AMA Charter Club #594
skip to the main content area of this page
Information & Resources

Flying Site Safety and Operational Rules

These rules are established to provide for the orderly environment, safety, and enjoyment, for members of KCRC to pursue all aspects of their hobby/sport of Radio Controlled Modeling.

Flying Site Safefy Rules

The Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code is a basic safety document for all flying at KCRC and is in effect at all times at the KCRC field. Every member should be familiar with the Safety Code and adhere to it. In addition, AMA Safety Regulations for Model Aircraft Powered by Gas Turbines shall be followed for all gas turbine flying at KCRC and pilots flying gas turbine model aircraft must be familiar with the gas turbine regulations.

  1. No alcoholic beverages will be allowed at, or be consumed at the flying field, and alcohol consumption by pilots is not allowed eight hours prior to flight operations. Pilots are not allowed to use any drug which could adversely affect their ability to safely control a model aircraft.
  2. A frequency control “pin” system is mandatory and in effect at all times at the field for 72 MHz systems. No pilot may operate a 72 MHz transmitter without possession of the frequency pin designating his frequency. The use of frequency pins for 2.4 Ghz systems is recommended. All pilots must leave their AMA card or a copy of it at the frequency control board when flying.
  3. Flying on Club premises is restricted to models under radio control or control line control. Control line flying, done in accordance with AMA regulations, is permitted in the C/L circle at the west end of the parking area, which is Area 4 on the field diagram. Free flight, pylon racing, etc., is prohibited unless specifically approved by the Executive Committee, and conducted in accordance with AMA rules governing these activities.
  4. Visiting children under the age of ten are not permitted beyond the spectator area unless under the direct supervision of an adult or under flight instruction.
  5. Models will fly only in pre-designated areas, and will yield right-of-way to full size aircraft.
  6. Deliberate flying south of the safety fence is prohibited.
  7. Taxiing is not allowed in the pit area.
  8. All AMA legal RC model planes are allowed to use the runway for takeoffs, landings, and touch and goes.
  9. With the exception of takeoffs, landings, touch and goes, and show passes as described below, there is to be no flying over the runway.
  10. All AMA legal RC model planes are allowed to fly over the area north of the runway, and east of the field, over the lake, i.e. Area 1.
  11. Show passes over the runway are permitted only when no other pilots are flying, and shall be announced by the pilot or pilots with a loud call of “show pass”. These show passes over the runway must be down the centerline or further north of the runway centerline. Multiple pilots flying show passes together may do so only if pre-arranged with all pilots present.
  12. Park flyers, powered gliders, and gliders may also be flown, launched, and landed over the grass area to the east of the pit shelter, i.e. Area 2, and the area west of the no fly zone containing the pavilion and parking area, i.e. Area 3. Park flyers are defined as models two pounds or less, powered by electric, rubber, or any similar quiet means of propulsion, and incapable of speeds greater than 60 mph.
  13. Helicopters may also takeoff, land, and fly from the part of Area 2 that is north of the rope on the north side of the parking area.
  14. All pilots not flying park flyers, powered gliders, gliders, or helicopters, must stay in the area bounded by the safety fence and grass strip which is on the north side of the pit shelter while piloting planes.
  15. The Safety Committee may approve any additional rules and regulations covering contest and other special events prior to those events.

Flying Site Operational Rules

  1. The AMA Safety Code and KCRC safety rules will be displayed at the flying site field.
  2. Flying and engine run-up of internal combustion engines is prohibited before 9:00 AM local time, and after dusk.
  3. Pilots and helpers only are allowed beyond the designated pit line.
  4. Pilots shall make appropriate announcement when taking off, landing, walking onto the runway, or emergency situations. When a pilot experiences engine failure, all other pilots shall make every effort to clear the runway when another pilot announces a dead stick landing. Engine failure shall be announced by the loud call "dead-stick."
  5. Testing of engines other than normal startup before flying is to be performed at the last table at the end of the west end of the pit area.
  6. Parking next to the flight line shelter on the south side is only allowed for those pilots with handicap parking permits.
  7. The control line circle is to be maintained at the discretion of those who participate in control line flying.

Flying Site Courtesy Consideration

The following items are considerations every member should make when sharing the flying site with other members.

  1. All club members are responsible for seeing that club safety and operation rules are followed at the flying site. This includes stopping a new modeler from flying an unsafe model and helping a new pilot lacking skills to fly a model.
  2. Upon completion of each flight, all pilots sharing a frequency with other pilots are encouraged to return their frequency pins to the rack or otherwise offer the pin to others waiting to fly on the same frequency. Each member should be allowed an equal opportunity to fly. Don’t “hog” the pin.
  3. Spectators should be personally greeted and treated in a friendly manner. When large numbers of spectators are present, it is recommended that flying cease periodically for short periods of time during which spectators may be escorted by a member beyond the spectator area to allow their closer inspection of the aircraft and equipment.
  4. New pilots and pilots being trained should be given preference in such matters as landing and takeoff practice and other models flying close enough to distract them.
  5. Engines should not be run above idle for an excessive amount of time close to other pilots while they are flying. If engines need to be run on the flight line for more than thirty seconds while other pilots have models in the air, the pilot should move to a place on the flight line that maximizes the distance to other flyers.

Engine Sound Level Restrictions

These sound level restrictions shall apply to all engines and motors, internal combustion and electric, used at the KCRC field.

  1. The current maximum noise level of any motor shall not exceed 90db at 25 feet or 55db at our southern boundary by the fence. The meter error shall be added to these figures.
  2. A model not meeting these requirements shall not be flown after 30 days from the sound measurement until the sound level is lowered and it passes the required test.
  3. It is the responsibility of the owner of a model for that model to conform to these sound level restrictions. A test of any model may be required by any member who is assigned the task of sound measurements. If the model fails this test, rule number 2 shall apply.
  4. The club shall provide a suitable sticker, which the member shall attach to the approved aircraft.