If you are thinking of changing frequency at our field this link may help you decide which channel is for you click here
On this page you will find the latest news letter followed by our rules and club constitution
FEBUARY 2010 NEWS LETTER
Hi folks. A new year and the first newsletter of the season. Hopefully this cold spell will soon be gone and we can get down to some serious flying.
On the reverse of this news sheet is the calendar of some of the events for this season. If you have a scale model, bring it to the club scale day in July. Just an easy little competition. Models will be judged stand off scale from 3 mtrs for build, finish, overall appearance and a scale like flight. On this day we will also have the heli comp. which proved to be very popular last year. If aerobatics are your interest then the aerobatic day in September is a must. Easy competitions and a chance for “A certificate” holders to practice and fly “B certificate” manoeuvres.
Don’t forget, the first Wednesday of each month during the Summer is club night at the field. The second Tuesday of the month is the night when your committee meet so if you have anything you would like to be discussed please advise a committee member accordingly.
You eagle eyed surfers may have noticed that the club now has a new web site at www.hoea.co.uk. Thanks go to John Corden who has taken on the monumental task of redesigning and keeping the site up to date. If you would like to see anything included on the site then John can be contacted at web@hoea.co.uk
On a more serious note.
You will also find a map of the fly and no fly zones at the field on the club page. The area to the right of the pits area is designated for heli hovering and flying of light park flyers, i.e. shock flyers etc. Unfortunately, instead of using the main strip, some members have been using that area for flying larger “foamies”. This type of model being larger and heavier tends to take up a larger flying envelope with the result that on several occasions foamies have been flown from the hovering area and found flying over the main strip in the opposite direction to other models being flown from the pilot box. You don’t need to be a brain surgeon to know what is going to happen. These actions have to cease, so if you decide to operate models from the hovering area, on no account must you fly anywhere near the main strip.
IMPORTANT
On Sunday 28st February the combinations of the main and field gates will be changed.
From The Chair
Here we go again and already the year is gathering pace. I don’t know about you but I haven’t done much flying so far, must be getting older with the effects of cold days taking their toll.
As we gear up to start the main flying season, there was plenty of things to talk about at our recent committee meetings, The AGM at the end of the year seems so far away and for those who could not make it, you again missed a good evening with plenty of debate. Several suggestions were received from the floor which we are actively looking into – watch this space and if you have some ideas - let us know.
If you have been down the field recently you cannot fail to notice the new bench and charging stations which thanks to Mark, Ian and Jason now gives us a much increased capacity for model/battery charging – cheers chaps!
Finally, as I rush off to put things on charge, make a note in your diaries for the 2010 season activities. See you at the field and if I look confused, spare a though for an older dog trying to learn new tricks with a new transmitter – does anyone speak JR ?!!!
Steve
HEART OF ENGLAND AEROMODELLERS 2010 RULES
BYLAWS
1 The flying site (the runway centre) is located at OS Grid Reference SP 21611 81145”
2 Flying times are Monday to Friday 11.00 - 20.00 hr, An extension of 1hr weekdays until 21:00hr for electric models only, as approved by a member of the committee, Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays 11.00 - 18.00 hr.
3 The Annual subscription shall be £56.00 senior club membership plus applicable BMFA subscription. The junior membership fee shall be £13.00 plus applicable BMFA subscription.
Family membership (Head of household) shall be as club senior, £28.00 club fee for a Spouse / partner, plus applicable BMFA subscription, and the junior fee will be £13.00 club, plus applicable BMFA subscription. There will be a joining fee of £45.00 for all new senior members and £10.00 for junior and family members.”
4 The club committee shall not dispose of more than 40% of the Annual income of the club (excluding BMFA subscription) on a single item without reference to the membership of the AGM, EGM, or by postal communication.
5 The Treasurer shall dispose of up to £50.00 at any one time on his own authority but any Cheque drawn on the club accounts will require Two signatures, being those of the Treasurer and either the Chairman or Secretary.
6 The Annual Account will be presented by the treasurer for consideration and approval at the committee meeting prior to the AGM
7 After the election of the committee at the AGM the names of the officers and the committee members will be published in the next newsletter.
8 Child Protection / Vulnerable Adult Policy
Hearts of England Aeromodellers has a Child / Vulnerable Adult protection policy.
