Safety

This area of our website is set aside for our club's Officers to make members aware of any safety concerns that may arise. If you have any issues or concerns that should be highlighted in this section please bring them to the attention of the Safety Officer or any other member of the Committee.

Flight Safety Checklist

  1. Check that the model is airworthy, battery packs are charged and both receiver (Rx) and transmitter (Tx) are switched off.

  2. Switch off your mobile phone while in the pits area or flying.

  3. Keep your eyes well away from all fuel-tubing connectors when pumping fuel.

  4. Before connecting the flight battery or starting the engine check

    • Tx model memory is correct for model.

    • Rx is correctly bound to the Tx.

    • Swash, tail and throttle servos are moving in correct orientation.

    • Check that all rate and mixer switches are correctly set.

    • Throttle stick is closed.

    • Model & rotorhead are restrained.

    • Neck strap, loose clothing etc. are clear of the gearing and blades.

    • Club members and onlookers are safely away from the helicopter.

    • If in any doubt please ask for help.

  5. Carry model to take off pad with throttle hold engaged.

  6. Ask other pilots if it is OK to take off and wait for a clear positive response from each before proceeding.

  7. Keep well clear of other users of the field and the footpaths.

  8. In the event of an engine failure call “Deadstick” loudly and autorotate back to the take off area if possible and ONLY if it is safe to do so.

  9. At the end of the flight stop the engine or engage throttle hold and carry the model back to the pits.

  10. Switch off the Rx and finally the Tx.

Safety Bulletin No. 1 - 07th January 2010


It has been decided to implement some new starting procedures for all Internal Combustion (IC i.e. glow fuel, petrol or turbine) powered helicopters.

  • If you have a cordless starter then you can fuel up, walk to your pad and start the engine once there ensuring throttle hold is switched on.

  • Ask someone to securely hold the rotor head whilst you start the engine in the pits, ensuring throttle hold is applied once the engine is running and while walking out to the flight area.

Either of these approaches should help prevent 'hot starts' which put owner and those present at risk.


Your attention is also drawn to the Flying Rule No. 10, which states: "All Helicopters must be restrained whilst being started. When started they must be physically restrained at all times until over the safety line, and upon returning to the pits must not be flown over this line. Throttle Hold must be used at all times until in the take off area."


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BMFA membership - January 2021

From 2021 the SCMHC will no longer be arranging BMFA membership for its members.

Membership of the BMFA is a requirement for SCMHC as a BMFA affiliated club.

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CAA Flyer ID and Operator ID - January 2021

The CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) requires registration for all pilots of model aircraft over 250g weight or not in C0 class.

The Operator ID must be visible on the airframe of the aircraft.

https://register-drones.caa.co.uk/individual

It is against the law to fly a drone or model aircraft without having the required IDs.

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Site Use Log On/Off with Landmarc Ops Room - January 2021

All members must ensure the Landmarc Ops Room has been notified prior to activity at the SCMHC site and to log off when leaving the site.

Telephone: 01420 483405

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