Club rules (extracts)

The contents of this page are only an extract of the club safety and operating rules, the full rules and club constitution are only issued as a hard copy to current club members.

It is mandatory that there is a MINIMUM of two persons at the active flying area before any flying can commence, one to keep a look out for full size aircraft activity whilst the other fly's. Regardless of how many pilots may be present on each active site, there MUST always be one who is maintaining a lookout for any full size activity.

There are only two agreed areas for flying model aircraft as follows: -   

End of runway 26. This is the Eastern end of the main runway i.e. nearest to Hucknall, used during week days and evening, weekend use is as directed by Merlin flying club.

End of runway 08. This is the Western end of the main runway i.e. nearest to M1 motorway. used only at weekend and at direction of Merlin flying club.

It is now mandatory to seek permission from Rolls-Royce test facilities BEFORE entering the airfield.

Monday to Friday inclusive is via the Rolls-Royce main car park and Gate 2 only, where proof of club membership and proof identity is required signing in is also required.       Airfield Access times are :-

                                                              08:00 - 21:00 hours Monday to Thursday.

                                                             08:00 - 19:00 hours Friday

                                                             09:00 - 18;00 hours Saturday and Sunday

Due to the practical aspects of the Hucknall site i.e. full size aircraft movements, security and the restricted size, it is only practical to permit flying of radio control models and control line models.

All classes of permitted models can be flown on end of runway 26, though some models, depending on operating characteristics, may be subject to specific restrictions and times (size and noise). These models may be subject to additional restrictions or precluded from flying at the 08 end of the runway because there is less space available and the proximity of domestic property which is adjacent.

Model aircraft and the manner in which they flown must comply with all legal and statuary requirements. Members and guests will need to familiarise themselves with the current CAA regulations covering the flying of model aircraft.

They must take note of their responsibilities which are clearly defined in Air Navigation Order and other documents. Particular attention must be made of the weight limits that may be current and the required licensing requirements associated with these limits. Suitable 3rd party insurance is a mandatory requirement for all flyers.

Both ends of runways 08 & 26 have been marked out in the appropriate areas for pilot areas when flying, pits and start up areas are also clearly identified and adherence to these zones is a mandatory requirement for safety reasons.

Car parking is on the grass areas as close to the perimeter of the airfield but opposite the pilot areas.

End of runway 08 is more noise sensitive that end of 26, model flyers should bear this in mind and are required to have their model noise tested and approved before flying a model.

If you bring a dog, it must at all times remain on a leash and may not be permitted to wander freely, this is a Company requirement as well as a safety measure.

35 Mhz is to be used at all times. Channels 55 to 90 inclusive are used and freely on site subject to any known technical problems, if this is the case, the committee will advise members as soon as possible.

27 Mhz can be used for smaller models but be aware that it is at risk from interference.

There are no restrictions on the use of legal spots in the UHF spectrum.

A suitable peg board is available for use at all times and covers all the 35 Mhz frequencies. This board is a peg on/peg off type, thus only members who have an appropriate name tag are permitted to use it. Removal of a peg without the name tag being put in its place can put the culprit at risk of being grounded.

Guests, will have to fly under the jurisdiction of their host, who will use their own name tag to obtain the appropriate peg for use by the guest.

In order to ensure its members comply with the requirements of the DoE / BMFA noise code the following policy has been implemented by the appointment and noise control officers who have up to date noise monitoring equipment with calibration to ensure measurements are accurate.

Members are required to cooperate in having their models checked and recorded for levels of noise, individual test record sheets are  issued for each compliant model. Full noise records are kept for analysis by the committee.

It is a requirement that ALL models shall have a suitable silencing device fitted to all IC engines.

Pilots without a "A" or "B" certificate may only fly if they are supervised by a holder of a "B" certificate or higher.

The pilot of any model aircraft flown from our site involved in an incident deemed to have created a hazard, or potential hazard, to persons or property, on or of site, must complete an Incident form, notify the Senior Safety Officer and return the form to the safety  officer as soon as possible.

Members should refer to their hand book for a complete set of the current rules.