1. Only electric powered model aircraft shall be flown at this club, the use of nitro/methanol or other fuel driven model aircraft is forbidden.

2. Before the flying of any models can commence a Flying Field Safety Officer (AIR BOSS) must be present or be appointed from the members present.

3. Pilots will ensure their receivers are switched off or if it is on, make sure the transmitter is also on with the throttle set to low before connecting the main flight batteries to the speed controller.

4. All operating aircraft in the pits area will be physically restrained where possible.

5. On returning to the pits area all motors must be stopped and batteries disconnected.

6. All radio frequencies used must be approved for use by the MAAA.

7. All transmitters (except 2.4Ghz) must be impounded when not in use.

8. The frequency board must be used by all pilots during operation of transmitters (Including 2.4Ghz sets - limit of ten 2.4Ghz sets operating as per M.A.A.A. policy).

9. All aircraft take offs including hand launches must be from the designated runway.

10. All pilots will fly their aircraft from the designated pilot box.

11. No take offs to be made from behind the pilot box - IMMEDIATE GROUNDING OFFENCE.

12. No flying over Pilot Box, Pit Area, car park, any public area or beyond the designated flying area - IMMEDIATE GROUNDING OFFENCE.

13. No more than 6 models may be flown at any one time of which no more than 1 may be a helicopter (this may be altered during special events or during competitions as approved by Penrith City Council

14. Circuits must be flown if more than one aircraft is flying. The first pilot flying is to nominate the direction of circuits for all other pilots flying.

15. All "Low passes" and their direction must be announced loudly and acknowledged by other pilots flying.

16. Priority order for runway use is as follows:-

1. Deadstick landings - (announce loudly "Deadstick!")
2. Powered landings - (announce loudly "Landing!")
3. Taxiing to clear runway
4. Take offs - (announce loudly "Taking Off!")
5. Taxiing to take-off point

17. Intention to enter the flying area to physically recover a model must be clearly announced loudly and be acknowledged by all pilots flying before actually entering the flying area. All pilots flying must ensure that their models maintain an altitude of at least 30 metres and avoid flying over a person/s entering the flying area to perform a physical recovery of their model. Persons will loudly announce "ON THE FIELD", upon entering the flying area and "OFF THE FIELD" when the recovery is complete.

18. All models shall be flown, as far as practicable, at least 30 metres from any person, including the pilot box (exceptions: take offs and landings where care should be taken). Pilots wishing to hover their fixed wing aircraft or helicopters within 30 metres of themselves will do so within the designated flying area and at least 30 metres from the pilot box and any other person.

19. Only pilots flying, under instruction or test flying a model may enter the Pilot box.

20. Persons wishing to take photographs or video of models flying may only enter the Pilot box with the permission of the AIR BOSS (Flying Field Safety Officer) on duty .

21. No smoking in the pilot box

22. Only pilots, PEMAC members and accompanied guests may enter the pits area.

23. The AIR BOSS will have complete authority regarding the operation of the flying field at all times the club is operating.

24. The AIR BOSS may ground any aircraft considered unsafe or not airworthy.

25. The AIR BOSS may ground any pilot who breaches any of the Safety Rules. Grounded pilots may not fly for the rest of the day. Repeat Offenders may have their membership and flying privileges revoked.

26. All aircraft must be grounded whilst mowing or field maintenance is in progress.

27. All flying activities are allowed to be conducted 7 days a week from 8.00am to 6.00pm as agreed with Penrith City Council.

28. The main council access gate to Russell Street will be locked on entry and egress to the field.

29. The club lock to the main council gate should be replaced after entry and exit of the field and is not to be removed.

30. All padlock keys/combinations should be only used by PEMAC members and not past on/given to any non-member.

31. Cars to be parked in designated area only.

32. No pets permitted in the pits or pilot box at any time. Pets are permitted at the field but must be under the control of the owner (by leash) at all times.

PEMAC MODEL NOISE POLICY

Penrith Electric Model Aero Club has been operating at our field for almost two years and in that time we have received only 2 complaints regarding noise. While those issues were addressed and while our efforts to keep the operation of our models as inoffensive as possible to local residents has been very successful, there is a need to implement a standard at the field in terms of noise. Following a meeting of club members PEMAC has therefore adopted a noise level policy for all models flown at our field.

While there are no legal regulations specifically governing model aircraft noise but given that we operate in proximity to a residential area, we have adopted the noise level set for the operation of lawnmowers and string trimmers under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulations of 2008. These regulations set the noise level for the operation of these common household tools at 80dB(A) (measured at 7.5 meters). In effect one can operate a lawnmower or whipper snipper and not be subject to prosecution if the mower/whipper snipper complies with the POEO regulations and they are operated during the hours allowed by local Council regulations. Therefore it stands to reason that a model aircraft operating at a greater distance from any residential area (vertically and/or horizontally) at or under 80dB(A) will produce far less noise than a neighbours lawnmower and should provide less cause for complaint or concern by local residents.

While the vast majority of our models are practically inaudible PEMAC considers this is a reasonable application of the POEO Regulations regarding noise levels emitted by our models and that the adoption of this policy and stringent self regulation will satisfy local residents and council that we are acting responsibly in terms of our use of the area.

It should be noted that this sound level has not been imposed by Council nor approved by Council as being reasonable or allowable. Therefore it may be subject to review at any time. It is purely our Club policy designed to assist in avoiding issues concerning the noise of our models.

The 80dB(A) limit applies to all models, fixed wing, rotor and ducted fan.

