Flying Rules

Site – General

  • Outer gate must remain locked at all times that a member of staff is not on site (season ticket holders only status).
  • Inner gates may be left open until flying ceases and last person leaves (gates must be anchored open using hooks provided and combination lock must be closed and tumbled)
  • The primary flyers parking is Carpark A or the visitors parking around reception, alternative parking locations only by arrangement.
  • Season ticket holders are permitted to host non-member guests on 3 separate occasions (conditions apply, see Season Ticket Arrangements 2018)
  • No naked flames or fires on site.
  • Charging Lithium Polymer batteries must be supervised at all times.
  • No smoking in any indoor space.

The General Flying rules and principles detailed in the BMFA Members Handbook apply at BMFA Buckminster.

Flying – General

  • All pilots must show proof of BMFA or equivalent liability insurance.
  • Specific rules will be implemented and briefed for individual events as appropriate.
  • All pilots must check in at reception prior to commencing flying (unless alternative arrangements are in place for the day).
  • All pilots should familiarise themselves with site layout/operating rules prior to flying.
  • Pilots must observe the specified ‘dead airspace’ for each flightline/pilots box.
  • Vehicles must be parked in the designated parking area for the specific activity.
  • Flightline/pilots box in use for R/C flying will be designated at the start of each flying day.
  • Vehicles not to be taken out onto flightlines unless with specific permission from Event Organiser, Flightline Controller or duty staff member.
  • All rubbish and debris must be removed from the flight line and flying area.
  • Please take all of your litter home.
  • Damaged/scrap lithium polymer batteries must be disposed of appropriately, do not place them in general waste bins, seek guidance from duty staff member or remove from site completely.
  • When mixed activity is taking place it is expected that all parties will communicate effectively to ensure safe practice and best utilisation of facilities.

Radio Control

  • Pilots should ensure that they are appropriately briefed on the operation and orientation for the day.
  • Pilots should familiarise themselves with the dead-side (no fly zone) for each runway and pilot box (see airfield maps)
  • For general flying 2.4GHz and 35MHz equipment may be used
  • All transmitting equipment must be compliant with the relevant UK law.
  • Models must not be flown close to or over the buildings, car park or camping areas.
  • The flight paths must be kept as far as possible to the west, north and east of the site (and NOT to the south).
  • Only ‘Silent Flight’ (including quiet electric) models may be flown before 010:00hrs on any day.
  • Failsafes should be correctly set where appropriate, spot checks will be carried out for compliance (remember this is a legal requirement).
  • A range check should be carried out at the start of each flying session.
  • A pre-flight check should be carried out before each flight.
  • General operation will require aircraft to comply with the DoE Noise Code (82Dba at 7 metres)
  • Aircraft coming to rest outside of the site boundaries should be retrieved with the knowledge and permission of the Flight Line Controller.

Turbine Operations

  • Turbine aircraft may only be operated by prior arrangement and permission.
  • Permission to operate turbine aircraft must be obtained a minimum of 24 hours before flying.
  • Turbine operations will be restricted subject to local crop and ground considerations.
  • When operating aircraft powered by gas turbines a spotter is compulsory.

Over 20kg Aircraft

  • Over 20kg aircraft may only be operated by prior arrangement and permission.
  • Permission to operate over 20kg aircraft must be obtained a minimum of 24 hours before flying.
  • When operating over 20kg aircraft or aircraft a spotter is compulsory.

Free Flight

  • Flying must only take place in designated areas.
  • Launching to take place from within designated sector advised by the flight-line controller for the day/flying session.
  • Fuse type dethermalisers are not permitted.
  • Before retrieving aircraft from outside the site boundaries ensure that the event/flightline controller/duty staff member is aware of your intent and is in possession of your contact details.

Control Line

  • Flying must only take place in designated areas.
  • A line pull test must be carried out where appropriate.

First Person View

  • All equipment must be compliant with relevant UK requirements
  • All FPV operation must be in accordance with the terms of the current CAA Exemption for FPV flight.

Rotorcraft

  • Where practical rotorcraft will be allocated to a dedicated flightline.
  • Rotorcraft flight may take place on a shared fixed wing flightline where appropriate and with the agreement of all parties.

Indoor

  • Suitable aircraft may be flown in the events building by arrangement.
  • No running of internal combustion engines indoors.
  • No naked flames.

Reporting

  • If you are involved in an incident at the National Centre or witness unsafe practice then this should be reported to a member of staff at the earliest opportunity.
  • Any matter relating to site security, equipment damage or unauthorised activity should be reported at the earliest opportunity.
  • If you witness a security incident or unauthorised access please record time and date details in order that security camera footage can be reviewed and saved.

Full-size aviation

  • The site currently benefits from an exemption to the Air Navigation Order which permits the operation of over 7kg aircraft above 400 feet (agl) the site also benefits from a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen).
  • These do not legally represent segregated airspace but form a warning to air users of unusual or hazardous activity.
  • This means that effective lookout should still be maintained at all times flying is taking place.
  • It is also worth remembering that the length and orientation of the main runway could make it an attractive landing proposition for a light aircraft with an inflight emergency, and also for a sailplane/glider unable to locate a thermal in which to climb away.
  • Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Emergency procedures

  • Emergency requiring ambulance – dial 999 and if possible post person(s) at entrance to guide ambulance to required location within site.
  • Report incident to staff member at earliest opportunity.
  • The address for the National Centre is: 

BMFA Buckminster,
Sewstern,
Grantham,
Lincolnshire, NG33 5RW 

Co-ordinates of entrance:- Lat 52.777138, Lon -0.704075

Non-flying information

  • See website or on-site notices for rules and information relating to camping and non-flying related matters.