The following are guidelines for the use of the flying field at Wick St Lawrence. They have been evolved over a number of years and we ask you to read through them. If there is anything, which is not clear, do not hesitate in asking the advice of any Committee member, they will be only too pleased to help. Please keep to the site rules and fly quietly and safely.

1. Driving.

On entering Duck Lane and Warf Lane which it joins, please drive carefully. It is the main access to two farms and you are liable to meet livestock in the lane. Give way to them as necessary. There is a speed limit of 20mph - do not exceed it.

2. Parking

After driving carefully down the lane you will come to a cattle grid. Drive over it and park on the parking area on the right hand side. Make sure you do not block the road If the car park is full parking on the grass further down is permitted but It may be worth your while to keep the drive wheels of your vehicle as near to the road as possible where the ground is firmer. The car park area is clearly marked on the site map please don't park too far up the East side (left hand side as you face the field) where the models may be required to over fly.

3. Access to the field

Before entering the field, make sure it is safe to do so. Access to the field is via a footbridge over the ditch. Whilst The Club has made every effort to ensure its safety, you use it at your own risk and the Committee and Club do not guarantee its integrity.

4. Layout of the flying field

Observe where the pits are situated. The position will vary dependant on conditions but should always be at one of the positions marked on the map.

5. Pits

Take your equipment to the pits area. Make sure that when you set it down you are not getting in the way of pilots already there. Leave plenty of room so they and you can easily get around the aircraft to do any necessary adjustments.

6. Frequency control

Do not switch on your radio control equipment without first checking that it is safe to do so. We operate a pegboard frequency control system. You do know your channel number don't you?
Make sure that you have the means to hold your current membership card in position on the pegboard; an ordinary clothes peg is the norm. Go to the pegboard and check that nobody else is using your channel. If it is unused attach your membership card over your channel number using your peg. Then and only then can you switch on your radio transmitter.
You may find that your channel is being used and this will be indicated by a membership card and peg already in position. Find out who the pilot is who is using the same channel as you. If they happen to be flying, do not interrupt them but wait until they have landed. When they have finished their flight ask them to free up the channel by removing their peg then you can claim the channel. Then and only then can you switch on. Failure to observe this procedure may result in crashed aircraft.
It should be noted that should you be guilty of "shooting down" an aircraft by switching on your transmitter when you don't have the frequency channel it is reasonable for the other pilot to be compensated by you for your mistake.
Remember that you are sharing a channel and keep your flight to a reasonable time. On completion of the flight, offer the channel back to the other pilot.

7. Helicopters and Fixed Wing Flying

In our Clubs experience, mixed flying can unnerve even the most experience pilots. It's with this in mind that we recommend flying slots where each discipline takes it in turn rather than mix the slots. However, as the weighting of aircraft types varies from day to day and some pilots are happy to mix together the protocol should be agreed each flying slot.

8. General

As a Reminder:-
Flying times are displayed on the site notice board together with other rules. However, you must not fly before 10.15 on any day. On Mondays to Fridays, flying must stop 15 minutes before sunset. On Saturdays flying must stop at 17.45pm or 15 minutes before sunset whichever is earlier if over 80dbs. On Sundays, it must stop at 15.45pm or 15 minutes before sunset whichever is earlier if over 80dbs. Sunset times are displayed on the notice board. As from 7.11.07, weekend flying times have been extended to 19.45 or 15 minutes before sunset whichever is the earlier. This is at present a temporary agreement with North Somerset Council until 30.11.08 and during these extended hours no model with a noise level exceeding 80db is to be flown. See table in section 9 of the rules.
A maximum of 4 aircraft, whether i.c, electric, gliders, fixed wing or helicopter, are allowed in the air at any one time.
There are specific distances, laid down by the Planning Authority, that we must not exceed when we are flying. These are specified in detail on the notice board. But to make it simple fly only in the immediate vicinity of the field and keep as far away from the village of Wick St Lawrence as possible.
Do not buzz the lane and always avoid flying over the general public.
Do not fly over the car park or pits. See site map.
Do not fly noisy aircraft. They should be suitably muffled and comply with current BMFA recommendations.
Always use fixed wing restraints in the pits. These can be found hanging by the notice board.
Should you require the use of the first aid box, it is located in the container to which many members have a key. Should you make use of any of its contents, please replace it - you never know when you may need it again!
Do not leave any litter on site - that also includes debris from crashed aircraft!

9. Helping Hand

For those pilots who share aircraft for training purposes at all levels or "just to have a go" please remember to ensure damage liability is clearly understood BEFORE taking control. We recommend this is clearly understood by every pilot each and every flight.
New members who need assistance with any aspect of the hobby are requested to ask advice from any member, this may not get you an immediate answer, but please bear in mind that existing members will certainly know who in the club are most familiar with the subject of query---in short just ask???(we have no crystal ball to tell us when a new member needs help).
The only exception will be the Club training aircraft where the Club accepts full Club model damage liability to the Club's own training models.

10. Finally

We hope that you enjoy flying at our field and as we said earlier these guidelines have evolved over many years. However, if you think that there is anyway that we can improve the site and how we make best use of it, do not hesitate to give your ideas to any Committee member.

Above all, remember to FLY SAFELY
Thanking you in anticipation of your cooperation.

Your Club Committee.