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C.C.R.C.C Rules and Regulations
CCRCC
POWERED FIXED WING
FLIGHT
TEST
PROGRAM
HANDBOOK
THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO PROVIDE THE MEMBERS
AND APPLICANTS A MORE CONVENIENT METHOD TO PRODUCE
MODEL AIRCRAFT PILOTS FOR THE CCRCC ORGANIZATION, AND
SUPERCEDES ALL OTHER FLIGHT-TESTING PROCEDURES.
July 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.)INTRODUCTION TO THE CCRCC
2.)INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
3.)APPLICANT PROCEDURE
4.)CCRCC SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES
5.)FIELD RULES
6.)MODEL INSPECTION
7.)MODELING SAFETY & SAFETYTIPS
8.)PFW FLIGHT TEST PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
9.)PFW FLIGHT TEST DESCRIPTION
10.)PFW FLIGHT TESTING MANEUVERS
11.)PFW FLIGHT TEST QUALIFICATION SHEET
12.)QUALIFIED FLIGHT TEST EXAMINERS
INTRODUCTION TO THE CCRCC
CCRCC is a chartered club of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) and was founded in 1948. It includes a diverse group of men and women dedicated to the construction and flying of radio control aircraft with comradeship and friendship. Everyone is welcome to join the organization. Members are encouraged to help everyone participating in the hobby. Assisting newcomers (applicants) and improving the modeling and flying skills of all members is a club goal.
CCRCC is governed by a board of directors. The board consists of four elected officers: president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. Additionally, appointed by the president are: field manager, safety director, activities director, community relations director, and a past president. Officers are elected at the December meeting. The board of directors serve at the pleasure of the general membership.
Operations of the club are financed by annual dues, income from entrance fees to sanctioned meets, and donations.
CCRCC flies at the club field on Meadow Road in Farmington CT. It leases 14 acres in an open space area from the town of Farmington. As such, the club has full control over the flying site.
The club and the field are operated under the guide lines provided by the AMA and the club. AMA is the governing body of model aviation in the USA, and charters both the club and flying site. AMA provides liability insurance for members, the club, and co-insures the town of Farmington.
The general meetings are held on the third Wednesday of every month, (except the month of August) at 8:00 PM in the Plainville Town Hall. The board of directors meet the Monday prior to the general meeting, usually at the home of the president. All members and applicants are welcome at the board meeting to offer
their comments and suggestions.
To join CCRCC, you must be a member of AMA and have a sponsor who is a club member in good standing who will be your mentor while you are learning. While you are learning, your status will be an applicant and you may fly when any member is present assisting you in the flight activities. When you pass your
flying test, you will be voted into a full membership status.
INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS
There are many aspects of radio control aircraft: fixed wing aircraft which are powered by piston engines (two stroke, and four stroke), and also by electric power. Sailplanes primarily are winch powered, but also may be electric powered, and powered by small piston motors on power pods. A wide range of helicopters are available to the modeling members. These models vary in sizes from 2 to 3 Lbs up to as much as 55 Lbs.
Radio control aircraft can perform and exceed maneuvers that a full scale aircraft can perform. RC models should be considered as a real aircraft, with the pilot controlling remotely from the cockpit. This requires the
pilot to learn to fly the aircraft in two directions, aircraft flying away from the pilot, and aircraft flying to the pilot. The performance of the model is based upon the building and flying skills of the modeler.
HOW TO GET STARTED
To join CCRCC you must be a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Applications to AMA may be obtained from the secretary, most model shops, and modeling magazines. Your AMA membership provides limited liability insurance and the monthly magazine Model Aviation. AMA is the governing body of Model Aviation in the USA.
SPONSORSHIP
Additionally, an applicant must have a sponsor. The sponsor will sign the club application which must be submitted to the club secretary along with the payment of dues. The applicant is now ready to pursue his or her new found hobby. The sponsor will assist the applicant to obtain information from other sponsors, members, and other modeling personnel to obtain suggestions for the selection of appropriate models, equipment and construction details.
MODELING SUGGESTIONS
All power modelers will need a model (trainer), engine, radio (servos), glue, knives, sand paper, covering material (except for ARFS), field box (well equipped), fuel, glow plug exciter, starter, and battery. Some model kits will require additional materials to complete the kit. The sponsor should assist you in obtaining the additional materials, and additional assistance may be obtained by attending monthly meetings.
