Welcome to Mereside Model Flying Club Rules

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The following rules are set out to ensure we keep everyone safe and legal why enjoying the wonderful sport of flying model aircraft. We are fortunate to have many very experienced members
in the club who will be more than willing to help. If you have any questions or need any advice, please ask.
Flying Times
Our operating hours are restricted by our planning permission this is:
Mon – Sat 9:00 – 21:00 (Electric Power only after 18:00)
Sundays and Bank Holidays – 10:00 – 21:00 (Electric Power only after 18:00)

Entering and Leaving the field
•    The speed limit on the entrance track and in the pits is 10mph.
•    If you are the first to arrive or last to leave you must scramble the code on the padlock after
•    opening or closing the gate.
•    Park your vehicle so as not to cause an obstruction to others.
Before flying
•    It is expected that all members of the club familiarise themselves with the appropriate
•    sections of the BMFA handbook.
•    All members must always comply with the legal requirements for flying model aircraft 
•    these are defined in CAP 722 and the Air Navigation order articles 94A, 240, 241 and 265.
•    All members must have BMFA membership and insurance cover, this doesn’t apply if you
•    are the student on a buddy box and are having one of the three permitted taster sessions
•    Members should ensure their planes are identified with their CAA operator ID in
•    accordance with CAA rules (this is a legal requirement)
•    Junior members must be always supervised by a responsible adult while at the flying field
•    If you do not hold a current A or B certificate of achievement you must not fly
•    unaccompanied unless given express permission by the club examiner to do so. This may be given by exception once you have demonstrated competence and are waiting to take the A test.
•    Take steps to ensure your propeller cannot spin up accidentally, ideally set a throttle cut on a switch where radio gear permits, other alternatives include the use of an arming plug. This ensures the model is safe if the throttle is moved accidentally. This is particularly important with electric models which are more likely to experience this problem.
•    If your receiver has a failsafe capability, it is a legal requirement that this must be set to reduce the throttle to idle on loss of signal to avoid fly-aways
•    Turn on your radio and select the correct model before applying power to your model.
•    Check Trims and switches are set correctly and that all surfaces mov in the correct directions without binding
•    Models must be physically restrained whilst under power – this applies to both electric and IC
•    For newly constructed models perform a range check before flying
•    Propellers must be of a type suitable for the model – no electric props on IC engines, metal props must not be used. Damaged props must not be used.
•    Regularly check your model for any issues, check all linkages, propellers and electrical connections are in a good order. Ensure all internal equipment is secure and will not move in flight.
•    Note the wind direction and resulting circuit direction (take off and landing into wind), check with those already flying if the wind direction is straight across or on the rare occasion there is no wind.
•    Wheel or carry your model from the pits to the flight line – Do not taxi from the pits using your radio / model under power
•    Look around for any hazards before taking off
•    Check with anyone already flying you are ok to take off before doing so
•    Take off into wind where possible
•    Never fly an aircraft with known problems or damage – problems will not get better in flight!

Think S.W.E.E.T.S. Be S.M.A.R.T. with your transmitter
S-Sun S…Switch On
W-Wind M…Model selected is correct
E-Environment A…Aeriel secure and extended
E-Emergencies R…Rate Switches in correct positions
T-Transmitter Control T…Transmitter voltage good, surfaces and
S-Site Rules trims move in the correct directions
•    During flight Pilots must stand on the flightline whilst flying to ensure good communication is possible between those who are flying.
•    No more than 4 IC planes to fly together at any one time
•    All flights must always remain within visual line of site and below 400ft.
•    When more than one aircraft is in the sky, fly circuits with the direction of travel along the runway being into wind.
•    Do not overfly the pits area or behind the pits – flying should be forward of the flight line
•    More experienced pilots should give way to those with less experience and be mindful that those who are new to flying may not initially be able to stay on circuit
•    Try to be aware of the general position of other aircraft in the sky but not to the detriment of controlling your own model.
•    We occasionally get people walking across the ends of the field or access road – do not fly over any members of the public
•    Anyone calling ‘dead stick’ takes priority for landing.