Which models will require testing?
This is fairly subjective as models differ significantly in terms of their motors (kv rating), prop/blade/fan size, pitch and type but as a guide all ducted fan models and large powered models will be required to be tested. Members are also advised that if they have any concerns regarding the noise their models make, that they have them tested before they fly them. Models that have been tested and are then subsequently modified in terms of motor/prop/fan unit etc will require re-testing before being permitted to fly.

So can I fly ducted fans at PEMAC?
Yes you can provided they are under 80dB(A), however they are restricted to Saturdays only.

Will keeping our models under 80dB(A) ensure we don't receive complaints?
No it wont. The 80dB(A) level is the top line measurement and has not been imposed by Council nor approved by Council as being reasonable or allowable. Members should be working towards ensuring their models come in well under that level where possible. We may still receive complaints but it is hoped that our enforcement of this policy will reduce the number of complaints we may otherwise receive.

What happens if there is a noise complaint?
Each complaint will be investigated by the Committee. Model's and pilots may be grounded and repeat offenders could risk losing their club membership.

What can I do to make my model more quiet?
Members should always be aiming to make their models as quiet as possible. This can be as simple as changing the prop size or prop pitch to installing better quality motors and better ducted fan systems. Remember the noise from our models is generated mainly from the prop, rotor or fan blades. Poor quality equipment, out of balance props etc, will lead to more noise as will overpowering models. Don't go for more power/speed without considering the additional noise that will be created, be prepared to sacrifice power/speed for stealth. Installing good quality components and equipment will always result in less noise and a far more reliable aircraft.

What if I cant get my model under 80dB(A) ?
Then it will not be permitted to be flown at PEMAC. It is a fact of life at PEMAC that some models (eg. Strykers) will never be permitted to be flown at the field due to the noise they generate. Members possessing such models are encouraged to acquire associate membership at other clubs where they may be flown without restriction. Our flying area is small by some standards and being adjacent to a residential area we have an obligation to local residents to ensure that our activity does not adversely affect them. The vast majority of local residents have been very supportive of our club and are very pleased to have us flying our models in the reserve. So it is the responsibility of every member to maintain this good relationship. If that means we cant fly particular models then that is a small price to pay.

How can I get my model tested?
Testing can be arranged by contacting the Club President on 0413532477 or 0247312684.

What is the testing procedure?
The noise level is determined by a static test, setting the model a distance of 7.5m from the noise measuring instrument. The model is secured and four measurements are taken (front, rear and both sides) with the motor running at full power. The mean average of the four readings will be used to determine the models noise level. Models which exceed 80dB(A) will not be permitted to be flown.

I am visiting your club should I have my model tested before hand?
The vast majority of electric models will operate well under 80dB(A) however if you are concerned then this is a good idea particularly if you are travelling some distance to fly at our field. You may also be able to arrange to have it tested at our field by contacting the Club President on the numbers above.

PEMAC RULES FOR NEW HELICOPTER PILOTS

As part of PEMACS commitment to safety, all new heli pilots who have not yet acheived their bronze wings must abide by the following rules and submit their helicopters for inspection to one of our helicopter air bosses.

After the equipment and build quality has been signed off as airworthy, the novice pilot must only fly supervised until certain proficiencies or bronze wings have been achieved.

EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

As helicopters have a lot of rotating metal parts and bearings, the potential for noise and related radio lockouts and glitches is quite high. We recommend the use of 2.4ghz radio systems as they operate at frequencies that are not as susceptible to noise that can be created by the moving parts in a helicopter.

We have had huge success with the Spektrum Dx7 heli radio and we have members who can assist in setting up this radio. We have also seen that the ar7000 receiver is more reliable then any of the 6 series to date. As far as the helicopter you wish to fly, there are many different models available.

It would be best to see what other club members recommend so they can assist you with set up before purchasing a helicopter. Also seek the advice of the club before choosing which electronics you purchase as some items are not compatible with helis.

PREFLIGHT HELICOPTER AIRWORTHINESS INSPECTION

RADIO AND ELECTRONICS CHECK

PINION REMOVED

1. Demonstrate range check

2. Spool up motor and demonstrate throttle hold is set

3. Spool up motor ,switch off radio to demonstrate failsafe is set and motor cuts out if model loses signal.

4. Check there is no trim variance in each flight mode.

5. Check servos are operating the swash in the correct directions.

6. Check the operation of tail rudder stick input

7. check direction of gyro operation.

8. Demonstrate that esc will not allow a HOT START; ie if the throttle is in a raised position the motor will not spin upon powering up the model.

MOTOR DISCONNECTED

9. Check motor gear mesh

10. Check belt tension and drive line freeness

11. Check tail blade rotation

12. Check tail grips for leading edge control is correct to tail blade rotation.

13. Check head for phasing.

14. Check ball links for loose and tight links.

15. Ask builder if the rods have ball links screwed on equally on both sides.

16. Check feathering shaft and tail hub bolts for tightness.Ask builder if all surfaces have been cleaned and loctite used.

TEST FLIGHT

MAINTENANCE AND PREFLIGHT INSPECTION

Before every days flying, the helicopter should be inspected by the pilot for:-

1. loose bolts
2. loose belts
3. fraying belts
4. loose links
5. electrical connections ie no servo plugs falling out of receiver etc.
6. Check all parts for fatigue or breaks.

PREFLIGHT CHECK

-Prior to commencement of every flight , pilot should check swash, gyro and tail servos are operating in the correct direction prior to spool up of motor.