Membership Application Forms here>>
WMAC Membership application form
Please make sure that cheques are made out to Winchester Model Aero Club
There are two categories of membership: –
- Senior (over 18)
- Junior (under18)
Fees for 2023
Senior Member WMAC £63 (or £115 to include BMFA @ £42 and CAA @ £10)
Please note that it is mandatory that you are
registered with the CAA. Failure to do so invalidates your
insurance
Associate Senior Member £63
Junior Member WMAC £20 (or £40 to include BMFA @£20)
Note:Associate members are those who obtain their BMFA/CAA membership through another club
Under the rules of our affiliation all members must be members of the BMFA which also guarantees the necessary third party insurance. This is generally arranged as part of the Winchester club membership, but associate BMFA members pay only the club fee. The club and BMFA year runs from January to December.
A number of members are novice flyers under tuition from club instructors. Whilst this is a free of charge service the club endevours to provide, there are only a limited number of instructors and tuition to new members cannot be guaranteed.
Enquiries about membership should be addressed to the membership secretary by e-mail before sending any money. At times membership becomes over subscribed but people not currently able to join may be able to add their names to a waiting list.
Junior members ( under 18 ) are welcome but the club has adopted the BMFA Child Protection Policy which requires a parent / guardian to sign an addendum to the application form and accompany the junior at all times whilst at the flying site.
PROCEDURE
- Review the table of fees.
- Read the club rules.
- Contact the membership secretary by e-mail to check current membership acceptance criteria.
THE RULES
0. GENERAL FLYING RULES
0.1. The rules of the club are based on the SAFETY CODE FOR GENERAL FLYING prepared by the BMFA and should be read in conjunction with that code, except where these rules are more stringent.
1. GROUND SAFETY
1.1. All models must be checked for airworthiness prior to each flying session, including under power where applicable. Any models deemed unairworthy by the Safety Officer will be grounded. All models must comply with the BMFA safety requirements.
1.2. The pilot is responsible for ensuring that non-operators stand clear and behind the model when engines are being run.
1.3. The Site Safety diagram shows the designated areas of the site for car parking, model pits, and other ground activities as well as “no fly zones” which must be complied with. All pilots to stand in the pilots box whilst flying, and spectators to remain behind the pilots box except when launching or retrieving models. Anyone venturing upon the take-off and landing area is responsible for ensuring that it is safe to do so. Occupation of this area must be as brief as possible.
1.4. A loud warning device ( pressurised air horn ) audible above a model engine is kept with the frequency board in the pits area. It should be used to alert people to a potentially dangerous situation such as an out of control aircraft.
1.5. The windsock kept in the caravan must be in place on the pole at the north side of the flying site at all times when flying is taking place. This is to alert any microlite or other private aviators of our presence.
1.6. 35Mhz.Transmitters must not be taken onto the flying area except if necessary when taking off or launching when other active pilots must be made fully aware. It is acceptable, after suitable warning to other flyers, to take a 2.4gHz transmitter onto the flying area when recovering an electric model
2. RADIO CONTROL
2.1. The frequency board must be used at all times for 35mHz operations Only clip-on clothes pegs to be used on the frequency board, with the name and the frequency number attached, i.e. no screwdrivers, no bits of tape, no bits of twig etc.
2.2. A frequency flag must be attached to the 35mHz.transmitter aerial at all times displaying the correct frequency number clearly. The flag must be either a commercial item, or of equivalent clarity.
2.3. A radio range check should be carried out prior to each flying session.
2.4. All radios must have the factory-set failsafe altered from ‘last command’ to ‘ throttle idle’.
2.5. All radios and fail-safe devices must be tested before each flight, to ensure they are functioning correctly. If they are not functioning correctly and cannot be disarmed, no flying is allowed and the equipment must not be used until it is proved to be functioning correctly.
3. FLYING
3.1 All pilots must be closely supervised by a minimum of a BMFA ‘A’ certificate holder until achieving the minimum of the same certificate.
3.2. Before taking off the pilot is responsible for ensuring that the take-off and landing area is clear and that no aircraft are on the approach.
3.3. Direction of take-off must not be towards the flight line. First turn must be away from the flight line.
3.4. No flying over the flight line, spectators, cars or the bridleway to the south of the flying site. A minimum separation distance of six metres must be maintained for models flying, taxying, and taking-off past people in the pilots’ box.
3.5. All landings must be called clearly.
3.6. No taxying towards the flight line.
3.7. Personal accidents must be avoided, if necessary at the cost of the model.
3.8. Dangerous flying, will be deemed a breach of the safety rules, and may result in suspension of flying privileges or termination of membership.
3.9. Flying may only take place during the hours of daylight after 9.00am on weekdays and after 10.00am on Sundays.
4. NOISE LEVELS
4.1. Engine noise levels will be subject to checks. All aircraft to be fitted with a suitable silencer, and to be subject to a maximum reading of 82dB(A), when measured in accordance with the method specified in the BMFA Members Handbook.
5. HELICOPTERS
5.1. No metal rotor blades to be used.
5.2. Flying to be at least 10 metres from the flight line.
5.3. Maintenance checks to be undertaken in accordance with the BMFA Safety Code.
6. LARGE MODELS
6.1. Large models are defined as those of 7.5 Kgs and above up to 20Kgs. Aircraft exceeding 20 Kgs are not permitted to be flown.
6.2. All models must be fitted with a fail safe in working condition.
6.3. Not to fly more than 800 metres from the flight line.
6.4. Model to carry fuel for a maximum of 15 minutes.
6.5 Operator must have an operable mobile phone, (not on the flight line – see rule 7.6).
6.6. Operator must be approved by the Safety Officer or be a B certificate holder to fly large models.
7. GENERAL
7.1. All rubbish and broken parts are to be removed from the flying sites. Damage to property must be reported to a Committee Member.
7.2. Starting and running of engines on the ground to be in the pits area only.
7.3. Parents / guardians will always attend and stay with the junior member at the flying site. It is extremely unwise to let children wander on the flying site. If children are there, make sure they are under supervision and safe.
7.4. Junior members must be supervised at all times by a responsible adult. The level of supervision is to be commensurate with the junior members age, maturity, capabilities and levels of experience.
7.5. Dogs must be restrained at all times if brought onto the flying site by means of a tethered leash of a length which prevents them being a distraction to the flying activities, and affecting any livestock which may be nearby.
7.6. Mobile phones are not permitted to be taken beyond the car parking area if switched on.
8. NOTES TO RULES
8.1. Any Club member may act for the Safety Officer in his absence.
8.2. Failure to comply with the rules may result in the loss of flying sites, to the detriment of all members.
8.3. The committee may amend the rules as considered necessary, and its decision will be final.
8.4. Any member wishing to invite a guest to fly at any WMAC site must first obtain a Committee Member’s permission. A guest may only fly on two separate occasions, and must provide proof of the necessary insurance cover. No models over 7.5Kgs to be flown unless the pilot holds a BMFA B licence and has the formal agreement of the committee or Safety Officer.