A message from Charles (Air Section Secretary)

An end-of-year report from Charles, Air Section Secretary at the time — kept here as part of the section's history.

Rules

The refreshed air section rules have been in place for some time. The rules were re-written, simplified, and hopefully made more logical. We have tried to follow the BMFA's guidelines, with some further site-specific limitations. So far we have managed to have fun in safety and harmony with our neighbours. The bottom line: please be considerate and polite to everyone, and be safety conscious.

Accessibility

We have tried to make the facilities more accessible to members. Duty officers/keyholders have been increased from perhaps ten to almost 30 participants, allowing more flying during the week.

Contributing

We are always looking for more volunteers, particularly for the lawn-mowing roster, as this requires a team of two. This duty has been regularly undertaken by a small number of people, in particular David Ebdon, who heads up the section. The grass takes over two hours to mow each week during the season. We have a splendid runway thanks to volunteers' efforts.

Clubhouse

After many years' development, we now have an "almost" fully functioning club house and meeting room, with lights and heat. Many thanks to those who have made great efforts to get the facilities as good as they now are.

New members

We have welcomed a number of new members during the year. The level of enthusiasm and the wealth of experience from new members is most welcome. We are currently operating a waiting list, and expect to allow more entrants in the New Year.

Open day

The weather for our club open day this year was perfect. We enjoyed lots of flying, fun, friendship and food — the barbeque catered to about 80 people. Thanks to everyone who put in a lot of work to make this a success.

Training

Our Training Section is becoming more organised thanks to the efforts of Jeremy Martin, who leads the section, and others — Terry Huxley particularly has given much time to our trainees. We are very fortunate to have Dave Charles as examiner, and have also recently welcomed a second examiner, Martin Painter. We can now examine for fixed-wing A and B certs, and heli A certs.

Flying

Our members have a wide range of interests, and we see a good variety of models being flown. Petrol-powered models are becoming more popular, and helicopters too are more popular than ever — Phil Penn has taken on the job of heli representative and is keen to help people obtain their A certificates.

There's still some confusion about "drones" — a quadcopter/drone is just another type of helicopter, and they're welcome at the club (it's in the rules). FPV flights require an observer to comply with BMFA regulations, and our boundary restrictions apply to drone flyers just like everyone else.

Ted Cotton Concourse

Dave Charles kindly organised this event at the Ripley British Legion this Autumn. There was a good turnout, with some splendid models displayed — including Dave's astonishingly well-made Hawker Typhoon, and Geof Ward's part-built Comet 4B.

Safety

Accidents are not friendly or fun, and our models are capable of causing serious injury. Please take safety very seriously:

1. A range check on any new or repaired model
2. Check your fail-safe every flying session — this is a legal requirement
3. All models must be suitably restrained when starting or arming, no exceptions
4. Before arming or starting propeller-driven models, make certain people are behind the propeller arc
5. Never fly over anyone
6. Bring your model down low when full-size aircraft fly over, and keep out of their line of sight
7. Be prepared to "dump" your model if necessary to avoid people or aircraft
8. Report any out-landings, crashes or injuries — an incident book and personal injury book are maintained

Fire precautions

Lipo battery fires are best contained with sand — there's a fire bucket under the concrete bench (avoid the toxic smoke). Damaged lipos should go in the yellow water bucket for safe disposal. Petrol models require a suitable extinguisher to hand before fuelling or starting, per BMFA requirements — CO2 extinguishers are available at the club and are the best option for small petrol fires. You have about 30 seconds before things get out of hand, so have one to hand, not in the chapel.

Looking ahead

There's always ongoing maintenance and new projects, so more volunteers are always welcome. By doing what we can ourselves, we keep our subscriptions low. It's unhealthy to have the same people in the same jobs forever — new blood is always welcome to invigorate the club.

Thank you to everyone who contributes to the club in so many different ways — here's to another year of safe, friendly, flying fun.

Charles