Code of Practice

Club rules
Training policy
Application form

Update March 2021 – The Code of Practice has been updated in line with the CAA Article 16 Authorisation; 2021 updates are highlighted in bold. Please read carefully before flying at an LMAS site!

Download a printable version of this policy

Code of Practice – all sites

  • The flying of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) / model aircraft can be DANGEROUS. Every member must adopt a responsible attitude when onsite and only fly within his/her capability.
  • All members must hold a current BMFA membership
  • All members are personally accountable for understanding and obeying all laws governing the flying of UAS / model aircraft.
  • All members must be aware of and comply with all aspects of the CAA Article 16 Authorisation for members of UK model flying associations when flying at an LMAS site, including the specific clauses for FPV flight.
  • Crops must not be damaged and gates closed after use.
  • Litter or debris from damaged models must not be left on the sites.
  • Permitted flying hours and transmitter frequencies for flying are as stated for the individual sites.
  • The noise emission from any model must not exceed that specified for each site.
  • No model over 7.5kg may be flown at any LMAS site.
  • Follow manufacturer’s instructions on the setup and use of all modelling equipment, particularly the correct setting and use of fail-safe (i.e. motor/engine off) or “Return to home” functionality.
  • No unaccompanied battery charging or sources of ignition (other than glow plug starters) in the pit area.
  • Non spread spectrum transmitters (i.e. 35MHz FM or 27MHz AM) must not be switched on without displaying their channel identification and having the correct peg on the frequency control “peg-board”.
  • Instructors and trainees must comply with the LMAS policy for training and solo sign-off. Trial flights can be conducted for non-members only whilst under the direct supervision of an LMAS instructor in line with the terms of the CAA Article 16 Authorisation and our BMFA insurance.
  • Due care should always be observed. Members should be aware of, and use, the pits, flight line, and runway appropriate to the wind direction.
  • No engine/motor run-up in the pits area. All models must be moved out of the pits and appropriately restrained at least 5m away prior to an engine or motor run.
  • Take-off, fly, approach and land only in the areas designated in the maps within our site risk assessments.
    • Any flight at LMAS sites outside of the defined flight areas (i.e. to conduct an airborne search for a lost model) cannot be conducted under the CAA Article 16 Authorisation. In these instances it is the members responsibility to comply with all aspects of CAP 722 during the flight (see sections A1.3 and A1.4, Open Category, Subcategories A2 and A3).
  • Always check that there is no landing approach in progress before proceeding to the take-off point.
  • Once airborne move from the landing strip to the flight line with other pilots as soon as possible.
  • Do not overfly the pits or flight line at low altitudes.
  • Do not take off such that your model passes close to the pilot flight line.
  • Do not fly your model at speed near the flight line.
  • Make clear to other pilots your intention to take-off or land in good time.
  • Any fly away, landing or crash outside the defined areas must be reported as an incident using the online or paper LMAS incident report forms within 7 days. The committee will review all incidents within a further 7 days and implement any follow-up actions as necessary.
  • Members must comply with the controls set out in our COVID-19 Risk Assessment until such a time as the UK reaches COVID alert level 1 (see government website)

Code of Practice – Rugby Club

  • The site is open to models powered by electric motors or internal combustion engines, subject to a maximum noise emission of 82db(A). Every attempt should be made to reduce emissions to below 79db(A).
  • No flying shall take place when any field is in use for other organised activities.
  • Do not take cars onto the field.
  • Take-off, fly, approach and land only in the areas designated in the maps within our site risk assessment. Do not overfly the Greenway footpath, school, the Leisure Centre or its car park, any adjacent sports ground or the Jackmans estate.
  • Fixed wing aircraft should not use the playing surfaces (other than behind the touch line or the designated runway on the practice pitch at the east end of the site) unless it is vital in the interest of safety.
  • Pilots should stand by the Rugby post nearest the hedge on the furthest Rugby pitch when using the main flying area. 
  • Multi-rotor and helicopter pilots are advised to use the rugby pitch behind the pit area for their flying, especially when fixed wing aircraft are using the normal flying area. Should they wish to fly in the main flight area alongside fixed wing they must make this known to all pilots present before commencing their flight and allow any pilots that wish to land do that before they take off.
  • Rotary craft must NOT fly over the runway when fixed wing aircraft are flying.
  • Rotary pilots should stand together at least 5m away from the pit area when flying rotary craft in the rotary flight area.
  • Flying times: All days; 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or lighting-up time, whichever is the earlier (to 7:30 p.m. for quiet electric models, irrespective of lighting-up time).
  • Transmitter frequencies:
    • 2.4Ghz spread spectrum system
    • 35Mhz EVEN channels only
    • 27Mhz SOLID colours only

Code of Practice – Wilbury Farm

  • The site is for flying quiet electric-powered models and unpowered gliders only, subject to a maximum noise emission of 72dB(A).
  • Due to the livestock often in the field it is recommended not to fly alone at this site. Always watch out for livestock and do not overfly them at low level.
  • The first pilot/group to arrive establishes the pit location and take-off/landing area for the session; all subsequent attendees must join them in that location. Any decision to move the pits and/or take-off/landing location due to a change in wind direction must be agreed jointly by all present.
  • Take-off, fly, approach and land only in the areas designated in the maps within our site risk assessment. Models must not overfly the farmhouse, caravan site or adjacent houses.
  • Flying times: All days; 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. or lighting-up time, whichever is the earlier
  • Transmitter frequencies:
    • 2.4Ghz spread spectrum system
    • 35Mhz all channels
    • 27Mhz SOLID colours only

Code of Practice – Weston Village Hall

  • The site is for flying small electric powered models suitable for indoor flight.
  • All models must weigh under 200g, including batteries.
  • No model should be capable of causing personal injury or damage to the hall fixtures and fittings.
  • Any UK legal radio frequency may be used
  • A payment of £2.50 per person per 1-hour session is required to cover the cost of hiring the hall. Any profit at the end of the year will go to club funds.

Noise testing

The club noise meter is kept by the Committee and shall be made available for noise readings when required (contact Secretary via email or via the Facebook group). Noise readings shall be taken in a maximum force 2 wind with the model 7 metres downwind of the noise meter and 1.2 metres above the ground, as follows:

  1. Nose of the model facing meter
  2. Port side of the model facing meter
  3. Starboard side of the model facing meter
  4. Tail of the model facing meter

Insurance

  • All members are insured by the BMFA. Full details of the policy are available on the BMFA site.
  • BMFA cover includes civil liability and personal accident insurance for claims arising from the flying of model aircraft and associated activities. Third Parties include other members.
  • Maximum cover per claim is £25,000,000. Damage to model aircraft is excluded.
  • Cover extends to the use of sites other than LMAS flying fields.
  • Club liability insurance extends to first time visitors to the LMAS who have no previous experience but are seeking to try out model flying prior to joining. However, in this case cover will only be in place when the flights are being personally supervised by a nominated Club member approved by the Club Committee. Cover will only be in place for a maximum of 3 days for any one first time flyer.
  • If you are involved in an incident when you are flying remember the following points:
    • Stay calm
    • Never admit liability to the third party
    • Exchange contact details with the third party
    • Remain civil and polite
    • Refer them to the BMFA office if they require further information
    • Contact the BMFA office and request an incident report form at the earliest opportunity. Complete the form honestly and accurately