http://kmfc.bmfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/KMFC-Rules-Issue-5.pdfThe BMFA recommend that each flying site should conduct an assessment of the site layout, flying patterns and the flying rules covering R/C Powered Flight against the examples given in pages 11 and 12 of the current BMFA Members Handbook – Millennium Edition.
Further, the results should be recorded and any implications made known to all members. Because KMFC is affiliated to the BMFA, additional safety significant detail will also become available to members through the quarterly editions of the BMFA News; all members too, should automatically adhere to these.
An initial assessment was made on Saturday 25th November 2000. Thos present were: Alan Bithrey (Chairman), Jason Bowers (Secretary), Martin Henderson (Chief Flying Examiner), Ken Simmonds (ex.Officio) and Robin Tinston (acting as Safety Officer).
The current edition of the General Rules of the Knebworth Model Flying Club, January 2001 outlines the club rules, showing the limits of the field, no-fly zones, the alternative flight lines, pits and car park.
Assessment
The Site
Because of the allocated size, shape and topographic features i.e. trees, hedges and site access track, the KMFC site cannot match the examples of site layouts given in the BMFA Handbook, but this is acceptable if there are features which provide alternative means of providing safe operation and protection to onlookers, those in the pits and car pack – Page 11, para (a).
The KMFC site provides good separation from either of the alternative flight lines to the single pit area, but rather less dead airspace that is ideal to the adjacent car park area. However, a large oak tree protects both the designated pits and car park area. From the nearest corner of the flight line to the large oak tree is about 60 rather than 100 metres, which in practice should be adequate.
With regard to third parties, the Novatel is well separated as is the A1(M) except under inadvertent fly away conditions; the woods provide a good barrier for the houses to the North of the site.
KMFC Rules
The Rules lay out clear guidelines for flying and general conduct and reflect the BMFA Handbook in the important particulars.
Full set can be uploaded here: KMFC Rules Issue 5
Discussion and Conclusion
While the site allocated does not entirely follow BMFA site layout, it does seek to minimise adequately the danger aspects because of the close proximity of a large tree protecting both the pit and car park. Providing that flyers understand and heed the KMFC Rules, little more can be achieved within the allocated site. We do limit membership to quite modest numbers and have several well qualified ‘senior’ members to set good flying practice standards. While clearly we must each be responsible for our own safe flying conduct, we should also expect, and support, senior members to provide tactful correction for breaches of the rules by others.
It is just as important that car parking and the pit area do not encroach so as to undo the safeguards that we have underwritten. It was felt that cars should not approach the large oak tree any closer than the little cross ditch just before the tree; this should mark the furthest edge. If this needs any ‘clarification’ then some more cones or striped tape strung from posts stored at the field could be used to mark the boundaries of both the car park area and the pit extremities.
Robin P Tinston
(Acting Safety Officer)