THE COMPLETED MODEL
Before flying the new model, it must be thoroughly inspected to insure safe and proper operation. The sponsor may perform the inspection, establish the flight training program requirements, and fully brief the applicant on the flight training requirements leading to the final examination. Field and flight safety shall be stressed in these initial briefings.
APPLICANT PROCEDURE
1) Every applicant must obtain a sponsor who will assist them in the fundamentals of joining the CCRCC. Your sponsor should be your guide through the initial stages of selecting, building/and checkout of your model aircraft. He will also be responsible for your conduct as an applicant. It is not the responsibility of the club or its officers to find you a sponsor. If you are interested in joining, become active by attending meetings, flying sessions, etc. This is how to meet those who may be willing to sponsor you.
2) You must have a current AMA member card at the time of your application. Your sponsor must be a member in good standing of this club, and must be willing to assist you. He will either instruct you in basic flying skills, or will put you in contact with someone who can instruct you. An applicant is never to fly unsupervised. To do so is immediate expulsion from the club.
3) Your instructor will guide you through the skills necessary to pass a basic flight test. It is advised that you stay with one instructor throughout the learning process so that a continuity in your progress exists. It is generally best to have a time scheduled with your instructor, and be there promptly. He has volunteered his flying time to teach you, so please respect it.
4) Your aircraft should be able to pass a preflight safety inspection by a qualified instructor or examiner. This is for your protection as well as the preservation of your aircraft. Your sponsor can make arrangements to
have this done.
5)When your instructor, or a member in good standing who could be a sponsor and or an examiner, feels confident that you can pass the basic flying skills test, he will sign the instructor section of the qualification flight test sheet. The sponsor shall then set up the flight test with an approved CCRCC flight test examiner. The qualification test sheet shall be signed by the instructor, sponsor, and examiner.
6) The qualification test consists of maneuvers you have been practicing throughout your instruction program, so there should not be any surprises. By completing this test, you have demonstrated that you arc capable of flying your airplane in a safe and controlled condition.
7) At the next club meeting, your sponsor will present your name with a recommendation that you be admitted to full member status. If accepted by the membership, you will be allowed the full rights of any member and will be allowed to fly without your instructor or sponsor present. Applicants are encouraged to meet members at various functions and events, and wherever possible to assist in the chores of running an event. It is a great way to show your interest in the hobby and club. As a rule the more members you know, the
more help you can expect. Above all, don’t be discouraged if it seems difficult at first. We all found it so when we started. Even the best flyer in the club was a beginner at one time.
CCRCC SPONSOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Sponsors perform a very critical function in the CCRCC organization. The acquisition and retention of new members is related to how they interface with the club in their early relations with the current members. This relationship is one of the key sponsor responsibilities. The sponsor must assist the applicant in the transition from a keen interest to fly to a highly responsible safe pilot.
Any full member can be a sponsor, however this member should fully understand all of the important issues as covered in this flight test program handbook. Also the applicant must understand that neither the club nor its officers are required to find a sponsor for the applicant. It is suggested that the applicant attend events at the field, attend membership meetings, ask questions at the flying field to interface with modelers or the type of equipment to purchase. Not all modelers are able to sponsor an applicant due to other conflicting
requirements, such as other applicants, club management priorities, event directorships, personal work or travel, and in some cases illness. Whenever conflicts arise as cited above, the member should help and assist the applicant to find a sponsor within the organization.
The sponsor shall be responsible for the training and conduct of his applicant(s).
The sponsor shall provide training or arrange training by a qualified instructor.
The sponsor shall instruct the applicant in all aspects of field rules and etiquette of the club.
The sponsor shall integrate modeling safety in construction, field rules, flight line etiquette, and in all aspects of flight training.
The sponsor shall be the prime contact for construction information and equipment selection.
The sponsor shall be responsible for introducing the applicant to the club members.
Prior to recommendation for membership, the sponsor shall be in a position to vouch for the applicant, certify that he has received the necessary flight training and is well acquainted with the training handbook, field rules, modeling safety, and field etiquette of the club.
FIELD RULES
All pilots must comply with the official AMA safety code as well as the following:
1. Frequency identification pins and flags shall he used for channel identification.
2. Observe a fifteen (15) minute channel use time limitation.
3. No more than six (6) frequencies shall be in use at any time. Four power fixed wing and two gliders.
4. No flying over the road, pits, or spectator area. The initial turn after takeoff shall be away from these areas.
5. There is no flying of fixed wing aircraft with internal combustion engines before 10:00 a.m., except for helicopter hovering (5 ft) and scheduled contests. There is no flying after sunset.
