KVMA Safety Rules Final

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Kennebec Valley Model Aviators, Inc.

Safety and Operational Rules

(adopted on March 7, 2007)

1. PURPOSE. These rules are promulgated to assure the maximum, safe use of the Kennebec

Valley Model Aviators ( hereinafter KVMA) field by its members. The rules are in addition

to the AMA Safety Code. They are based on common sense. Each member is responsible

to know these rules and to follow them at all times. By following and respecting these rules,

the members will assure that there is a safe model field that can be used all of us now and in

the future.

2. AUTHORIZED USE OF FIELD. Flying is restricted to KVMA members and their guests.

Guests must be members of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (hereinafter AMA) and have

their current AMA card with them while using the field. After four flying sessions the guest

must join KVMA. A guest’s flying ability must be first demonstrated to an officer or

instructor for use of the field.

a. Non-members may only go into the pit area when accompanied by a member.

b. Children (not participating in flying activities) and pets must be supervised at all

times and kept out of the pit area.

3. QUALIFICATIONS TO OPERATE MODEL AIRCRAFT. Members obtain their right to

solo operation of model aircraft by completing training with a club instructor and

demonstrating that they can safely operate model aircraft (generally making three take offs

and three full stop landings in a row without incident). Members who appear to not be able

to safely operate model aircraft safely may be required to take some additional training and

instruction. Repeated, chronic and obvious inability to safely operate a model aircraft may

be demonstrated by crashing in the pits, parking area, spectator area or in sustaining or

causing a serious injury while operating a model aircraft.

4. NEW PILOTS. One lesson with a designated Introductory Pilot Instructor, under the AMA

Introductory Pilot Program, will be permitted prior to a new pilot. Otherwise, instructors will

accept students only upon exhibit of their current KVMA and AMA cards. Beginners, with

membership in KVMA and AMA, may take lessons with any KVMA member.

5. FREQUENCY PINS; FLYING TIME.

a. On arrival at the field, the member will assure that his transmitter(s) is/are off and

placed in the impound area. (In these rules, the term both “his” will be used but

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shall mean “his” or “her”.)

b. A transmitter shall not be removed for use from the impound area until the proper

frequency pin is attached to it's antenna or case or the pilot’s person and the pilot's

AMA card is placed on the frequency board. Seven (7) transmitters may be taken out

of the impound area at any one time and turned on, but only five (5) of the seven (7)

can be used for actual flying operation at any one time. This rule assures that the

maximum number of members have an opportunity to use the field when they have

come there to operate their model aircraft.

c. Possession of the frequency pin is limited to 15 minutes after flight commences when

others are waiting for it. If others are waiting, then the member must wait 15 minutes

before taking another pin and removing his transmitters from the impound area for

the purpose of flying his aircraft.

d. Pins stating “Spread Spectrum” will also be available on the frequency board.

Although a specific frequency designating pin is not necessary for spread spectrum

radios, using a pin is in order to regulate the use of air time. Spread spectrum

transmitters must be placed in the impound area along with 72 MHZ transmitters.

6. OPERATION OF MODEL AIRCRAFT.

a. All flying must be performed from the designated pilot area. See the field diagram

which is attached hereto and is a part of these rules. Members and there are

responsible for being familiar with this diagram and understanding the various areas

designated in it.

b. Pilots will fly in a designated oval “racetrack” pattern, which will be determined by

reference to the diagram and the prevailing wind direction..

c. Pilots will inform others of their intentions, e.g., coming out of the pits to the pilot

area, take off, landing, retrieval of a model on the field, and dead stick. Dead stick

models (i.e., powered models whose motor or engine has stopped working) have the

right of way and other pilots must guide their models accordingly.

d. Hand-launched models will be launched ahead of the pilot line.

e. Flying behind the pilot line, over the pits or near the church and the residence to the

west of the field is strictly forbidden.

f. Aircraft are to be carried back going into the pit area after landing and not taxied

back into the pits from the pilot line.

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7. ISSUES RELATED TO SPECIFIC MODEL TYPES OR POWER SYSTEMS

a. CHARGING LITHIUM POLYMER (LiPoly) BATTERIES. The nickel chemistry

batteries we have been using for years can be recharged safely without much concern.

This is not true of lithium polymer (LiPoly) batteries. Properly used, these batteries

are entirely safe; improperly used, they can be an extreme fire hazard. Therefore,

charging lithium polymer batteries will be done safely. Batteries must be placed in

a fire-resistant container (e.g., a double, metal can or a Pyrex dish). Charging

Lithium Polymer (LiPoly) batteries in or on a motor vehicle is strictly forbidden.

If the vehicle battery is being used to power the charger, then the member will have

a sufficiently long cord or extension cord to keep the charger out of and off of the

vehicle. Violation of this rule will be considered a serious infraction .

b. SILENCERS/MUFFLERS. All engines will have an effective silencer or muffler

capable of silencing the engine to 98 db at nine (9) feet.

c. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. The pilot of any gasoline or lithium polymer (LiPoly)

battery powered model is responsible for having an appropriate fire extinguisher

available in the area where the engine is fueled, started and adjusted.

d. TURBINE OPERATION. Turbine powered aircraft may be operated at the field

provided all AMA rules and procedures have been followed in obtaining a certificate

authorizing the model’s operation at the field. No model will be so operated at the

field until they have obtained the permission of the directors of KVMA and a

resolution allowing such operation has been approved by the directors.

8. ENFORCEMENT

a. Members will keep in mind that it is a basic responsibility of membership that the

member will be familiar with and abide by these rules. They are in place for the good

of the club and its members. They are not voluntary. They will be adhered to.

b. All KVMA member, and not just club officers, are responsible for enforcing club

rules. Members are required to call infractions to the attention of the violator. It is

expected that all such incidents will be handled tactfully and with discretion. We

wish to improve safety, not alienate or humiliate anyone.

c. Serious, repeated or flagrant violations of these rules will be brought before the

Board of Directors for such action as the club officers deem appropriate. Repeated

violation of these rules may result in the loss of membership.