Hello everyone,
I expect you are feeling as I do… beginning to get a sense of optimism about the prospect of going flying soon.
The committee are in countdown mode as we approach March 29th.
We have been speaking to our landlords this last week. They are looking forward to seeing us again.
Committee members visited Hanbury in the last couple of days to check out the mower. It’s ok… There are sheep and lambs in our field there… David the landlord says they will be taken out of our field by March 29th.
Our landlord at Rushwick will be assisting us to get that field up and running during April by rolling and mowing a new runway. The committee will be organising a work party soon to include some committee and regular Rushwick users to stake out a new runway. We will let you know when shortly.
You will by now all be aware of the new CAA article 16 regulations which now define the legal requirements in respect of the operation of UAV’s (un manned aerial vehicles) meaning Drones and Model Aircraft.
The BMFA have done a very good job for us modellers by ensuring that we can continue our activities very much as before.
Regarding the new regs. A couple of members have raised the question of separation distances between our flying models and people passing by when we are flying. Bearing in mind that our runways have public footpaths or bridleways passing quite close to our runways.
The new regs do not mention proximity to public footpaths or bridleways. What they do say is this; We must not fly within 30 meters of any un-involved person. This can be reduced to 15 meters for take off or landing. They also state we must not operate within 50 meters of ASSEMBLIES OF PEOPLE
Note: CAA DEFINITION OF ASSEMBLIES OF PEOPLE IS PEOPLE OF SUCH DENSITY THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO MOVE AWAY DUE TO THE DENSITY OF THE PEOPLE PRESENT. CLEARLY NOT AN ISSUE AT OUR SITES.
Our advice, backed up by the BMFA is that if you see a person approaching whether on a public footpath or otherwise you should if necessary land you’re model as soon as possible. And if necessary land it away from the runway.
The committee have taken all mitigating measures to ensure public safety at out sites is in place with clear warning signs on gates and stiles
Our experience of flying at our current sites for over 20 years is that the use of adjacent public footpaths is extremely low. Hanbury for instance sees fewer than three people per week during flying times. However we must at all times remain vigilant.
So that’s it. We await the green light from Boris. The Committee will keep you informed via the website as we approach the end of March.
See you at the fields
Regards
Dave
