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Club Rules
General and Flying Site Rules
1.0 NAME
1.1 The Club shall be called the Cambridge Model Aircraft Club and henceforth shall be abbreviated to the C.M.A.C.
2.0 OBJECT
2.1 The object shall be to encourage the building and safe flying of model aircraft.
3.0 CONDITIONS OF MEMBERSHIP
3.1 All members will agree to be bound by the rules of the C.M.A.C.
3.2 All members flying model aircraft at the Waterbeach Barracks site must be full members of the B.M.F.A.
3.3 Any member deemed to be in breach of the Club rules shall at the discretion of the committee be liable to expulsion.
3.4 The committee shall have jurisdiction over any matter not provided for in the constitution.
3.5 A club member must conduct his or her self in such a manner as not to cause a nuisance, inconvenience, and annoyance to other members or to the general public.
3.6 Any rubbish or modelling “debris” must be removed from the flying site.
3.7 All power models must be silenced in accordance with the recommendations of the B.M.F.A. / DoE where applicable for noise emission.
4.0 ENTRY TO AIRFIELD
4.1 The flying site is located at the 39th Engineers Barracks at Waterbeach. Directions to the airfield can be found on MAP-1.
4.2 All model flying is generally permitted at the airfield each Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 10.00 to 19.00hrs.
4.3 Entry is normally available to any fully paid up member of the club on being issued with an Army Security Pass.
4.4 On arrival, show your membership card at the gate, you may be asked to have your car searched. You will be told to report to the guardroom to sign in. You will be given with a car pass, this must be displayed behind the windscreen. On leaving the flying site, you must hand back your car pass and sign out.
4.5 Friends and family must be signed in at the guardroom if taken own vehicle. They must not fly any models and the club member is fully responsible for their conduct.
4.6 Due to the erection of the security fence around the barracks, access to the flying site is by the gate next to the golf course. These gates will be shut and locked and the entrance and exit is only at 9.00hrs; 10.00hrs; 11.00hrs; 12.00 hrs; 13.00hrs; 14.00hrs; 15.00hrs; 16.00hrs; 17.00hrs. Allow 15 minutes before the hour to book in and drive down to the gate.
4.7 Directions to the flying site are shown on MAP-2.
4.8 No part of the airfield is to be used for driving instruction.
4.9 A speed limit of 20 m.p.h must be adhered to when driving through the barracks.
4.10 Dogs are to be kept in the car or on a lead under supervision.
4.11 Model cars are not permitted on the airfield.
5.0 CAR PARKING
5.1 Cars must be parked in the designated space opposite the Pit area either side of the caravan. In the fixed wing area, cars must not be parked beyond the corner post fence. Model engines must not be run within 20 metres of parked cars.
6.0 FLYING AREA
6.1 Flying is restricted to the wide section of the tarmac at the north end of the main runway and the rough grass area alongside.
6.2 The “pit area” for powered models must not be closer than 20 metres to the parked cars.
6.3 Models must not be flown over the pit area, parked cars, or club members gathered together on the runway. Members must not perform low flying manoeuvres which could endanger others.
6.4 Absolute priority must be given to full size aircraft.
7.0 SAFETY ENFORCEMENT
PLEASE NOTE:-
THE COMMITTEE ADVISES THAT A MEMBER SHOULD NOT FLY ALONE DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ACCIDENT WITH NO ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.
7.1 The first member to arrive at the airfield will become the Acting Safety Officer. He/She will set up a Pegboard for frequency control. On arrival of the official Safety Officer or Committee member, that member will hand over the responsibilities. In the event of the Safety Officers departure, then the responsibility must be handed over to the most senior member of the Club present.
7.2 The Safety Officer may carry out a spot check on transmitter frequencies and channels.
7.3 All normal take-offs and landings will be into wind.
7.4 The pit areas are designated as per MAP-3. Pits to be used for starting member’s models only, models not being flown are to be kept in the pits.
7.5 The Safety Officer will decide on the take-off and landing area. It will be sited at a safe distance from the pit area so as not to be endangered by aircraft taking off and landing.
7.6 Once the model is airborne, the pilot must clear the take-off area and join the pilots in a group.
7.7 Airspace over the golf course is out of bounds at all times.
7.8 Pilots must call in a loud voice “LANDING” when intending to land and must ensure that the chosen landing area is clear of people. If the engine cuts out then the pilot must call in a loud voice “DEAD-STICK” and must be given PRIORITY to land the aircraft.
7.9 From time to time the Safety Officer may be forced to make rulings directly affecting the flyers, i.e. reorganisation of flying and moving the pits due to the wind changing direction during the day.
