Rules & Safety

New Runway Rules

The East-West runway (Heli Field) is reserved for helicopters and multi-rotor Aircraft. When the Heli Field is not being used by rotary aircraft, it may be used by micro and small park flyer, Quiet Electric aircraft. Such aircraft must yield the field to anyone wishing to fly rotary aircraft.

All aircraft using the Heli Field (rotary and fixed wing) must observe the no fly zone (marked by a white post) on the East end of the runway. Aircraft may overfly the farm field at the West end of the runway, but may not go past midfield. Under no circumstances may aircraft using the Heli Field cross the boundary of the North-South runway, nor approach the trees on the west side of the runway.

The North-South runway is reserved for fixed wing aircraft. Aircraft may not fly west of the intersection of the North-South and East-West runways. The area west of the intersection is a no-fly zone.

The East-West runway may not be used for landing of fixed wing aircraft unless an emergency is declared. In the case of emergency all aircraft will fly clear of the stricken aircraft till it has landed.

 

Safety Notes

1. All pilots must be familiar with the AMA Safety Code.
2. All models must have proper identification which includes the pilots name, address, phone number and AMA number.
3. Everyone is a Safety Officer and we teach others by example.
4. All pilots should know the flying site’s exact location for reporting emergencies, and know the location of the closest hospital.
5. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher are located in the field box at radio impound, and the Lums Pond emergency contact number is located on the bulletin board.
6. Pilots should be able to communicate with other pilots on the flight line so everyone is aware of the current field condition.
7. Take-offs should be executed and performed near the centerline of the runway and never near the flight line.
8. In the event of a downed aircraft, or aircraft on the runway, pilots on the flight line should informed of the situation.
9. Never fly over a downed aircraft or retrieval party.
10. In the event of an emergency the field is closed to all flying until the emergency is cleared by the emergency command.
11. Do not enter the wooded areas without assistance.
12. Do not wear loose fitting clothing around props/rotors.
13. It is recommend to use a "spotter" when flying. A "spotter" can keep the pilot informed of all field conditions.
14. Always think safety!

Guest Policy

Guests may fly up to 3 times within a calendar year and must be sponsored by a current Club member in good standing. Guests must have a valid Full AMA Membership. Club Sponsor must be present while Guest is flying.

 

Ground Rules

1. Flying is restricted to Club Members, their guests, event participants and others registered at the Park Office, provided that they have current AMA membership.
2. Only event registered participants may fly during a sanctioned event. The field is closed to all other operations at such time.
3. New pilots must seek assistance and/or instruction.
4. Pilot's vehicle shall be properly parked in the designated area and must display the proper annual sticker or day pass.
5. All 72/53 MHz transmitters without frequency pin shall be placed in the transmitter impound area with the antenna collapsed.
6. No 72/53 MHz transmitter may be activated unless the relevant frequency pin is prominently attached to it.
7. Pilot's AMA card must be placed in the slot designating the 72/53 MHz transmitter frequency being used whenever the pin is acquired.
8. Pilots on 2.4 GHz shall utilize ID holders with their AMA cards and attach them to their person so they are visible, or place the card in the designated 2.4 GHz slot at the transmitter impound.
9. No one shall fly without a valid AMA card; no alternate form of identification is acceptable. Photo copies are not valid.
10. Extended running of engines for break-in purposes in the pits is not allowed.
11. Do not aim prop wash at other modelers or their models.
12. All internal combustion engines over .051 cubic inch displacement shall be equipped with an effective muffler.
13. New or recently repaired aircraft shall be inspected and subjected to a proper radio range check before being flown.
14. Fixed wing and helicopter flight lines are separate. A 100 foot "no-fly zone" should be observed to the west of the intersecting runways.
15. Smoking is not allowed in the pits or the pavilion.
16. The Pavilion is not to be used as a pit area.
17. All Park Rules apply, including removal of trash. Take your trash with you.
18. Hours of operation must be observed.

