visiting pilots must be affiliated with the Model Aircraft Association of Australia (MAAA), be carrying a current MAAA membership card, and be accompanied by a CMAC member. Beginners, or other pilots who have never had MAAA membership, may have up to four days flying under the supervision of a CMAC member before joining CMAC. On each day the beginner must enter their name, address, transmitter frequency, the supervising CMAC member s name and the date in the CMAC visitors log book. The log book is located in the transmitter pound. 2.3 Frequency Control Maintaining frequency control at the field is critical for safe flying operations on 36 Mhz. Pilots operating on the 36 Mhz band are required to have a dedicated frequency key for each channel they intend using at the field. Members operating on 2.4 GHz are not required to use frequency keys as these systems have built in frequency management to avoid conflict. Frequency keys must be used when operating 36 MHz RC aircraft at the field. CMAC gives absolute priority to the use of odd numbered channels in the 36 MHz band (that is, 36.010; 36.030; 36.050 and so on) by members and visitors operating RC aircraft at the field. 2.4 Frequency Board CMAC s 36 MHz frequency board is based on the use of 50 mm wide keys which provides a minimum of 20 KHz separation between transmitter channels. Visitors and any member who does not have an appropriate frequency key should use one of the CMAC visitor frequency keys located in the transmitter pound. Members and visitors using the CMAC visitor frequency keys should write their name and channel on the key, which is then to be removed from the key when they have finished using the visitor s frequency key. A 36 MHz transmitter must not be switched on anywhere at the CMAC field, including in the car park or the control line circle area, unless its matching frequency key has first been placed in the appropriate slot in the frequency board. Frequency keys are only to be placed in and removed from the frequency board by the user of the frequency key. 2.5 Transmitters 36 MHz systems -When a pilot completes a flight and does not propose to resume flying immediately, their transmitter must be switched off and placed in the transmitter pound. The frequency key must be removed from the frequency board and placed on the transmitter aerial base with the key clearly visible for the information of other pilots. All 36 MHz transmitters used by members or visitors at the CMAC Flying Field are to have been tested to MAAA requirements at least once, and are to be retested by an MAAA approved testing station after any crystal change or major transmitter repair. Such testing is to be demonstrated by an appropriate Edition 10 May 2017 4

sticker on the transmitter s frequency module, and lodgement of a photocopy of the test certificate with the Club s Frequency Registrar. 2.4 GHz systems Frequency keys are not required to be used for 2.4 GHz systems. Transmitters are not required to be kept in the transmitter pound and may be kept in the pits area when not in use. All 2.4 GHz transmitters used by members or visitors at the CMAC flying field must carry a manufacturers certificate of compliance with Australian standards (a C tick ) and/or be included on the MAAA s published list of approved brands and models. 3. Flying Operations 3.1 Operations in the Pits 3.1.1 Pit Area The pit area is designed to allow models to be assembled, displayed, and readied for flight within a fenced area. The fences are designed to protect CMAC members and members of the public from any runaway model approaching from the airstrip. The fence also allows the public to view models from close range without interfering with either the models or pilots. Members are requested to ensure that the public remain outside the pit area. 3.1.2 Running of Engines / Motors The running of model engines (Electric or Internal Combustion) within the fenced pit area is not permitted. This is a key safety feature of the CMAC flying field layout. For electrically powered models the flight battery must not be connected to the motor when the aircraft is in the pits area, the car park or the shed to prevent inadvertent start up. 3.1.3 Starting Boxes When ready to fly, models are to be moved to the starting box located between the pit area and the airstrip where engines/motors may be started. RC Models must be appropriately restrained prior to starting. Use of the starting poles located in the starting boxes is the preferred method for restraining aircraft. The starting poles are intended to be used with the nose of the model pointing towards the runway (westward), this is to reduce the risk of a propeller escaping towards the spectator area. If pilots prefer to use an alternative method for restraining their aircraft for starting they must start their aircraft as near to the starting boxes as practical. Once the engine(s) has been started pilots can then taxi their aircraft to the airstrip in preparation for taking off. 3.1.4 Testing of Engines Any extended testing, running-in or tuning, of engines should be undertaken at the designated engine testing area located to the South East between the starting box s and Helicopter flying area. 3.2 Flight Rules 3.2.1 Full Size Aircraft In the event that full size aircraft fly close to or over the CMAC field they have absolute priority of airspace. To avoid potential conflict with powered Aircraft model pilots should either land or maintain a low circuit if full size aircraft approach the CMAC flying area. In the case of Balloons and Helicopters model pilots must land if Balloons or Helicopters are approaching or overflying the CMAC operating area. Models should not be flown while balloon crews are retrieving a balloon from the CMAC flying area. 3.2.2 CASA Restriction In order to comply with CASA Regulations and comply with the CASA approval to operate model aircraft at CMAC it is the pilot s responsibility to observe the following limitations: Flying height at the CMAC field is limited to 400 feet (120 metres) above ground level. Edition 10 May 2017 5

