MAIDSTONE MODEL FLYING CLUB CONSTITUTION AND FIELD FLYING AND SAFETY RULES (REVISED MAY 2022)

Words of masculine gender should be taken to include the feminine gender unless the context indicates otherwise

MMFC is affiliated to the BMFA and therefore requires our members to adhere to both the BMFA guidelines and these Club specified rules:-

GENERAL

1. The club shall be called Maidstone Model Flying Club and will be affiliated to the British Model Flying Association.

2. The club’s principal aim shall be the promotion of safe and responsible model aircraft flying.

3. Alterations to this constitution can only be made at an Annual General Meeting or at a General Meeting called for that purpose.

MEMBERS

4. A ‘member’ means any class of membership - Senior or Junior

5. The Committee has the right to refuse membership to new applicants.

6. New members will be required to serve an initial probationary period of 6 months. During this time they will not be eligible to serve on the Committee and may have their membership terminated at the discretion of the Committee for unsatisfactory conduct.

7. Members’ annual subscriptions shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting.

8. Subscriptions are due by 31st December each year. Any member, who has not paid their subscription for the ensuing year by this date, in whole or in part, will not be permitted to fly until they have done so.

9. Members who have not renewed their membership by 1st January will be deemed to have left the club and a renewal after this period will be treated as a new membership application.

10. All club members must also be members of the British Model Flying Association and must be able to provide evidence of such on request. DMRAS registration and proof of competency (via BMFA membership or direct with the CAA) are required as a condition of club membership.

11. All members, without exception, must comply with all club rules. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action which may lead to dismissal.

12. Members may invite guest flyers to the flying site/s on arrangement with a Committee member, but guests must be BMFA insured (if flying) and the club member must assume total responsibility for the actions and safety of the guest. Guests must fly under the supervision of instructors if their ability requires it. Such arrangements must be made in advance of the visit. Visitors are not permitted to operate jet turbine models.

RULES, DISCIPLINE AND SAFETY

13. All field safety rules and regulations will be reviewed annually, and will be considered binding for 12 months, excepting where urgent action is required. This action must then be ratified by the members at the next General Meeting

14. Any complaint concerning any member must be made in writing to the Secretary so the matter can be addressed at the next Committee meeting.

15. Where an allegation of misconduct is made against a member, the member may be suspended from all club activities while an investigation is carried out.

16. The Committee may impose a suspension from club activities including attendance at the club flying site, not exceeding 30 days upon any member in the event of misconduct. Any suspension must be accompanied by a verbal and/or written warning as deemed appropriate in accordance with Article 17.

17. The Committee may consider removal of membership where conduct on the field or elsewhere is considered to be prejudicial to the club. Dismissal will be in accordance with the following procedure in order to comply with the laws of natural justice:

  1. The member is to be given a verbal warning by an authorised Committee Member in which the member is made aware of his misdemeanour and what he is reasonably required to do to make amends.
  2. If the member does not respond, he is to be given a written warning by an authorised Committee Member to advise him of his misdemeanour and what he is reasonably required to do to make amends.
  3. If he still fails to respond, the Committee should invite him in writing to meet with them at a previously agreed date and time to discuss the situation, advising they are considering withdrawal of his membership.
  4. If he still fails to respond to reasoning or fails to attend without reasonable cause, the Committee can advise him in writing that his membership is withdrawn, stating the reasons why this decision was reached.
  5. When the member is advised of withdrawal of his membership, he must be given the right of appeal. If he opts to appeal, this will be to the Club membership at an EGM which the Committee would call on his behalf at a previously agreed date and time. The motion to uphold the membership withdrawal or reverse it must be in accordance with the voting procedures set out in the Club Constitution.

In the event of gross misconduct, immediate dismissal without warnings may be considered but the member must still be accorded his rights to present his case to the Committee and be given a right of appeal in accordance with sub-paragraphs c, d and e above.

In the event of dismissal the Committee will arrange for the member’s current membership fee (excluding BMFA subscription) to be reimbursed in full.

FLYING

18. The Committee and Instructors, will be responsible for the running of the flying field at all times. Appointment to the position of Instructor or Examiner can only be made by a Committee decision.

19. All flying members must attain the BMFA A-Certificate before being permitted to fly unsupervised. Beginners and those without an A-Certificate must fly under supervision from an Instructor or B-Certificate holder. A buddy training system using wired or wireless linked transmitters must always be used by beginners until such time as the instructor approves otherwise.