7.10 New members will be given supervised training if required. He/She will be encouraged to take the B.M.F.A. “A” Certificate Achievement Scheme after the training period.
8.0 FREQUENCY ALLOCATIONS
8.1 New members joining the club will have a channel number allocated for their primary use. Secondary channel number can be allocated or provided by the member.
8.2 The membership secretary will advise the new member when they receive their membership card.
8.3 The membership secretary will maintain a table which list all members allocated channel numbers. This will be on display on the flying site.
8.4 On the 35MHz band the following channels have been allocated to specific groups of models:-
a) POWERED FIXED WING OR GLIDER.
b) HELICOPTER.
8.5 It is compulsory for all models to be operated only on
a) POWERED FIXED WING OR GLIDER. Channels 55 to 79 and Channels 87 to 90
b) HELICOPTERS. Channels 81 to 85
Channels 80 and 86 NOT USED
NOTE:- Channel 80 and 86 are left unused to provide a safety margin of 20 Khs between pit locations. This is necessary to prevent adjacent channel interference. Any person not using the correct channel to fly from the correct pits will not be allowed to fly.
8.6 There are no allocations on the 27MHz or UHF bands.
9.0 FREQUENCY CONTROL
9.1 A frequency channel pegboard must be set up when a member arrives at the appropriate pit area.
9.2 Each transmitter aerial must display its channel number clearly.
9.3 Each transmitter must have an associated channel number indicator for mounting on the pegboard.
9.4 All specific aircraft types are to be flown from their own designated pit area.
THIS IS WITHOUT EXCEPTION!
The following MUST be complied with:-
a) FIXED WING POWERED AND GLIDERS
CHANNEL NUMBERS 55 to 79 INCLUSIVE
CHANNEL NUMBERS 87 to 90 INCLUSIVE
This category applies to ALL fixed wing aircraft (including scale aircraft) using I.C. engines or electric motors for propulsion during all, or for the greater part of their flight duration. This category also includes Auto-gyro’s.
Any geared, or high speed electric gliders which use their motor as the sole power through the whole flight.
These MUST be only flown from the fixed wing pit area.
b) HELICOPTERS
CHANNEL NUMBERS 81 to 85 INCLUSIVE
This category applies to rotary wing aircraft but excludes Auto-gyro’s.
9.5 The act of fixing the peg to the board reserves that channel for the sole use of that member until he or she removes it.
9.6 Standard dimensions for the 35MHz channel number peg are 2” x 1.5” minimum fixed to a clothes peg with white numbers 1” – 1.25” high on an orange background.
9.7 The pilot’s name is to be clearly printed on the front or back of the peg.
9.8 In order to ensure that two pegs of identical channels are not fixed to the board at the same time, they must be affixed in numerical order, lowest number at the top for a vertical board.
9.9 A transmitter must not be switched on unless its relevant peg is fixed to the pegboard. It must never be switched on near the boot or along side the owner’s car. Strict disciplinary action will be taken over non-compliance with this rule.
9.10 No long distance range checks will be carried out while flying is in progress. When range checks are carried out the transmitter must remain at the relevant pit location and NEVER taken away from the pits when switched on.
Thermal or slope soarers using either bungee, electric or I.C. motors as a means of launch.
These aircraft MUST only be flown from the thermal glider pits area. NOT included are powered fixed wing without landing gear.
9.11 When the pilot has completed his/her flight, the transmitter MUST be switched off and the peg removed from the pegboard. This is to free the channel for other members who may be waiting for a flight.
9.12 At the end of the day please ensure that all pegs are removed from the pegboard.
10.0 FINAL NOTE
10.1 Please enjoy your flying but keep it SAFE for yourself and your fellow members.
10.2 Further references to the SAFETY CODE may be found in the B.M.F.A. hand book which you should have received with your insurance certificate or direct from the B.M.F.A. 31 St. Andrew’s Road, Leicester, LE2 8RE
ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE – SAFE FLYING
Eric Miller
Chairman
Club News
CMAC News update 12th/13th May 2012.
Saturday saw myself, Cedric, John, Jerry, Dave, Rik and Yogesh on the airfield ready to do battle with a wind which was swinging around a good few compass points and mainly across the runway. It was cold too but at least the sun was shining. Flying model airplanes is always a fun pursuit and today was no different but with about 75% of the fun being in the landings.No models were harmed by the conditions today, which says something about the increasing dexterity of the pilots who were there.
