SAFETY
PAGE
#1 RAMM Rules - Required Reading
Safety
is EVERYONE's responsibility - if you observe unsafe flying tell the pilot
very nicely (be polite) your concern(s) - (odds are it's a goof anyway). If
it continues, note the person's name, date, and time and report it to the safety
officer. The club will do the rest.
General Guide Lines (note the above rules take precedence):
- Always adjust running engines from the rear of the plane.
Never reach around the prop! Has been a recent safety issue.
- DO NOT fly over house to far right rear of the field
- accidents are caused by doing something out of the ordinary
- use common sense, small statement; but, think before you do
and don't get in a rush - that's where mistakes happen
- no alcoholic beverages, period.
- always (even if you are the only one) place a copy
of your AMA card and RAMM Card in the frequency
board, and get a frequency "pin"
- your name, address, phone number, and AMA number
must be on or inside your aircraft
- always use a plane holder prior to engine start and a person
to help hold the plane (if available)
- always conduct a preflight safety check- do a range check of at least 100 ft with
transmitter antenna down & engine running
- check that all control surfaces / actuators move
as prescribed
- make sure your batteries are fully charged- during cross wind takeoffs, always make sure
you are prepared to bank away from the pit on
your first turn (also applies to calm days too).
- do not fly over the flight line or the pit area
(other pilots don't like it) and it violates AMA rules
- flying alone is Ok (better with friends); but,
always make sure someone knows you are there
just in case something happens
- do not fly if someone is mowing the field
the person mowing will not be able to hear
the aircraft and may not see its flight path
(equivalent to a person on the field during flight)
- if your transmitter has a PCM fail safe, check it
on the ground to verify it does what its supposed to do
(many competitions require PCM radios and fail safes
and they have specific rules on how they are supposed to operate)
read your owners manual and know how it is to be set up
and operate.
- keep a fire extinguisher in your shop
- note the locations of the extinguishers at the field
- note the locations of the First Aid Kits at the field
Top Six Causes of Accidents in order of significance:
1. Props and rotating blades (always be aware of them)
2. Lifting heavy objects (always ask for help)
3. Taxing
4. Taking off
5. Landing
6. FlyingA while back (summer of 2006), a fellow RAMM member found the ugly end of the propeller on his OS FS-70 II (four stroke, full throttle, 14" dia prop) - his left hand was cut up pretty bad. Please keep this in mind as a safety "conscience" reminder.
For the gory pictures click here.
Please keep these rules & reminders in mind and fly fun,
fly long, and fly safe.