Part One - Concerning Safe Models.1. Models should be built to a standard such that they will not
fail under normal circumstances. Particular attention should be given
to control surfaces, linkages and connections. 2. Models and radio equipment should be thoroughly checked prior
to each flying session and after any abnormally hard landing. With a
new model or with new or repaired equipment, a ground radio range
check is essential before flying. If there are any doubts then the
model should not be flown. 3. Models should have rounded noses of minimum radius of curvature
7.5 mm (5/16th in) measured tangential to the surface at any
point. 4. Models and radio equipment should be checked before launching;
pay particular attention to wing and tail mountings and structure,
control systems, including their operation in the correct direction
and remaining battery capacity. 5. Solid ballast, if required, should be carried internally,
preferably in the wing roots. It should be firmly secured. It should
never be jettisoned in flight. Part Two - Concerning Safe Flying.6. Avoid launching and flying within 50 feet of people, animals,
houses, cars, footpaths in use by walkers, and other
transmitters. 7. Always fly so that you are between your model and any
spectators. 8. Never fly your model behind you, or the hill, or any obstacle
in such a way that you are unable to see it at all times. 9. In general avoid flying behind the ridge. Never fly behind the
ridge of the hill in windy or turbulent conditions. If conditions do
allow and you do fly behind the ridge, always position yourself over
the ridge first. If landing on the reverse side do so well down the
slope to avoid wind vortices. 10. Never fly in bad light, in conditions of decreasing
visibility, low cloud, or when cloud or mist is forming close to the
slope. 11. Never distract anyone who is flying a model. 12. Always use an even numbered frequency, know which frequency
you are using and display it by attaching a clothes peg, with your
name and the frequency written on it, on the frequency board. 13. Before switching on your transmitter make sure that your
frequency is not in use. 14. Before launching, check that no models are flying into, or
close to your initial flight path. Never launch unless it is clear
both above and behind you. 15. Always stand in the flight line when flying with others so
that all active transmitters are reasonably close to each
other. 16. Always leave your transmitter with someone at the flight line
before retrieving a model that has landed. If the model is a long way
away then turn off the transmitter before retrieving the
model. 17. At any sign of malfunction or the unexpected loss of any part
of the model in the air, land as soon as it is safe to do so. 18. Whenever landing ensure that the selected spot is completely
clear of spectators. If in any doubt do not land. Part Three - Concerning the Safe Use of the Malvern Hills.19. The MSA recommended flying areas are North Hill if the wind is
between North and South East. For all other wind directions, the area
known as "Table Hill" is used. Other areas should not be used to
avoid people and frequency clashes. Models should not be flown to the
south of the Wyche Cutting when Hang and Para gliders are
operating. 20. Always display a club transfer in the rear window of your car
when flying to indicate to others that you are on the Hills. Visitors
should be encouraged to display a note indicating the frequency they
intend to use. 21. Never leave litter on the slopes, particularly rubber
bands. 22. Take extreme care at all times when using matches and
cigarettes not to cause hill fires. 23. Familiarise yourself with the bylaws of the Hills Conservators
and observe them at all times. In particular pay parking fees and
only park in authorised areas. In particular note that bylaw 11 sets
the upper weight limit for a model flown on the Hills at 10
Kg. 24. The Malvern Hills are totally unsuited for "combat" flying.
Never fly in such a way as to deliberately hit another model. Part Four - Concerning the Use of the Upton on Severn site.25. Fish Meadow, Upton-upon-Severn is the Club flying field.
Extreme care must be taken not to fly under 50 ft over public roads,
the river, public footpaths or houses. It is preferable to land on
the other side of a road or river to avoid this occurring. 26. Bungees, winch cables and towlines must be set out so that
their entire length is within sight at all times. They should not be
set out in such a way that the cable might fall across a road, river
or track. The attention of horse riders and those in charge of other
animals should be drawn to them. 27. Cars should only be parked at the edge of the field,
preferably on the hard standing. They should always be driven around
the edge and not across the field. The grass is an agricultural crop
and must not be cut. The gate should be shut behind you and the steel
barrier locked in the upright position when entering and leaving the
field. Part Five - Concerning Hang and Para Gliders.28. The Joint SMAE/BHPA Operating Code is to be followed at all
times. 29. The Malvern Hills is shared airspace. The launching, flying
and landing of models should always be on that part of the Hills to
the North of the Wyche Cutting when Hang and Para Gliders are
operating. 30. Avoid flying in airspace in close proximity to or likely to be
shared with Hang and Para gliders. Be particularly watchful in
easterly winds when Hang and Para Gliders are likely to be operating
to the North of the Wyche Cutting. 31. Before launching check that your launch area is clear of Hang
and Para gliders. 32. When flying, keep a good angular horizontal and vertical
separation between your model and any Hang and Para glider. Allow
additional separation if you are performing aerobatics. Avoid your
model being shielded from your vision by a hang or para
glider. 33. Remember that a hang or para glider is less manoeuverable than
a model and that the pilot has a restricted field of view. If
collision avoidance does become necessary then "up" or "down"
manoeuvers are likely to be the most sensible actions. 34. Finally, remember that life is at stake in Hang and Para
gliders and that they have just as much right as you to enjoy their
activity and fly above the Malverns. If you have any doubt at any
time regarding safety then land. Part Six - Concerning Juniors and Vulnerable Adults.35. The policy, procedures and guidelines published by the BMFA
from time to time should be observed. 36. Members agree that they will do what is reasonable in all
circumstances for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the
welfare of junior or vulnerable adult members of the MSA. 37. Junior members must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, or an
adult nominated by them, at all times whilst they are participating
in any MSA activity. The adult nominated must also be a member of the
MSA and must be responsible for supervising the junior member whilst
in their care. Part Seven - Concerning Electric Powered Aircraft.38. Malvern Hills Conservators bye-laws prohibit the flying of
all powered aircraft on the Malvern Hills. 39. Although the MSA is primarily an Association for pilots of
RC gliders, the flying of electric powered aircraft is not prohibited
at Fish Meadow. Note however that internal combustion powered models
cannot be flown there under any circumstances. 40. Members flying electric powered aircraft at Fish Meadow are
prohibited from over-flying winch lines throughout the time when any
thermal soaring activity is taking place. 41. Members flying electric powered aircraft at Fish Meadow are
required to select a separate launching and landing area away from
that in use by thermal soaring aircraft, having first placed their
frequency peg(s) with those in use by the thermal soaring
pilots. 42. Members flying electric powered aircraft at Fish Meadow
should avoid the close sharing of air-space with non-powered soarers
in all situations where the risk of a mid-air collision in increased,
notably in thermals. REMEMBER THAT WE ARE PRIVILEGED TO USE THE MALVERN HILLS. ALL MSA MEMBERS AGREE TO ABIDE BY THIS CODE OF PRACTICE AND TO ENCOURAGE ALL OTHERS FLYING TO DO LIKEWISE. |
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