There was one calamity though when Riks electric powered model glider appeared to be written off when the ground jumped up and hit it. This happened due to Rik being kind, and brave enough, allowing Yogesh (new member) to fly the model even though he has not yet flown a trainer on the buddy box and the transmitter transfer was not quick enough. Rik says he has the technology to rebuild the model.
All the models there were the usual winter hacks we have come to know and love. Rik had another model which he designed and built a long time ago, it being a short fuselage with wide chord wing and just a fin at the rear. Jerry brought his Champion 45 and his umm, err, well, hang on a minute I’ll just check. Back again. Sorry no record of it so can’t help. John was campaigning his “Somethin’ Extra”. My Venus 40 was in evidence again but I also brought my Piper Cub along to fly but didn’t as there was interest shown when I said I wanted to sell it. A Wot 4 is Cedrics choice. Actually Davids model is NOT a hack, it is a very nice Pulse XT 40.
When John and Cedric had their lunch they sat behind our caravan to keep out of the wind and it was a bit warmer there in the sun.
Sunday arrived and no we had not been on the airfield all night. The wind was strong and cold again but at least it was straight along the runway. Cedric, David, Geb and I, along with soon to be member Leo were allowed onto the airfield after there had been a bit of confusion at the guardroom. The confusion was caused due to BMFA control line speed competition being held on the airfield also and the army thinking our club members and the CL contestants were of one and the same group. Actually until we arrived at the guardroom we were not aware that the CL competition was taking place. It would be a simple courtesy to inform the resident club when an event like this is taking place on or near their patch. Fortunately they hold their speed comp well down the runway so there is no conflict when we are flying. Rik arrived later, this is becoming a habit Rik but a good one.
Leo had a second hand trainer type model with him which he was hoping to fly, however, it took Geb and Rik a good hour to get the engine running well and when the rest of the model was checked some issues were found which necessitated grounding until Leo could sort them out.
Geb brought a Mystic 30 which he eventually flew and an old pylon model which waited until the last flight of the day to be seen in action.
Cedric and David were flying the same models as on Saturday and I press ganged my usual models (Venus and Cougar) into service again.
We all left by 14.00hrs as the wind was becoming a lot stronger and we were getting hyperthermia.
Some new photos are in the gallery and you will note that they tend to show our club members in action and at rest. If you come along you could see yourself on these pages also.
That’s it for this report. Safe flying and good landings to all.
Allan Bell. P.R.O.
Some forthcoming events you might like to attend this year.
Every Saturday and Sunday at Waterbeach airfield run by CMAC for your, the members, benefit, weather permitting of course. Come on down you might, no WILL, enjoy it.
Also
Weston Park International Model Air Show ------- 16/17th June
Wings & Wheels Model Spectacular ----------------- 23/24th June
Shuttleworth July Aeromodel weekend-------------- 28/29th July
The 9th Shanghai International Model Exhibition - 28th - 30th August
CMAC Constitution
1. Name:
The club shall be called "The Cambridge Model Aircraft Club"
2. Aims:
The aims of the club shall be:
a/ To promote and encourage the construction and safe flying of model aircraft by its members.
b/ To provide a flying site in the Cambridge area and to affiliate to the B.M.F.A. in order to benefit from the membership and communication with a national model flying association.
3. Membership:
There shall be two grades of membership; one for seniors and one for juniors. A junior shall be one who has not reached his/her 18th birthday at the time of joining or at the time of membership renewal.
Membership of the club shall run from the 1st January to the 28th February the following year. Any member wishing to resign shall give the Membership Secretary one calendar month notice.
4. B.M.F.A. Membership:
Each member (including the committee members) shall be a full member of the "British Model Flying Association" (B.M.F.A.)
5. Associate Members:
Associate membership will apply to members who obtain B.M.F.A. insurance cover independently of the club. An associate member must produce proof of insurance to the satisfaction of the Membership Secretary.
6. Honorary Members:
At the discretion of the committee, Honorary Membership may be awarded to members who have given distinguished service to the club. Such honorary membership shall be valid for one year only but it may be renewed by the committee.
7. Limitation of Members:
The committee shall be empowered to set a limit on the number of members at any time.
8. Subscriptions:
Subscriptions will be paid annually by all members including Committee Members but excepting Honorary Members. Subscriptions will fall due after each Annual General Meeting. The level of subscriptions will be determined by participants of the Annual General Meeting.
Subscriptions are payable from the 1st of January each year, a re-joining fee will become due if the renewal fee is not received by 28th February. A member who has not renewed his/her subscription by the 1st March is no longer insured and must not fly. If still not renewed after 30th May he/she ceases to be a member of the club.
