RC Flying Field Safety at R.G. Satow RC Flying Field
RC flying field safety is a subject that all TAI members take seriously. This web page contains links to documentation and videos for your review to ensure that you are not only aware of the safety requirements for R.G. Satow RC Flying Field, but also help to ensure your RC flying enjoyment remains just that.
If you want to fly RC drones or RC model aircraft for fun:
- You must be flying within the programming of a community-based organization such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and label your RC models with your AMA membership number. (Required by AMA)
- Register with the FAA at FAA Drone Zone and label your RC models with your FAA registration number. (Required by Federal Law)
- Take the The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of test passage. (Required by Federal Law)
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) provides a wealth of resources to help model aircraft enthusiasts fly safely. They have a comprehensive safety program that includes a safety handbook, educational resources, and a safety video playlist. The AMA playlist of 22 safety videos is on YouTube and covers a range of topics, including drone safety awareness, night operations, LiPo battery basics, ammunition can storage, and more. You can view these videos by clicking on the image below.
In addition to the videos, there are many documents available that you should take some time to review and fully understand your responsibilities at any RC flying field. Below is just a sample of the information available to you. Simply click on any link to review this material.
- TAI Rules and Regulation
- AMA Membership Enrollment Form
- AMA Flying Site Safety and Operational Rules
- AMA Introductory Pilot Program
- AMA Safety Handbook
- AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
- AMA Flight School
- Safety Code for Radio Control Combat
- Uncrewed Aircraft Operations Utilizing First-Person View (FPV)
- Register Your RC Models thru FAA Drone Zone
- Take the Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)
- How to Use the FAA's UAS Facility Map to Search for FRIAs
- A Basic Student Pilot Manual
- Know Before You Fly Website
- Download the B4UFLY App
Do you know of other safety related info or videos that you feel others would find interesting or helpful? Please let us know and we will add it to our Safety Buzz web page. Just send the new info or website link in an email to Safety Buzz Addition
TAI Members Inputs on RC Flying Safety Reminders
This section is for TAI members to provide other RC flyers some basic “RC Flying Safety Reminders” based on their personal experiences. If you would like to add an input, please let us know.
The first input we received deals with RC airplane propellers. Your RC model airplanes most dangerous part is its propeller. Even the smaller park flyer propellers can cause significant damage. In the full-size aviation world, they assume that the propeller can turn at any moment. This is a great approach to dealing with your RC model airplane as well
SIMPLE TIPS TO KEEP YOU SAFE
- Treat every propeller as if it may turn at any moment.
- Treat every propeller as if it will fail structurally at any moment. Keep all body parts clear of the propeller arc at all times. One TAI member had a prop fly off during a static test at home on a big 4-stroke. Fortunately, he was not standing in front of the plane. The spinner, hub, washer and nut went flying at bullet velocity 45 degrees forward into the woods next to his driveway. The prop traveled straight forward 35 feet through the open shop door and ricocheted off the back wall before coming to rest.
- Remove the propeller from the motor whenever you are doing ESC/motor setup, testing and programming.
- Properly secure your electric aircraft before you attach any power source; remember, it may start at any moment.
- Be sure to properly secure your model with a tie-down or have a helper hold it before you start its engine or motor.
- Between hand-props, give glow and gas airplanes a firm tug to ensure that the tie-down is holding them securely. My father almost lost a few fingers when his 1/4 scale Cub jumped forwards after starting with a loose tie-down rope.
- When tuning your engine, you must stay clear of the propeller arc. Always perform glow driver removal, needle adjustments, and "run-ups" from behind the propeller arc. Preferably, tune the needle with the engine shut down. Here again, a TAI member had a prop come off while he was using his electric starter, caused by an engine backfire. It was a good thing he was standing mostly to the side. The prop went straight up, skinned his hat brim, barely missing the tip of his nose. I also have had a propeller nut come loose after an engine backfire.
- If its available on your transmitter, use a throttle lock or a throttle kill function to avoid an unplanned application of throttle until you're ready to fly. Use this function religiously but never trust that it is activated! Check!
- Always tell spectators not to touch or move your models propeller.
- Never, ever reuse a damaged propeller. The cost of an injury far outweighs the cost of a new propeller, even if it takes a quick drive to the hobby shop.
- Keep a first aid kit in your work shop and in your car.