Models may only be launched in conditions that enable the entire anticipated flight path of the model to be observed. Models may only be launched in conditions that will allow the model to remain at least 500 feet below the general level of any cloud base. 3.2.3 Taking Off Prior to taxying onto the airstrip for take-off (or similar launch by hand, or bungee line in the case of gliders), each pilot must first check that no-one is landing and then call Clear for Take-off? The pilot must not proceed until pilots currently flying acknowledge with a Clear response. A pilot may move onto the airstrip to control the model during take-off, but must then move promptly in to the Pilot Box. Pilots are encouraged to learn to take-off while standing in the pilot box. All take-offs are to be along the airstrip and not across the airstrip. 3.2.4 Pilot Box No models are to be taken into the pilot box at any time. When flying, pilots are to stand in the pilot box facing west, keeping their aircraft clearly in front of them at all times to aid orientation with the circuit, to avoid over flying the flight line and other potential hazards such as flying into the sun or directly overhead. Pilots must not fly to the east of the airstrip, over the pilot box or over the pit area as this is a safety breach and potentially dangerous to other pilots and spectators. 3.2.5 Flying Circuit General flying is to be in a rectangular circuit, left-turning or right-turning as determined by the requirement to take-off and land into the wind along the airstrip. The circuit direction is to be determined by agreement between pilots if there is no wind or when there is a cross wind. See Diagram 2 on Page 9. Pilots must not fly against the circuit direction. With the exception of take-off and landing all flying should be beyond the airstrip, to the west of a line parallel with the far edge of the strip. This is a key safety feature of the CMAC operating procedures so as to ensure adequate separation of aircraft in flight. With the permission of all pilots in the flight box, low passes or simulated landings will be allowed above the strip. 3.2.6 Aerobatics Pilots performing aerobatic manoeuvres, including hovering, are to have due regard to the safety of other RC aircraft. The airspace prior to, directly over and just beyond the airstrip is reserved for takeoff, landing and touch and goes only. See Diagram 2. When other aircraft are flying, all forms of aerobatics must be performed in the aerobatic flying area, not in the circuit. Those in the circuit should avoid this area. See Diagram 2. The area above the strip remains off limits to any aerobatic manoeuvres or 3D manoeuvres. 3.2.7 Dead stick A pilot whose model experiences an engine failure should immediately call Dead Stick and be afforded landing priority by other pilots. 3.2.8 Landing When preparing to land, each pilot must call Landing. Landings have right of way over take-offs. 3.2.9 Taxiways Pilots are to use the taxiways for their models to enter and leave the runway. Red taxiway adjacent to the starting boxes are to be used for model entering the runway. Black taxiways are to be used by models exiting off the runway. Models exiting the runway are to stop at the marked hold lines and shutdown their engine/s or motor/s at this location. - See Diagram 3 on Page 10. 3.2.10 Completing a Flight When a pilot completes a flight and does not propose to resume flying immediately, if their transmitter is on 36 MHz it must be switched off and placed in the transmitter pound. 2.4 GHz Transmitters should be switched off and may be kept in the pits area. Edition 10 May 2017 6

