साइलेंट नाइट्स सोअरिंग सोसाइटी

THE FIELD AND SAFTEY RULES OF THE SILENT KNIGHTS SOARING SOCIETY​

Definitions:

A “sailplane” is an airplane that has no motor installed.

A “self-launched sailplane” is a sailplane that has a motor which is primarily used for launching.

An “electric aircraft” is any airborne vehicle that uses a motor(s) most of the time it is in flight.

An “aircraft” is all of the above.​

1. All pilots and models must adhere to the current “Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code”.

2. The field is available during normal park hours, 8AM to sunset.

3. Mowing takes priority over flight activity.

4. No lipo battery charging in the Birdhouse. Outdoor electrical outlets are available for battery charging.

5. Pilots using radios other than spread spectrum where channel conflicts can occur (72MHz, 53MHz, 50MHz, 49MHz & 27 MHz) will sign in and out using the frequency pin board. Pilots using spread spectrum (2.4GHz and others) will display their AMA card with SKSS endorsement either on their person or equipment.

6. Flight activity is limited to sailplanes and models powered by electric motor(s).

7. Additionally, gas powered tow planes will be permitted to fly solely for the purposes of towing sailplanes aloft and, on a limited basis, for the test flying of the tow plane. The frequency of gas tow plane flying will be determined by the Executive Committee.

8. Sailplanes that are being launched via winch, high start, or aerotow have right-of-way over all other aircraft.

9. Sailplanes have right-of-way over powered models.

10. The direction of the winch/high start setup has priority and will determine which runways sailplanes and electric aircraft will use.

11. Self-launched sailplanes may, if flown alongside the winch/high start, use the same active launch and landing areas.

12. When the winch/high start is set up on the east/west runway sufficient space will be allowed for pilots and vehicles to gain access to the north/south runway without physically interfering with the winch line or turn around pulley.

13. All electric aircraft will maintain an adequate distance from the winch/high start lines.

14. Electric aircraft will only cross the winch/high start line above the highest altitude that sailplanes are being launched.

15. All electric aircraft will be flown within the confines of the field and will not be flown “behind” the current flight line. Note that the flight line will change depending on which runway is being used. Unless the flight line is specified, good judgment must be used in determining where the flight line is located for a given runway.

16. All electric aircraft will operate on the same runway and use the same direction of flight.

17. All aircraft will be operated so as to be within gliding distance of the field.

18. The tree line along the eastern edge of the field will begin the No Fly Zone (NFZ; the red line on the diagram) and will extend north and south along that line. The NFZ will extend to the east of that boundary. The NFZ will include Paper Mill Road and the houses on the opposite side of the road. No airplane of ANY kind will be permitted to cross into the NFZ.

19. Flying low along the edge of the NFZ is discouraged and should be avoided. We do not want to distract the people driving along Paper Mill Rd.

20. During a contest, or club event, the Contest Director/Event Coordinator may alter these rules to fit the situation. Rules may only be altered with caution. In no case shall the AMA Safety Code or the No Fly Zone be violated.

 

   If a situation occurs that is not covered by these rules it is expected that the member involved will use good judgment and proceed with caution.

 

Zone A:
All aircraft will takeoff (or launch) and land in this zone.
Only pilots and their helpers are allowed in Zone A when airplanes are flying.
Entering the area in which models are actively flying is discouraged but if it is necessary the person will notify the pilots before entering the area.
Pilots will keep their airplanes well away from any person, vehicle or equipment in Zone A.

 

Zone B:
Only sailplanes and self-launched sailplanes that are flying with their motor off are allowed to fly in Zone B.
Electric aircraft are prohibited from flying in Zone B.
The lowest allowable altitude between the field entrance gate and the pedestrian gate west of the Birdhouse will be the top of the telephone pole, approximately 25 feet. Launching, intentional landing or low altitude flying is prohibited in this area.
There is no low altitude limit between the field entrance and Paper Mill Rd.
It is imperative that the AMA Safety Code be especially honored in Zone B; i.e., no flight over unprotected people, vehicles or buildings, and no flight within 25 feet of the same.