Newcomers
Bob Underwood Box 40, St. Peters MO 63376
Our lives contain an interesting weave of factors that control how we act or react to situations. This woof and warp is not always a perfect pattern, because we must blend external "rules" with self-imposed restrictions, frequently referred to as "etiquette." Since we are not compelled to externally demonstrate etiquette, it becomes our code of internal conduct to assure that things run smoothly.
Most flying sites have a distinct set of rules, ranging from the AMA Safety Code to far more comprehensive site-specific regulations. These rules run the gamut from safety requirements to items intended to encourage polite behavior. However, it's difficult to force polite behavior or etiquette; this area must spring from the individual. Very often, friction develops within a club or at a flying site because one person insists upon being a (add your own word) jerk or inconsiderate participant.
Joining the flow
As a newcomer, you have an obligation to work your way smoothly into the flow of activity at the site. The most important thing to do is watch the routines of the people there and take cues from them to help establish your own routine.
Free Flight
Free Flight activities are probably the most relaxed and least restrictive type of flying, generally because of the increased space available, the lack of a specific runway, and the style of flying. Under the AMA Safety Code, there are few items designated for Free Flight only.
Nevertheless, care should be exhibited in several areas:
- Launch location: Allow adequate safety room and be separated from others so you don't distract them—especially when flying power models.
- Retrieval: Models drift with the air and retrieval can involve chasing by bike or on foot. The natural impulse is to watch the drifting model and not the terrain underfoot; this can cause accidents.
- Trespass: The chase often takes you beyond the confines of the site and can result in trespassing on others' property. Always seek permission to retrieve models from neighbors' property. Otherwise you might earn an unwelcome introduction to a police officer or worse.
Even at established sites, unpleasant occurrences have been caused by modelers passing through neighbors' yards, gardens, and property in general. It gives nonmodeling neighbors a jolt to see someone climbing a tree in their backyard without knowing why.
Control Line
Control Line represents the next level of need for etiquette.
- Taking turns: If you are flying from grass in a large area, taking turns is less of a problem. However, when using paved areas or specific circles, one must take turns.
- Awareness of lines: It's easy to forget, especially if you're new, that lines extending 60 feet from the model may be almost invisible. Stepping on them is dangerous and can ruin a model or injure someone.
- Pit area: Be alert at all times and develop an overview of the layout when you arrive.
- Time on the circle: Be prepared when it becomes your turn to fly. If a balky engine or some other problem causes you to delay, relinquish the circle—don't use it as a repair point. It can be helpful to have your pit crew (model holder) act as a timer when you first move onto the circle. A reasonable amount of time is typically about 10–12 minutes, depending on conditions.
Radio Control (RC)
RC flying usually requires the most rules and levels of etiquette, with frequency control being the primary concern.
- Learn the site's frequency-control method before you fly. Common methods include a frequency control board with pins, paddles, or cards; a plan that involves taking something from the board; or a combination of methods.
- Use the system. Learn how frequencies are represented as channel numbers (for example, 72.290 commonly corresponds to channel 25), but don't rely on this always being the case.
- Impound area: Some clubs require transmitters to be placed in a specific impound area when not actually being used. Don't short-circuit the impound or control plan; it exists to protect everyone at the field.
- If you "shoot someone down" there may be a club rule making you financially responsible—know the local policy.
- Keep an eye on the pit area and impound and note which frequencies are present. If you find a model that has lost its identification, circulate the pit area and check the impound periodically during your stay.
- Formal RC fields often have designated pit areas, safety fences for spectators, shelters, and special startup areas. Pay attention to each area's intended use.
- Startup etiquette: If startup occurs in the pits, watch the direction the model is pointed; spraying oil or exhaust on a spectator (especially a park director) or on another model is poor etiquette.
- Frequency time limits: Many sites have rules about how long you may occupy a frequency if others are waiting. Adhere to those rules—nothing makes you more unwelcome than hogging a frequency.
- Communicate intentions: Let others know when you are landing, doing a touch-and-go, or experiencing engine trouble. If you plan a low pass or other nonstandard maneuver, announce your intentions so others aren't surprised.
- Picnic/food areas: Don't use picnic tables under pavilions as your pit or repair area, and don't leave oily residue or debris where people will eat.
Runway and wind coordination
- Check which direction is being used on the active runways for takeoffs and landings.
- If a serious change in wind direction occurs while you're in the air, verbally confirm any change of direction with the others flying.
Final thoughts
The key is to remain alert and find the easiest way to slide into the machinery already in place. Some sites operate with the finesse of an organized group; others resemble chaos. If you encounter a site that runs like an attack by Attila the Hun, you may want to find another site, try to create order from the chaos, or take up golf.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