Landing
•    Landings have priority over take-offs.
•    Call ‘landing’ before beginning your approach, if someone else has already called landing then you must wait for them to land and clear the runway before landing yourself
•    Land into wind and taxi your model back to the flight line, approach the flight line parallel to the runway not pointing towards other pilots or yourself. Do not taxi beyond the flight line into the pits area.
•    Apply the throttle cut and / or stop the engine 
•    Once back in the pits remove power from the model and then switch off the radio, check the model for any damage.

Please be respectful to any visitors or walkers that walk through the field – whilst the official footpath is behind the parking area along the drainage channel most people walk through our field for ease. If you see any litter, please pick it up and remove it regardless of who dropped it.
If you have any questions or need any assistance our members are here to help so don’t be afraid to ask!

Mereside Model Flying Club Emergency Information
In case of serious accidents or emergencies do not hesitate to call 999
Our Location is: Meadow Lane, Ormskirk, L40 4BA
What 3 Words : tadpole.zoomed.sooner
In the case of a fatal incident or serious injury the Air Accident Investigation Board must also be
notified by telephone on 01252 512299. In such cases the BMFA must also be informed.

Dealing With deep Cuts
•    Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze. Maintain pressure for several minutes (at least 5-10 minutes) without lifting to check for bleeding. 
•    If bleeding soaks through the initial layer, add more gauze and continue applying
•    pressure. Elevate the injured area above the heart if possible, to help reduce blood flow. 
•    Deep cuts, especially those that expose muscle, tendons, or bone, may require stitches or other medical intervention. If the bleeding is severe or cannot be controlled, seek immediate medical help. 
•    Deep cuts on the face, hands, or joints often require professional assessment and treatment. 

Dealing with an amputated finger
1) Control the bleeding: Apply direct pressure to the amputation site with a clean
cloth. Elevate the injured hand to help reduce blood flow. 
2) Preserve the amputated part:
•    Gently rinse the amputated part with saline or clean water. 
•    Wrap it in a clean, moist (not soaking wet) cloth, preferably sterile gauze or cling film. 
•    Seal the wrapped part in a plastic bag or a watertight container. 
•    Place the bag or container on ice, but ensure the amputated part doesn't directly
•    contact the ice to prevent tissue damage. 
3) Seek immediate medical attention:
•    Transport the injured person and the preserved finger to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. 
4) Monitor the casualty:
•    While waiting for medical help, reassure the person and monitor their vital signs (breathing, pulse,alertness). 
•    Important considerations:
•    Do not wash the amputated part with soap or antiseptic solutions as it can damage the
•    tissue. 
•    If the finger is still partially attached, bandage it carefully in place and elevate the hand. 

Additional advice on preventing Injuries from propellers
Great care must be taken around propellers when models are live. For an IC plane this is obvious due
to the noise. Electric planes however are arguably more dangerous. Whilst an IC engine will likely
stall if it hits something solid enough an electric motor will continue turning until the power source is
removed.
•    Before any flight it is good practice to check the model over for any damage including the propeller, check for any cracks or damage to the tips and edges. If damaged do not use the propeller, it must be replaced.
•    Ensure the propeller is securely attached and prop nuts are tight.
•    Models MUST always be restrained whilst under power – for electric models this means when the battery is connected.
•    If staring an IC engine or running up any prop make sure the model is restrained, and nobody is immediately in front of the propeller or directly in-line to the sides.
•    Consider wearing a strong leather glove if starting IC engines by hand.
•    A throttle cut switch must be set. For electric models the motor should only be armed immediately before take-off and disarmed immediately after taxying back to the side of the field.
•    IC Engines must be shut off once taxied back to the side of the field
•    When taxiing back do not point the plane directly at the pits. The taxi should finish with the plane pointing along the length of the runway and well to the side of any other pilots.
•    NO Taxiing in the pits – models must be carried or pushed. Take extra care with IC engines.
•    When making changes to radio programming it is good idea to remove the prop in case of accidental reversing of servo travel that could cause the model to go to full power.
•    It is expected that all members will ensure they have a readily accessible personall medical kit containing bandages and basic first aid equipment. Additionally, a piece of cling film or Ziploc bag should be included.