SEMINOLE RADIO CONTROL CLUB OPERATIONAL & SAFETY RULES

Approved April 15, 2021

 

A.   Flying Field Operational Rules

1.     The Seminole Radio Control Club (SRCC) Field is a private radio-controlled flying field leased to the SRCC by Leon County and maintained by both park personnel and SRCC members. All members and guests shall comply with Leon County Apalachee Regional Park rules and regulations, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) National Model Aircraft Safety Code and these Seminole Radio Control Club Operational and Safety Rules.

 

2.     Members shall always display SRCC badges and AMA cards must be available upon request. A member who forgets his/her badge may fly provided their name is on the eligible members list, posted on the notice board, and/or the SRCC web page. (www.seminolerc.com/FlyList)

 

3.        Visitors are always welcome. Our lease with Leon County requires current AMA membership for all flyers and membership in the SRCC is required for continued use of this facility. Nonmembers are permitted to fly up to three (3) times provided they have current AMA membership that has been verified by an SRCC board member. (www.seminolerc.com/contacts.html)

 

4.     Nonmembers without AMA membership shall not be allowed to fly except by "buddy box" or very close supervision by a SRCC member who is able to take control of the aircraft immediately. If a non-member challenges this rule, the non- member is to be informed that the field jurisdiction is controlled by lease agreement with the Leon County Parks and Recreation Department.

 

5.     Solo pilots who are AMA members under the Park Flyer program are restricted to flying electric aircraft that weigh 2 pounds or less and be incapable of reaching speeds greater than 60 mph. If a member acquires an aircraft that does not meet these specifications, the member must upgrade his/her AMA membership to Youth or Adult, as appropriate, before the new aircraft is flown at the field.

 

6.     Aircraft may be operated between 1⁄2 hour before sunrise and 1⁄2 hour after sunset. Nitro or gas aircraft shall have a muffler.

 

7.     Pilots using 50 Mhz or 72 Mhz frequencies shall place the appropriate frequency pin on their transmitter antenna.

 

8.     No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed on the property. The field is located in a Leon County park and alcoholic beverages are prohibited by law.

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.   Flying Field Safety Rules

1.   The flight line runs along the pilot station fences and extends infinitely in both directions from the ends of the fence line. The flight area is defined as north of the red and white “barber poles” located at the east and west ends of the flight area. Pilots shall not allow flying aircraft to cross to the spectator side of the flight line.

2.     Aircraft shall be operated from the pilot stations only. Pilot stations are behind the flight line fence in the middle of each section, not in the openings.

 

3.     Only pilots and spotters are allowed on the flight line. Children are not permitted beyond the spectator area unless under the direct supervision of an adult or under flight instruction.

 

4.     No more than four aircraft shall be in the air at any given time. Exception to this rule will be at the discretion of the safety officer based on flying activity.

 

5.     Pilots shall make appropriate announcements when taking off, landing or in emergency situations.

 

6.     Landing aircraft have the right-of-way over aircraft taking off, taxiing or hovering. Fixed wing aircraft may not be landed in a north south direction in front of the pilot stations.

 

7.     There shall be no 3-D flying or hovering over the runway while other aircraft are in the air. Otherwise, all acrobatic and 3-D flying shall be performed north of the runway to not disturb other pilots.

8.     Pilots shall not taxi on the spectator side of the flight line. A pilot who starts an aircraft behind the flight line shall carry it to the flight line before taxi and take off. After the flight, pilots shall stop the engine before crossing the flight line. All aircraft shall be started on the starting tables or on the ground near the flight line.

 

9.     The grass circle (helipad) on the west side of the pit and shelter area is for helicopter hovering and light 3D maneuvers. If the maneuvers take the aircraft outside the boundaries of the circle, the pilot shall transition to one of the designated pilot stations and perform the maneuvers to the north of the flight line. Small micro-size (less than 2 ounces flying weight) electric airplanes are permitted to use the circles for flying. Helicopters and small airplanes using the grass circle shall not be considered as a part of the total number of aircraft in the air. Prolonged helicopter hovering should be performed at the designated helipad and not over the runway.

 

10.     The overfly area shall be monitored for park users entering from any direction. When other park users are present, all flying shall be restricted to the opposite end of the flying area until the overfly area is clear.

 

11.     Flying over the county recycling center to the southeast and southwest of the field is strictly prohibited and are considered NO FLY ZONES.

 

12.     Flight operations shall stop during electrical storms.

 

13.     First person view (FPV) flying:

a.  FPV pilots are required to have a spotter next to him or her maintaining visual line of sight with the aircraft throughout its flight.

 

b.   The operational range of the model is limited to the spotter’s visual line of sight. The spotter shall maintain visual contact with the model without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the spotter. The flight path of FPV operations shall be limited to the designated flying site and approved overfly area.

 

Rev: 2/15/2018

Rev 6/30/2020

Rev 7/13/2020

Rev 4/15/2021