3.2.11 Entering or Crossing the Airstrip Anyone wanting to enter or cross the airstrip must seek clearance from pilots currently flying, before proceeding. Once clear of the airstrip they are to call Strip Clear. Pilots should minimise time spent on the airstrip to maximise its availability for flight operations and to reduce the risk of injury by a model. 3.2.12 Duty of Care / Safety All members and visitors have a duty of care which requires them to ensure that they operate their RC aircraft in a safe manner at all times. All members and visitors are required to take appropriate steps to minimise the risk of an accident to themselves, to others and to property. Pilots are responsible for the airworthiness of their aircraft and the safe operation of their aircraft. Unsafe aircraft are not to be flown. If there is any doubt do not fly the aircraft. Unsafe flying or deliberate breaches of these operating procedures will not be tolerated. All pilots are to ensure that their fail safe is operational and effective for their type of aircraft. 3.2.13 Accident / Incident Reporting Any accident or incident having the potential to result in an insurance claim must be reported to a Committee member and the details recorded on an MAAA Incident Report Form MAAA010 by the member involved. The completed form is to be forwarded to the Secretary as soon as practical. Blank MAAA010 forms are available in the CMAC Clubhouse. (See http://www.maaa.asn.au/images/pdfs/forms/form-010-incident-report.pdf) 3.2.14 Gliders Gliders must be towed, winched or bungee launched as close to the airstrip as conditions permit, but must be controlled after launch from inside the pilot box. 3.2.15 Helicopters Helicopter pilots wishing to perform an extended hover (for example during training) must do so within the designated areas; see Diagram 2. RC helicopters may be flown in the circuit and must be controlled from the pilot box. 3.2.16 Turbine Aircraft Pilots must hold Gold Wings (P) before attempting to fly jets fitted with turbines. Jets fitted with turbines must have the required MAAA inspections and permits before they can be flown. MAAA Permits to Fly are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Models that have an expired permit are required to be re-certified and not flown until a new Permit to Fly is issued. As the CMAC flying Field is surrounded by an extensive and sensitive grass land due care and consideration should be given before commencing to fly. Jets fitted with turbines must not be operated during periods of high fire danger. 3.2.17 Control-line Aircraft A Control Line Circle is located at the north-eastern corner of the CMAC field and all CL aircraft must be operated in this area. 3.2.18 Free flight Aircraft Free flight aircraft are prohibited at all times due to the close proximity of Canberra Airport. 3.2.19 Unusual Aircraft Pilots wishing to fly models having performance that is substantially different from models already in the circuit (for example pylon racers or other high speed aircraft; hovering, 3D or other low speed aircraft) should respect the rights of other pilots and seek clearance/acknowledgment from other pilots currently flying before commencing to fly themselves. 3.2.20 RC Aircraft Flying Weight RC Aircraft with a dry mass of greater than 7 kg and less than 25 kg weight (Heavy Model) must not be operated without a current MAAA Permit to Fly issued by an MAAA approved heavy model inspector. Edition 10 May 2017 7

RC aircraft with a dry mass of greater than 25 kg and less than 150 kg in weight (Giant Model) must not be operated without a current MAAA Permit to fly issued by an MAAA approved Giant Model inspector. MAAA Permits to Fly are valid for 3 years from the date of issue. Models that have an expired permit are required to be re-certified and not flown until a new Permit to Fly is issued. 3.2.21 Optical Ignition Kill Switches The fitting of an optical ignition kill switch, that can be operated from the transmitter, is recommended for large petrol engines. 3.2.22 Mufflers All models (including CL aircraft) equipped with an engine must be equipped with a suitable muffler to limit the sound to a maximum of 96 dba at a perimeter distance of three metres in all directions, measured over a hard surface. Standard manufacturer s mufflers will be taken to meet this requirement. 4. Local Issues 4.1 Litter Please do not litter the field. Use the bins provided. 4.2 Crash debris When a model is crashed the owner is to ensure that all the pieces are picked up and removed. 4.3 Last Member Leaving the Field The last club member leaving the Flying Field is to ensure that the transmitter pound is closed and put away in the club house, the windsock and any chairs are put away in the club house, the club house and toilet/washroom doors are closed and locked and the main gate is locked upon exit. Edition 10 May 2017 8

Diagram 1 CMAC Flying Field Layout Diagram 2 CMAC Flying Areas Edition 10 May 2017 9

Diagram 3 Separation of Ground Taxiways Edition 10 May 2017 10