20. Any member whose flying standards drop below the minimum requirement solo standard will be required to re-take their A-Certificate and so demonstrate the desired standards of flying are met.

COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND APPOINTMENTS

21. The Committee of the club shall be elected at the Annual General Meeting and shall comprise not more than seven members. The Committee will be elected by a show of hands at the AGM from eligible members present

22. The Committee shall consist of the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, News Editor, Headcorn Field Rep a Competition Secretary and one lay member.

23. Should a committee position become vacant, the Committee may, by a majority vote, co-opt a replacement who will then serve until the following Annual General Meeting.

COMMITTEE ORGANISATION AND POWERS

24. The Committee are authorised to carry out negotiations and make decisions in the interest of the club or on behalf of the membership where necessary without consulting the members.

25. Three Committee members are required to submit a sample of their signature for banking reference purposes.

26. Money may be withdrawn from the fund by cheque signed by one committee member up to and including £300. Two Committee signatures are required for sums in excess of this figure.

27. The Secretary must be informed of any negotiations proposed by club members which affect the Club as a whole and copies of any written correspondence must be submitted to him for record purposes.

28. Any Committee Member or Officer wishing to resign must do so in writing.

29. Any member of the Committee who is absent from three consecutive Committee meetings without reasonable cause will automatically forfeit his seat on the Committee.

30. The Committee may pay accounts and incur any normal liabilities on behalf of the club.

VOTING AND CONDUCT OF COMMITTEE MEETINGS

31. All committee meetings will be agenda’d and minuted. Minutes of committee meetings will be made available to members on request to the secretary.

32. A quorum of any Committee meeting shall consist of a majority of Committee Members.

33. All proposals must be seconded and voted upon. A majority vote of those present is required to carry any proposal.

34. Voting will normally be by a show of hands, however a secret ballot must be taken should any committee member request that this be done. Proxy and postal votes will not be permitted.

35. An audio recording of committee meetings may be taken by the secretary only, for the sole purpose of producing accurate minutes. The audio recording must be deleted once the written minutes are approved.

VOTING AND CONDUCT OF GENERAL MEETINGS

36. All general meetings will be agenda’d and minuted. Any other business will only be accepted at general meetings if the Secretary is given at least 14 days notice in writing of the item to be discussed.

37. All proposals must be seconded and voted upon. A majority vote of those present is required to carry any proposal including proposals to alter this constitution.

38. Voting will normally be by a show of hands, however a secret ballot must be taken should any member request that this be done. Proxy and postal votes will not be permitted.

39. Amendments to proposals must be voted upon first.

40. An audio recording of general meetings may be taken by the secretary only, for the sole purpose of producing accurate minutes. The audio recording must be deleted once the written minutes are approved.

41. Non club members may attend Club meetings as observers or invited guests of a club by applying to the Secretary. Any non Club member may be asked to leave the meeting subject to approval from the Committee.

42. The Committee, through the Chairman has the power to ask a person to leave any meeting in the event of that person disrupting the meeting.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

43. A date for the Annual General Meeting will be decided each year by the Committee. At least 28 days notice of the meeting will be given in writing to all Club members.

44. Annual subscriptions will be decided at the Annual General Meeting.

45. A competent individual (non-committee member) shall be elected by the Committee to carry out an independent examination of the accounts before the Annual General Meeting to verify that the balance sheet is correct and fairly represents the expenditure and receipts of the club, its assets and its liabilities.

EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETINGS

46. The Secretary will convene an Extraordinary Committee Meeting within 14 days on request from any officer of the Committee, stating the business to be discussed.

47. The Secretary shall convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of the club by a resolution of the Committee stating the business to be brought before the meeting, of which 28 days notice has been given to all members in writing stating the business to be discussed.

48. The Secretary shall convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of the club on receipt of a request in writing signed by not less than 3 members of the club, stating the business to be brought before the meeting. The meeting must be called within 28 days of request and 28 days notice must be given to all members in writing stating the business to be discussed.

49. When a request for a meeting is made in accordance with Article 59 and it is not called within 28 days, the requisitioners may themselves convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Club by giving 28 days notice in writing to all members, duly setting out the purpose for which the meeting was called. Any resolutions passed at such a meeting shall have the same force and effect as if they were passed at a meeting convened by the Committee.

INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY

50. The club will hold both Civil and Employers Liability Insurance, provided through affiliation to the BMFA.

51. The club will indemnify all committee officers and committee members if they incur any liability on behalf of the club.

52. In the event of a Committee Member being awarded damages or costs in the course of proceedings taken by him in his representative capacity, such damages or costs will belong to the Club and not the Committee Member personally and upon receipt that Committee Member will pay them to the Club Treasurer.

53. When there is a joint meeting between Maidstone Model Flying Club and another club, the participating club must be able to provide evidence of adequate insurance cover well in advance of the event.

DISSOLUTION OF THE CLUB

54. Should it be considered necessary or desirable to dissolve the Club, the Committee will call an Extraordinary General Meeting. Should a quorum fail to appear, the meeting will be adjourned and a further EGM must be called within 14 days. The second meeting will proceed even if a quorum is not present and the motion will then be carried by a simple majority vote.

55. On dissolution and after the sale of assets, settlement of all outstanding debts and the refund of subscriptions for the remaining part of the year to the paid up members; the funds remaining will be distributed in equal shares to the Club’s charities.

56. If the final accounts are less than required to refund the subscriptions to the members, the total money remaining will be donated to the Club’s nominated charities All members will receive a final statement of accounts.

FIELD SAFETY RULES (HEADCORN)

1. Headcorn Aerodrome is a very busy site. With the amount of activity taking place we, as members of MMFC, are privileged to use this airfield. We must, therefore make absolutely certain that we continue to fly safely and without hindrance to other users.

2. All members must observe field discipline and comply with the Air Navigation Order, all relevant BMFA safety codes as contained within the BMFA Members’ Handbook and Civil Aviation publication (CAP) 658.

3. All models over 250g (and any models carrying cameras) must display the owner’s CAA operator ID number in line with CAA/BMFA instructions.

4. The club radio must be collected from the airfield control room at the start of flying and returned when flying has finished. It MUST be monitored at all times by a club member with sufficient experience/knowledge of airfield operation.

5. This site may be used any day of the week. Flying must not commence before 10am. Consideration should be given to other full-size flying disciplines to ensure that safe, compatible flying can be accomplished. This may require liaison between all users in this respect. No flying of gas turbine models should take place on a Saturday and Sunday.

6. The minimum number of club members present must be two, so as to allow one person to look out for helicopters, low flying full size aircraft, parachutists and to monitor the transceiver radio.

7. No engines/motors should be run or models operated in the car park.

8. Aerodrome regulations state that no children other than junior members accompanied by a parent/guardian are allowed at the patch.

9. Model flying is restricted to the field beyond the main runway adjacent to the river.

10. The maximum number of models flying at any one time is five.

11. Cars must not be parked in front of the full size hangars or the petrol pump area. Cars should be parked as close together as possible in parallel rows avoiding a single line stretching too far towards the runway. All buildings are out of bounds to MMFC members. The approach to our flying area must be made by skirting the boundary fences. Do not climb over fences. Leave all gates shut.

12. Disciplinary action will be taken against any member found to be WALKING ACROSS THE CENTRE OF THE RUNWAY (which is TOTALLY FORBIDDEN) in order to gain access to the flying site.

13. Due consideration must be given at all times to trainee or novice R/C pilots in the circuit. In the event that the pleasure or concentration of a pilot is affected by the flying style of another, precedence will be given to the pilot who was airborne first. Intimidating flying of any sort is not permitted.

14. All flying is to be done in the designated area only (see diagram). Generally, models must be flown north of the ‘patch’ and never further south than the windsock. Under no circumstances must models be flown over any full-size runway or behind the flight line.

15. All pilots must observe the flight line established at the start of the day and stand in the designated area marked whilst flying. Any variation to suit daily conditions may be made by a Committee member or Instructor. Any spectators must remain in the caravan’s gated area whilst flying is in progress.

16. Any person wishing to enter or cross the runway area must seek clearance from any pilots flying at the time before doing so.

17. The only vehicles permitted at the ‘patch’ are the Headcorn Rep’s for the purposes of caravan maintenance and any airfield traffic.

18. Members must not invite family or friends without first obtaining permission from a committee member.

19. Most members fly 2.4GHz, so frequency allocation isn’t required. Those still using 35MHz must display a tag on the frequency allocation board.