6. Engine running is not permitted in the pit area. Note: Engine running is allowed in the helicopter hover area. Refer to the site plan located in the TX impound area.
7. All two-stroke aircraft engines .15 cubic inches and larger shall be muffled except for brief test flights.
8. Members must be present with guests and are responsible for their conduct. Guest flyers must have a current AMA license.
9. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.
10. Aircraft shall be operated only on frequencies authorized for aircraft use.
MODEL INSPECTION
The preflight and safety inspection is a necessary final inspection before flight to ensure the best possible chance for incident free flights. Your instructor will help you with this inspection and will make recommendations for additional work on the aircraft. Do not be discouraged by any delays. Your instructor is only interested in the safety of your model and the spectators.
WING REMOVED:
1. If aileron equipped, aileron servo is shock mounted and secure.
2. Aileron linkages & clevises secured & clamped closed with piece of tubing or equivalent.
3. Wing dowels not loose or cracked.
4. Check for wing warping. (Explain to applicant how to remove warping)
FUSELAGE AND ENGINE:
1. All engine and motor mounts are tight.
2. Muffler installed and secure.
3. Propeller tips not nicked and propeller blades not cracked.
4. Spinner, safety nut, or prop nut securely tightened. (AMA requires safety nut w/o spinner)
5. Fuel tank hoses not punctured or pinched and connected properly.
6. Klunk moves freely.
7. Fuel tank compartment fuel proofed, (fuel proofing is strongly recommended)
8. Servos shock mounted and securely fastened.
9. Push rods & control surfaces move freely, clevises closed and secured (fuel tubing or equiv.)
10. Servo plugs clean and plugged into correct receiver channel.
11. Switch assembly properly secured. (If possible check soldering )
12. Fully charged NICADS, or new Dry Cells. (If possible check with ESV.)
13. Receiver and battery pack wrapped in foam and secured in place.
14. Receiver antenna not broken and fully extended in a safe manner.
15. Control surface hinges pinned and secured.
16. Wheel collars tight and wheels should rotate freely.
17. Nose gear aligned and at proper height.
REINSTALL WING:
1. Aileron servo plugged into correct receiver channel.
2. Wing hold down screws tight, or rubber bands per model requirements. Typically #64 size with one per side for each 3/4 LB of model weight. Two crossed bands for security of bands.
3. CENTER OF GRAVITY falls within model limits.
RADIO CHECK:
1. Place your frequency pin on the proper post position. Then you can activate your TX.
2. Fully test all control surfaces for proper motion to TX commands.
3. Range check: With antenna collapsed walk about 100 feet towards the parking lot. Check control motions, noise or jitter, during the walk. This is done with the engine off.
MODELING SAFETY
One of the CCRCC’s primary requirements is to establish and maintain field and flight safety for insure the model is properly built and SAFE to fly. The sponsor will either instruct the applicant in basic flying all of its members and applicants. When the model is complete, the sponsor will check the applicant's work to skills, and in the other case, put the applicant in contact with another instructor. All club members can instruct. Not all instructors teach the same way. A log is recommended to be used by the applicant to assist him or her through the instruction and learning experience. It is suggested that the applicant log his or her flights and request the instructor to sign and comment on the instructions as given. This log will assist the applicants and
instructors to maintain a steady learning process. SAFETY is vitally important. Radio Control models are heavy and fast. Handled unsafely, the model can do a great deal of damage. Remember that safety must be considered on the ground as well as the air. The applicant should be sure to consult with the sponsor and/or
instructor on the equipment best suited to him or her. Come to the field and to the meetings and get to know the members. Ask questions and ask for help. Everyone is more than willing to assist.
SAFETY TIPS
You should read and become familiar with the full AMA safety code. The following is a short list of safety tips that you should keep in mind whenever you are operating an R/C model.
1. Observe all field and safety rules. Failure to do so will result in loss of club flying privileges and could lead to expulsion from the club.
2. When the engine is running, make all needle valve adjustments from behind a rotating prop.
3. Keep face and body out of line with the propeller arc. It a blade were to break off it could be thrown like a KNIFE. THINK OF A PROPELLER AS A RIP SAW BLADE.
4. An R/C airplane when operated out of control or in a reckless fashion, can be a lethal missile. If you are in trouble in the air, alert your instructor and others around you immediately.
5. Do not fly your aircraft over the pit area or over spectators.
6. The first turn after take-off must be away from the pits and spectators.
7. Landings shall be parallel to the pit area or angularly away from the pits.
8. There should be only one retriever per plane. Notify all pilots “man†on the field. Young children are not to be sent to retrieve airplanes without adult supervision.