Flight Rules

1. AMA Safety Code must be read and followed.
2. Models must be restrained while starting internal combustion engines.
3. Taxiing in the pits is forbidden.
4. Hand launches must be from the flight line, not the pits.
5. Takeoff and landing direction shall be agreed upon by pilots. Changes in direction must be communicated.
6. Pilots should fly from behind the flight line barrier, not in the access lane.
7. Fly a "race-track" pattern to avoid midair collisions.
8. Children and Pets are not allowed in the flight line area.
9. A "spotter" should be used if more than two models are being flown.
10. Communicate intentions: "Taking off!" "Landing!" "Dead Stick!" "On the Field."
11. All aircraft must remain over our Flying Field and Fly-Over (farmland) areas and remain in visual sight of pilot and spotter. FPV pilots are prohibited in flying beyond Club Flying Field and Fly-Over areas.
12. Flight behind the flight line over the pits is prohibited.
13. Low fly-bys and aerobatic maneuvers are to be performed above the far side of the runway, never nearer than the centerline of the runway.
14. "Hot dogging" must not endanger the pilots or spectators. Dives toward the flight line are not permitted.
15. The flight line must be informed if access to the field for retrieval of downed or stopped aircraft is needed. Avoid flying over or near people on the runway or in the field beyond.
16. Emergency contact information is located on the bulletin board adjacent to the Pavilion.

Turbine Rules

Any pilot wishing to fly jets at the Delaware R/C field must have been a member for at least two consecutive years prior to making application for approval to fly jets.

This requirement is in addition to the ones below:

1. Must have a valid AMA membership card with a valid turbine waiver.
2. The aircraft(s) must be inspected for proper construction and equipment installation by qualified DRCC individuals.
   It is recommended that the planes rx power system be of a type that monitors rx battery consumption ( like powerbox types) so the pilot may easily determine how much flight time is left before recharging is necessary.
3. All flying must be accomplished by the AMA turbine operation guidance of using one or more approved fire extinguishers at all times in the pits or/and where the turbine is started.
4. When starting the plane, use of a restraint to prevent the plane from moving in the event of an unplanned engine surge is mandatory.
5. When starting, always aim the turbine exhaust away from any other pilot, plane or fuel source by at least 10 feet.
6. IF during the flight a loss of control is noticed, shout this loudly to all surrounding pilots/spectators.
7. DRCC check pilots will demonstrate where the safe flying areas are within the Park boundaries. All flying must be confined to the safe flying areas within the Park.  Any deviation from this will invalidate the applicant’s permissions to fly at DRCC. Demonstration flights, will be determined by the person(s) qualifying the pilot.
8. Flying style is critical. When there are no other planes in the air, 2 way flying is permitted;. However, when any other plane(s) are being operated, only fly in the normal pattern that day depending on the prevailing wind.
9. Speed must never exceed the AMA limit of 200 mph and high speed flight should be limited to smooth flybys followed by a climb with reduced throttle to return to more sedate speeds. Wild, "jerky" flight with extremely tight turns are prohibited as this can lead to structural failure and will cause the pilot to loose flying permission at the DRCC field.
10. Extremely tight turns and other high "g" maneuvers are prohibited. Flight regime must always be within the structural limits of the aircraft.
11. Plane types that are suited to the DRCC field are those with low wing loading and fully operational flaps so landing speeds can be well controlled and allow for safe controlled landings.
12. Plane types with thin wings and high wing loading are not recommended or in some cases will not be permitted at the field.
13. All prospective pilots must be approved for flight by a team of DRCC members. Aircraft must pass AMA inspection by qualified turbine inspectors and pilots must have earned a Turbine Waiver per AMA Document 510-d. After the aircraft(s) are inspected and the pilots flight style reviewed.
14. Permission will be granted verbally and published in the DRCC newsletter.
15. Guests whose ability is known may fly demo flights but are subject to the same restrictions, and may be refused permission if they are deemed unsafe.
16. At no point can a guest fly a turbine, unless board members approve.
17. Guests may fly turbines at AMA sanctioned events only with CD approval.
18. Club ID card for check flight.
19. If unsafe flights are subject to card probation or removal.
20. Spotter needs to be turbine qualified as well.