This policy is directly adopted from the British Model Flying Association policy, a copy of which can be obtained from BMFA office, downloaded from the BMFA website, or upon request from the club secretary
RULES
1 Fixed wing pilots are not permitted to fly solo without possessing the minimum standard of proficiency for fixed wing model aircraft, which is the BMFA (A) certificate
Instruction will only be undertaken with the “Buddy-box “system of control. Instructors Must hold a current CRB enhanced disclosure and BMFA (B) certificate, ((A) certificate at the discretion of the committee.)
1a No member will be allowed to fly models over 7 (Seven) kg from the club-flying site unless, documentary evidence can be produced to the satisfaction of the committee that said member has sought and obtained the necessary permission from Birmingham Air Traffic Control in accordance with the Air Navigation Order 76. That the model complies with CAA guidelines and the pilot holds a BMFA (B) certificate.
2 Rotary wing pilots must demonstrate their ability to fly a rotary wing model to a standard considered to be safe by a club official before being permitted to fly solo.”
3 The club uses its Membership Card and a frequency board as a method of frequency control. The club uses two fields in close proximity.
The frequency channels allocated to each field must be Strictly adhered to.
The club membership card with the pilot’s name is placed on the frequency board, IF the frequency is available. A frequency pennant must be displayed on your transmitter at all times when your transmitter is to be used.
No transmitter can be switched on unless that frequency is available, the appropriate membership card has been placed on the frequency board and there is complete understanding of the method of frequency control.
The use of DSC (direct servo control) without switching on the transmitter is not permitted without conforming to such frequency control. Members who fly with PCM radio MUST before each flying session make sure that the “FAILSAFE” is set to reduce the Throttle to tick-over in the event of radio interference.
4 All models must conform to the DOE recommendation that noise emission must not exceed 82dba at 7 meters. The club appreciates the invalidity of noise measurements, and requires that if any model, in the opinion of Two members of the committee is excessively noisy, then that member will be asked to cease flying that model, and after modification, can only be flown at the club site when it has again been assessed by two members of the committee. A member subject to this restriction may appeal to the committee, and if requested by the member, noise measurements will be undertaken.
5 For fixed wing aircraft: Take off and landings must be done from the runway. A pilot whilst flying a fixed wing model must stand in the pilot’s box adjacent to the runway. While flying activity is taking place, a pilot and his/her helper may only enter the runway as long as is necessary for take-off and to retrieve a model.
5a For rotary wing aircraft: Take off and landings must normally be done from the runway or other mown area provided for this purpose.
6 All non-flying equipment must be kept in the Pitts
7 Where there are Two or more pilots flying, then left hand circuits should normally be flown. A maximum of Six Aircraft are permitted to be flown at any given time.
8 Prospective new members must be interviewed by the committee before membership is considered. A Twelve-month probation period will be served by all new members, during which the committee may at its option decide to terminate the new member’s membership.
9 Club membership cards should be carried at the field, and inspection may be requested by any other member, and by our landlord or one of his representatives.
10 No vehicle shall be taken into the field. After use the gates should be securely closed. The main gate MUST be re-locked at all times when passed through. A speed limit of 15 mph must be observed along the lane between the main gate and the field.
11 No model shall be flown in a reckless or dangerous manner. No model shall be flown outside the relevant zones marked for flying on the site maps provided by, and amended from time to time by the committee. No model shall be flown over any person(s).
12 No model will be flown during field maintenance or cultivation (Whole field)
13 If any member observes an incident (whether they are involved or not) at the flying club where a person(s) and/or animal(s) is injured or their safety is compromised or property is damaged they must bring the incident to the attention of a club official.
14 If it becomes necessary to retrieve a model from crops, use tractor tramlines to minimize damage to crop
15 All members will be responsible for their guest whilst on the flying site, and must ensure that said guest completes relevant details in the visitor book (situated in the club caravan) before flying. The Guest must use a current BMFA membership card on the frequency board, guests who cannot provide a current BMFA membership card will not be allowed to use the club facilities
All Guests are subject to and must abide by the club rules; said guest would be allowed use the club facilities on THREE Occasions during any annum
Children must be supervised at all times by a Parent / Guardian whilst on the flying site
HEART OF ENGLAND AEROMODELLERS CONSTITUTION 2010
1 THE NAME
The club shall be called
THE HEART OF ENGLAND AEROMODELLERS
2 THE OBJECT
The object of the club shall be the provision of model flying facilities for all forms of model aircraft, the propagation of aeromodelling in all its forms and for the social intercourse of members.