20. Should an aircraft go out of control, the first priority must be the safety of persons with the second being avoidance of damage to property. A warning is to be shouted by the pilot which is to be taken up by other members.

21. Before starting an engine, the model must be suitably restrained either by a tether or by an assistant. Models must face away from the pit area when starting.

22. In the interest of safety, assistance should be sought when running up engines and taking models to the runway for take-off.

23. Appropriate use should be made of all available pit area, and under no circumstances should engines be set up in the immediate vicinity of the pilots who are flying.

24. Grazing sheep use the field and therefore make sure that rubbish such as broken rubber bands, plastic covering, broken models and paper etc. are not left behind.

25. Under no circumstances must an engine be run unless all persons are behind the line of the propeller with the exception of the person starting the engine. When carrying out power checks all persons including the pilot are to be behind the line of the propeller.

26. Models having their engines run in on the ground must be placed at a suitable distance to reduce the effect of noise on others. Such models must not be left unattended whilst the engine is running.

27. Models should never be taxied to or from the pit area.

28. All models are subject to random safety spot checks which will be carried out by a committee member or Instructor. If in their opinion a model is unsafe to fly or does not conform to Club rules, it will be grounded until rectified.

29. Members must ensure that they comply with the D of E Noise Code for the Minimisation of Noise from Model Aircraft. “Add on” silencers and “quiet” propellers should be fitted unless the model emits below 82 decibels at 7 metres without them. Notwithstanding if in the opinion of the Committee a model is excessively noisy in the air, then it is to be grounded until rectified.

30. All operational failsafes in use on powered models must set the throttle to tick-over, not hold, (stopped in the case of electric power) regardless of the other control operations governed by the failsafe.

31. No person shall attempt to retrieve a model from any land adjacent to the flying site without prior consultation with a Committee Member or Instructor to ensure that the situation is properly assessed and minimal disruption caused.

32. No smoking is permitted in the vicinity of inflammable fuels and materials.

33. Children must be closely supervised at all times and must remain within the caravan’s fenced area. They must not be allowed to run around the pit area or runway.

34. No pets are permitted at the flying field.

35. Any incident involving a third party or another member must be reported to the Committee.

36. No guest is permitted to operate jet turbine powered models

37. Possession of a BMFA B-Certificate is the minimum requirement in order to fly jet turbine powered models.

FIELD SAFETY RULES (EGERTON)

1. All members must observe field discipline and comply with the Air Navigation Order, all relevant BMFA safety codes as contained within the BMFA Members’ Handbook and Civil Aviation publication (CAP) 658.

2. All models over 250g (and any models carrying cameras) must display the owner’s CAA operator ID number in line with CAA/BMFA instructions.

3. This site may be used for flying on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 10am until 8:30pm, or dusk (whichever is soonest)

4. The flying of Jet Turbine powered models is NOT permitted,

5. It is recommended that the minimum number of club members present shall be two, however this is not mandatory.

6. No engines/motors should be run or models operated in the pits areas in front of the caravan

7. The maximum number of models flying at any one time is five.

8. Access to the field is via the two gates on the East side of Southernden Road, Marked Yellow on the plan. Both gates must be left closed at all times.

9. Parking when the ground permits is inside the fenced area before the club caravan. The gate to fenced area must be kept closed at all times when cattle are in the field.

10. Parking when the ground is wet is in the field past the second access gate. Parking is marked in Purple on the Plan.

11. Parking on site is entirely at the car owner’s discretion and risk, and MMFC accept no liability to any damage, however caused.

12. Due consideration must be given at all times to trainee or novice R/C pilots in the circuit. In the event that the pleasure or concentration of a pilot is affected by the flying style of another, precedence will be given to the pilot who was airborne first. Intimidating flying of any sort is not permitted.

13. All flying is to be done in the designated area only (see diagram). Generally, models must be flown north of the ‘patch’ and never out of direct line of sight. Under no circumstances must models be flown behind the agreed flight line.

14. Should any model be lost to the North of the flying field, in the field marked in RED, permission is NOT granted to access the land to retrieve the model. A committee member should be advised immediately, and if possible, a photo taken showing location as best as possible. Any member found to have entered the field to the North of the flying field to retrieve a model will be subject to discipline and potential expulsion from the club.

