[AJCoholic]

When I was flying at the Greater Sudbury Modelers field last summer, I was amazed at how much easier it was to line up with the center of the runway since they had a white line down the centre, much like at a baseball field. I am not sure what it was (paint? Powder?) but it certainly made it easier to hit the centre each time.

Something easily done that may benefit many modelers.


This entire discussion about having a barrier around the pilot is kind of "weird"... maybe that I am used to flying at a club that has had pilot barricades and has not allowed engine running behind the flightline (no run ups, no taxiing) since I can remember. I find it very unnerving flying at a field that did not have anything between the pilot and the runway.

Actually, I just remembered another incident a few years back in our zone, where a high speed takeoff went awry and the model hit the pilot barricade immediately in front of where I was standing. It was quite scary! But the model was stopped dead and although suffered damage, no one was injured. Just another "saved by the fence" story....

How many guys have gotten clipped in the legs by an errant model that want to share the story? Bet they wish the fences were there at that time...

[mustang man-rcu]

An arial photo of our field with the centre line. It does indeed make it easier to line up and plunk it in the middle.

Steve

[Frenchman]

Steve

Off Topic but nice looooong field. Now that's what I need, that way the corn and beans stand a CHANCE

[mustang man-rcu]

Rene,
Yup, it's a pleasure to fly from. No obstructions and the grass gets thicker and the field gets smoother every year. Sometimes I forget how good we have it until I fly elsewhere.
Thanks
Steve

[Colin]

Yes, BEAUTFUL field!

Colin

[Gary Maker]

My apologies Colin! Althougth slow on the trigger, I was too fast to give a response to something that I should have just ignored. As I did say, you make some valad points. And yes MAAC has made some errors in the past but there is nothing that can be done about this now exceipt perhaps try to understand! As you stated, they are seriously thinking about safety now and trying to impliment what they can to avoid any further unnecessary claims. I just heard of another accident the past weekend where someone lost a finger or two starting their gasser airplane. I wouldn't be surprised to find that MAAC will be revamping their standard on this issue as well!

I have a problem with the attitude of some even within our own club regarding safety issues. Whether we agree or not, safety is a serious matter and I am just happy that MAAC is seeing the need to do something about safety!

In this case they have apparently made their ruling. Our safety barriers do comply with that ruling thank goodness. I guess it is a difficult thing for clubs that took the time and expense to comply and then find that it has been changed again for what ever reason. The frustration gets to all of us at times.

I like to fly and have fun. I do not like to be constantly bombarded with rules. But unless we take them seriously, we're all going to have to eventually pay for it. I did like your comment Colin, something about if we just use common sense it would avoid having all the rules but as you know, some people just can't use common sense and the only way to get them to comply is to lay down the rules. Why the heck should I have to tell the same person over and over again NOT to taxi in the pits or to NOT fly fast and low behind the flight line when simple common sense would dictate otherwise, but he does and I do?

[Colin]

Here, here

My apologies if I offended.

I agree, safety first!! Guidelines are very good, and we do need some strict rules. I'd feel much safer with the fences at a fun fly or a large club, but I think for some clubs (such as the one I fly at) it is a bit too much. Our average weekend consists of 3 or 4 guys, 5-6 sometimes. 95% of the time there is only one aircraft up at a time. I realize that there are only a handful clubs like this, but, I wonder if something like this could be done?

If your club field wishes to fly anymore than two aircraft at the same time the fences need to be put in place. If however you club is small and you wish to fly a maximum of two aircraft at the same time the fence may be excused.

At a fun fly I feel they're defiantly needed, there is lots going on and a fence makes me feel more safe. But for these small clubs is it absolutely necessary?

Just possible suggestions Off to bed for me.

Colin

[popcan]

How do you get the white line???

Down the middle

[Heli_Gal]

Check out this fun heli video.. and the safety tall fence they put up (In Germany). I think it's a pretty good idea.

http://runryder.com/helicopter/galle...h_slippers.zip

[Guest]

Originally Posted by Colin

If your club field wishes to fly anymore than two aircraft at the same time the fences need to be put in place. If however you club is small and you wish to fly a maximum of two aircraft at the same time the fence may be excused.

At a fun fly I feel they're defiantly needed, there is lots going on and a fence makes me feel more safe. But for these small clubs is it absolutely necessary?

Colin

Colin,

Regardless of if a single person is flying, or multiple people are flying there is still a chance of a runaway aircraft on the ground and a safety fence is a good idea.

You can lose control of your own model and hit yourself!

While they wont stop flying aircraft or heli's, they will stop low flying, taxing etc aircraft and heli's....a heli will NOT get through a snow fence. It may damage it though.

As to the flightline.....IMO the flightline is the OPPOSITE side of the runway....there should NEVER be anyone flying over a runway unless they have intentions of landing on it, or during airshow demonstrations which should only be performed by experienced pilots anyways.

MAAC saftey rules need to blanket cover everything, but there should be allowances for specific club needs (wheelchair for one) to supercede MAAC safety rules. There is no way MAAC can forsee every possible need and incorporate that into their rules, as long as they allow clubs to modify and adjust for their specific needs.

Everyone of us can come up with 100 situations where the general safety rules dont work or cant work, but at that time it should be a private dealing with the ZD/MAAC/Club. If your club can meet the general rule, than it should.

Indoor and foamies are an entirely new topic.....I have witnessed more accidents/close calls flying indoor in 5 months than I have in 15 years of flying outdoors. This is an area that needs a lot of attention right now....which unfortunately I feel is being ignored because they appear to be slow light and not dangerous. Problem is there is still a prop going 10,000 rpm and if it hits your eye it wont matter that the plane is 6 oz...