9. Excessive running of a motor for tune up or carburetor adjustments is not allowed in the pits and should not infringe on another persons flight time. Motors that require significant run times should be run on the hover pad next to the pit area. These engine runs should follow flag control rules similar to a normal flight sequence.
10. Please communicate effectively when in the flight pits. Notification of takeoffs, landings, emergencies, man on the field, etc. must be communicated to all pilots who are flying. Whenever possible, use another member or friend as an observer.
FLIGHT TEST PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
Required Materials: 1. Club Badge 2.AMAcard 3. Suitable equipment.
Knowledge: 1. Field rules 2. Basic flight aerodynamics 3. Airplane parts and operation 4. Safety rules and etiquette.
Safety: 1. Suitable equipment 2. Preflight inspection 3. Proper frequency control 3. Safe starting procedures 4. Calls out intentions on flight line.
Development of practical skills: The development of practical skills never ends in flying. This required activity is the primary reason why people get into RC modeling. Some people attempt to fly without instruction, and almost always end up with piles of wreckage. The concept of qualified members who have passed a qualification flight test, and the applicant who will train to meet the requirements, is the primary purpose of the CCRCC organization. The practical skills test demonstrates the applicants ability to maintain adequate control of the aircraft at all times, in any direction. The flight maneuvers are intended to prove the applicants ability to make the aircraft to go in an INTENDED direction, not as a test of precision flying ability. The applicant must exhibit proper safety and field etiquette procedures. The examiner must note unsatisfactory performance and provide a written record to be used by the applicant and instructor for further training. All the practical skills are intended to develop the capability to fully fly the pattern, through the KEY POINT in both directions. The KEY POINT is 10 to 15 feet above the runway and is located at the end of the runway as a plane descends for its landing. The plane should glide through the KEY POINT to establish the proper touch down point for the landing.
Figure from Model Airplane News Tech Tip?
PFW FLIGHT TEST DESCRIPTION
FLYING THE PATTERN
The pattern contains all the necessary maneuvers to make the landings in a consistent manner that all pilots follow as a standard. Your instructor is interested to develop your skills and capabilities to fly the pattern
with relative ease. Please review the pattern as shown below to learn the location of the FLIGHT LINE, the SPOT, and the KEY POINT. The FLIGHT LINE is located along the pilots edge of the runway. We are to be trained never to fly through or over this line. The SPOT is located in front of the pilot (about 200 feet) and 50 to 100 feet high in altitude. On a downwind leg the SPOT represents the location to reduce power and descend into the landing pattern into the base leg and final approach to the KEY POINT. This maneuver will
require a lot of practice, but forms the basis of becoming a good pilot. As you develop your approach skills you will also learn to adjust the aircraft rate of descent through the KEY POINT. This trending of the rate of descent and accuracy of flying through the KEY POINT will provide the real clean landings that all pilots love to achieve.
Figure from Model Airplane news Tech Tips
PFW FLIGHT TESTING MANEUVERS
The following maneuvers are considered to be essential to an applicants ability to fly in a safe controlled manner at the flying field. Remember, we are not establishing precision maneuvers but are establishing the proper procedures and intended safe maneuvers.
TAXI ,TAKE-OFF AND PROCEDURE TURN: Taxi and takeoff requires the development of skills to hold a straight line into the wind. The ability to hold a straight line is greatly influenced by the aircraft and its wheel alignments. This is true for both the tricycle, and tail draggers. The aircraft should be checked frequently for wheel alignments. Remember to check the wind prior to takeoff. Trainer type aircraft with flat wings need to be carefully controlled in crosswinds. If you turn from the flight line too early (before getting good air
speed) the crosswind can push up the wing and cause a wing over crash. Get some altitude and airspeed before initiating the procedure turn. This turn starts with the initial turn away from the pits or flight line (90 degrees) then a turn at constant altitude which will cover 270 degrees back to the runway with heading adjustments to be made on the return. (See figure below.)
HORIZONTAL FIGURE EIGHT: To demonstrate aircraft maneuvering skills, the horizontal figure eight provides all the turns required in pattern flight. This maneuver should be conducted at about 100 feet of altitude, with the crossover point 200 to 250 feet in front of the pilot. Maintaining altitude is one of the measurement parameters in the horizontal level.