15. Should any model be lost to the South of the flying field, in the fields marked in BLUE permission is granted to obtain the model, but NOT until the land owner has been notified. A committee member should be advised immediately, and once the landowner has been notified, the model can be retrieved. Any member found to have entered a BLUE field to the South of the flying field to retrieve a model without notifying a committee member will be subject to discipline and potential expulsion from the club.

16. Should any model be lost in any of the fields marked in Green, the model may be retrieved immediately, as long as access to a red or blue field is not required. A committee member should be informed that a Green field was entered.

17. All pilots must observe the flight line established at the start of the day and stand in the designated area marked whilst flying. Any variation to suit daily conditions may be made by a committee member or instructor. Any spectators must remain in the vicinity of the caravan whilst flying is in progress.

Any person wishing to enter or cross the runway area must seek clearance from any pilots flying at the time before doing so.

19. Members must not invite family or friends without first obtaining permission from a committee member.

20. Most members fly 2.4GHz, so frequency allocation isn’t required. Those still using 35MHz must display a tag on the frequency allocation board.

21. Should an aircraft go out of control, the first priority must be the safety of persons with the second being avoidance of damage to property. A warning is to be shouted by the pilot which is to be taken up by other members.

22. Before starting an engine, the model must be suitably restrained either by a tether or by an assistant. Models must face away from the pit area when starting.

23. In the interest of safety, assistance should be sought when running up engines and taking models to the runway for take-off.

24. Appropriate use should be made of all available pit area, and under no circumstances should engines be set up in the immediate vicinity of the pilots who are flying.

25. Grazing livestock use the field and therefore make sure that rubbish such as broken rubber bands, plastic covering, broken models and paper etc. are not left behind.

26. Under no circumstances must an engine be run unless all persons are behind the line of the propeller with the exception of the person starting the engine. When carrying out power checks all persons including the pilot are to be behind the line of the propeller.

27. Models having their engines run in on the ground must be placed at a suitable distance to reduce the effect of noise on others. Such models must not be left unattended whilst the engine is running.

28. Models should never be taxied to or from the pit area.

29. All models are subject to random safety spot checks which will be carried out by a committee member or Instructor. If in their opinion a model is unsafe to fly or does not conform to Club rules, it will be grounded until rectified.

30. Members must ensure that they comply with the D of E Noise Code for the Minimisation of Noise from Model Aircraft. “Add on” silencers and “quiet” propellers should be fitted unless the model emits below 82 decibels at 7 metres without them. Notwithstanding if in the opinion of the Committee a model is excessively noisy in the air, then it is to be grounded until rectified.

31. All operational failsafes in use on powered models must set the throttle to tick-over, not hold, (stopped in the case of electric power) regardless of the other control operations governed by the failsafe.

32. No person shall attempt to retrieve a model from any land adjacent to the flying site without prior consultation with a Committee Member or Instructor to ensure that the situation is properly assessed and minimal disruption caused.

33. No smoking is permitted in the vicinity of inflammable fuels and materials.

34. Children must be closely supervised at all times and must remain within the caravan’s fenced area. They must not be allowed to run around the pit area or runway.

35. No pets are permitted at the flying field.

36. Any incident involving a third party or another member must be reported to the Committee.

GUIDE TO CARING FOR JUNIOR MEMBERS

1. A Junior Member is defined as being under 18 years of age.

2. Junior members must be accompanied at all times at the flying field by a parent or guardian who will supervise and be responsible for their behaviour.

3. Junior members under the age of 14 years shall not start an engine or carry a model with the engine running unless they are supervised by a responsible adult.

4. No junior member under the age of 14 years shall fly a model aircraft unless supervised by a responsible adult or the junior member holds the minimum of a BMFA Achievement Scheme ‘A’ Certificate and has been authorised to do so by the Club Committee.

5. No senior member is to be expected to assume responsibility for a junior member unless they are the parent/guardian.

6. Notwithstanding the requirements of Paragraph 5, should a member discover a junior member is unsupervised he/she must assume responsibility for the junior member’s safety in the first instance. The situation should then be rectified as soon as possible by seeking out the junior member’s parent/guardian. Any instance of such an occurrence is to be reported to the Committee as soon as possible.

7. Whilst supervising junior members, senior members should be aware of the requirements of The Children Act (1989) and avoid placing themselves in a position that could be open to misinterpretation or question. A leaflet giving advice is available from the BMFA’s Leicester Office.


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