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 Safe 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 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 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.
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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