PFW FLIGHT TESTING MANEUVERS
SQUARE FIGURE EIGHT: The square figure eight is conducted the same as the horizontal figure eight except that the turns are squared in all of the maneuver. This maneuvering enables the instructor to see some precision in flying skills while maintaining a constant altitude in the horizontal level.
SLOW FLIGHT AND LANDING: This maneuver demonstrates the flyers ability to fly near stall speed at 20 to 30 feet of altitude the full length of the runway. This speed is obtained by setting the throttle at the ¼ to 1/3 setting. This maneuver should be flown into the wind for safety reasons and the pilot should be aware of the flight line, maintain a straight line, and hold a constant altitude. The ability to land an aircraft, in most cases, is the most challenging part of learning to fly. Learning to fly the pattern, turning capabilities, maneuvering, slow speed flight, and awareness of the FLIGHT LINE, SPOT, and KEY POINT arc all important elements of the model pilots expertise. All experienced pilots will tell you that the most important maneuver in
flying is practice, practice, practice,… etc.
POWERED FIXED WING QUALIFICATION FLIGHT TEST
The practical skills qualification test will be conducted by the club designated qualified flight test examiner.
The applicant must pass all six elements and will be graded as follows:
1.0 TAXI: & TAKEOFF (Includes hand launch)........[10 9 8 7 6][5 4 3 2 1 0]
a) Selects proper wind direction.
b) Adequate directional control.
c) Makes first turn away from flight line.
d) Safety and etiquette (announces intentions, yields to other traffic, etc.)
2.0 PROCEDURE TURN: ............................. [10 9 8 7 6][5 4 3 2 1 0]
a) Adequate directional, and altitude control. Avoids flight line.
b) Exhibits stall awareness.
c) Safety and etiquette (announces intentions, etc.).
3.0 SLOW LOW FLIGHT:............................. [10 9 8 7 6][5 4 3 2 1 0]
a) Adequate directional, and altitude control. Avoids flight line.
b) Exhibits stall awareness.
c) Safety and etiquette (announces intention, etc.).
4.0 HORIZONTAL EIGHT:............................ [10 9 8 7 6][5 4 3 2 1 0]
a) Adequate directional and altitude control (to and from flight line).
b) Avoids crossing flight line.
c) Safety and etiquette (announces intention, etc.).
5.0 SQUARE EIGHT:................................. [10 9 8 7 6][5 4 3 2 1 0]
a) Adequate directional, and altitude control (to and from flight line).
b) Avoids crossing flight line.
c) Safety and etiquette (announces intention, etc.).
6.0 LANDING:....................................... [10 9 8 7 6][5 4 3 2 1 0]
a) Adequate directional control, exhibits stall awareness.
b) Avoids flight line.
c) Safety and etiquette (announces intentions, yields to other traffic, etc.).
FLIGHT TEST RESULTS: Applicant _____________ Pass ( ) Fail ( ) Test Date
Qualified Instructor: _____________ Examiner:______________ Sponsor: __________
Comments: _________________________________________________
QUALIFIED FLIGHT TEST EXAMINERS
Powered Fixed Wing
1. Robert Joslyn 101 Claire Street Bristol, CT 06010 860-589-6788
2. Pete Reed 49 Anvil Road Avon, CT 06001 860-673-7883
3. John Brandt 90 Lufkin Road Bristol, CT 06010 860-583-4795
4. Art Ostheimer 3 Cotswold Way Avon, CT 06001 860-673-4102
5. Rick Bell 219 Country Rd. Torrington, CT 06790 860-489-5952
6. Dennis Collin 151 Stanley St. New Britain, CT 06051 860-224-4309
7. Bill McBaine 200 Ashley Rd. Bristol, CT 06010 860-585-9045
8. John Hinze 4 Trumble Ln. Farmington, CT 06032 860-677-1688
9. Sal Manganaro 160 Bushy Hill Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 203-426-3496
10. Mike Thomas 36 Minnesota Ln. Bristol, CT 06010 860-589-2162
11. Keith Palmer 9 Larchwood West Unionville, CT 06085 860-675-5161
Sailplanes
1.James Bonk 270 Spring Road Farmington, CT 06032 860 677-7951
2. Steve Geary 23 Mohawk Dr. Farmington, CT 06032 860 673-2765
3. Art Ostheimer 3 Cotswold Way Avon, CT 06001 860 673-4102
4. Nick Nichols 69 Cedar Dr. Southington, CT 06489 860 628-8848
5. Joe Terranova 125 Jerome Ave. Burlington, CT 06013 860 673-9742
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