9.Committee:
An Executive Committee shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting. This committee shall conduct the business of the club and determine Club policy from time to time. The committee shall consist of the following members.
a/ Chairman:
To preside at all meetings and to keep order. To give a casting vote if required.
b/ Secretary:
To be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Club. To negotiate with local or other authorities on the Club's behalf. To be the Club spokesman. To record the proceedings of meetings and to convene General Meetings and Committee Meetings. To represent the club at B.M.F.A. area and national meetings where possible.
c/ Treasurer:
To be responsible for and accountable for the management of the Club funds. To collect all monies due to the Club and to pay the Club's debts. To produce an audited account of the Club's finances at each Annual General Meeting or at the request of the Committee. Two club members will be elected by the Club prior to the Annual General Meeting for the purpose of auditing the accounts. The Club financial year will run from the 1st October to the 30th September in order to have audited accounts available for the AGM. The Club is to hold it's own separate bank account.
d/ Membership Secretary:
To keep records of Club members and collect membership fees due to the Club and the B.M.F.A.
e/ Public Relations Officer:
To maintain the club website and to produce news items and photographs for inclusion in the website pages. To produce flyers/leaflets for distribution at events. To produce an internal club newsletter when necessary. To deal with public relations issues.
f/ Competition Secretary
To organise contests, both within the club and with other clubs. To keep account of club trophies, arrange trophy presentations and provide trophies to be retained by contest winners. To record the results of all competitions.
g/ Display Secretary:
To organise public displays both flying and static. To ensure safety standards according to B.M.F.A. guidelines are enforced at any flying display.
The Committee shall be empowered to co-opt additional Committee Members as required. In the interest of efficient running of the Club, any of the Committee posts may be combined.
10. Meetings:
The Club shall meet at a frequency as determined by the Club. The Committee shall meet as required on occasions as determined by any member of the Committee. The Annual General Meeting will be held at a suitable time towards the end of the year. The formal business conducted by the AGM shall be limited to the passing of accounts, the election of officers, the election of account auditors and any business which the committee may insert in the notice convening the meeting. Other matters may only be discussed at such a meeting if notice thereof has been given to the Secretary in writing at least 14 days previously. All members will receive notice of the AGM at least 30 days prior to the meeting taking place.
11. Extraordinary General Meeting:
An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called by the Committee or a quorum of 15 current members of "senior" status. The business to be transacted must be stated in the notice sent to members and discussion at the meeting confined solely to such business. All members will receive notice of an EGM at least 14 days prior to the meeting taking place. A resolution will be passed at an AGM or EGM on a majority vote of "senior" club members present at that meeting.
12. Insurance:
Third party insurance against flying risks shall be mandatory for each member. The club shall arrange for individual third party cover through the B.M.F.A., unless it is organised through the B.M.F.A. independently.
13. Rules:
The Committee shall issue such rules as are required, specifically rules governing the use of the flying sites' including safety aspects. These rules shall be issued to each member. Acceptance of membership automatically contracts a member to obey the rules of the Club. Any breach of the rules by a member or any conduct, which in the opinion of the Committee is unworthy of a member, or injurious to the interests of the club, may be considered by the Committee and the offender required to offer an explanation in writing. The Committee may, if necessary, withdraw membership from an offender after allowing the opportunity of resignation.
14. Club Property:
All property purchased by the club shall be recorded in the club property book and safeguarded by a member of the Committee - normally the secretary.
The Committee shall be empowered to spend a sum of money as defined at each AGM on behalf of the Club, without further authorisation by the Club members.
15. Welfare of Children and Vulnerable Adults.
Children under the age of 18 years MUST be accompanied by a parent, guardian or, for instance, someone who has written authority to bring the child on to the flying site and supervise them.
Junior members under the age of 14 years shall not start an engine or carry a model with the engine running unless they are supervised by a responsible adult.
No senior member is to be expected to assume responsibility for a child or a vulnerable adult unless he/she has been specifically requested to do so by the parent, guardian or carer. If required to do so, he/she is to assume complete and total responsibility for the child or vulnerable adult whilst he/she is in their charge.
The Club to include the following statement in the Clubs membership form to ensure that the parent, guardian or carer of a child or vulnerable adult also agrees to abide by club policy:
Children under the age of 18 years MUST be accompanied by a parent, guardian of, for instance, someone who has written authority to bring the child on to the flying site and supervise them.
This membership form must be countersigned if the applicant is under 18 years of age or by the authorised carer of a vulnerable adult, thereby signifying acceptance of the conditions of membership.
Eric Miller
Chairman
Cambridge Model Aircraft Club
(Affiliated to the British Model Flying Association)
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