3 MEMBERSHIP
The club shall consist of not more than EIGHTY ordinary members.
Family membership is available to families living at the same address. To qualify for family membership one full senior member must register as (Head of Family), A spouse / partner and all children under 18 years of age, can then register as family members, at a reduced fee. Apart from registered senior members, Junior, and family members are not classified as full members for voting purposes.
4 MANAGMENT
The club shall be managed by a committee of SEVEN members. There are THREE office holding committee members. The Chairman, The Secretary, The Treasurer, and these officers will be elected at an Annual General Meeting and subject to termination of office by resignation or otherwise, shall remain in office for a TWO year period until their successors are elected at the annual general meeting, following their election.
The FOUR ex officio members of the committee are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. The committee has the power to fill any casual vacancy that may occur. The retiring members of the committee shall be eligible for re-election.
5 SUBSCRIPTIONS
The club is affiliated to the B.M.F.A. and insurance cover is included in their annual membership fee. Unless the member is already a B.M.F.A. member the Annual subscription for members shall be £56.00 club membership, £29.00 B.M.F.A. membership, Junior members under 18 years of age £13.00 club membership and £15.00 B.M.F.A. membership. Family membership when 1 full senior member registers, a spouse / partner and all children under 18 years of age may join at a reduced rate, (specified in the bylaws). Subscriptions shall fall due on the 1st day in January in every year. The club subscription can only be varied if approved by members at the A.G.M.
6 ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF OTHER CLUBS
The committee shall have power to elect members of other clubs to use and enjoy the premise and facilities of the club as visitors for a period not exceeding FOUR visits in ONE calendar MONTH. Such visitors shall not be entitled to vote at any meeting of the members.
7 ENTRANCE FEES
Such entrance fees as the committee may determine, currently £45.00 shall be payable by any Senior Candidate who has been elected as a member and shall be paid with the first annual subscription, junior and family members shall pay a reduced rate. No candidate who has been elected as a member shall be entitled to the privileges of membership until payment of the entrance fee and first annual subscription. If such entrance fee and subscription are not paid within 1 month after notice shall have been sent informing the member of his election, such election shall be void.
8 POSTING OF MEMBERS NAMES
The names of all members whose current subscription shall not have been paid before the first day of JANUARY in any year, and to neglect to comply with the written request for payment, within seven days, after the same has been sent to them, shall be posted on the notice board of the club and such members shall cease to be members on the expiration of such seven days unless a reason satisfactory to the committee shall be given for the delay.
9 APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
All applications for membership shall be made in writing, and shall be signed by the candidate, and the election shall be at the discretion of the committee, an interval of at least Two days shall elapse between submission of an application for membership and election as a member.
A member desiring to withdraw from the club can either give notice in writing to the Secretary or will have deemed to have resigned by not paying his current subscription within the statutory period.
10 EXPULSION
The committee shall have the power to expel any member who shall offend against the Rules or Bylaws of the club, and whose conduct shall in the opinion of the committee render him unfit for membership of the club. Before any such member is expelled, the Secretary shall give him Seven days written notice to attend a meeting of the committee, and shall inform him of the complaints made against him. No member shall be expelled without first having the opportunity of appearing before the committee and answering complaints made against him, nor unless Two Thirds of the committee then present vote in favour of his expulsion.
No member whose membership has been terminated under this rule or owes money to the club shall be introduced by any other member as a visitor to any part of the club premises.
11 ALTERATION OF THE RULES
The committee shall have the power to alter the rules, and those rule changes required for reasons of safety, will be effective immediately after the rule change has been posted in the club caravan and on the notice board in the flying field. Such rule changes will not become permanent, and no other alteration to the rules shall take effect until the same has been confirmed at the Annual General Meeting, or at a special meeting convened for the purpose.
12 BYLAWS
After Reference to the AGM or EGM, the committee shall have the power to make Bylaws for regulating the conduct and affairs of the club providing the same are not inconsistent with these rules.
Such Bylaws shall be posted in some conspicuous part of the club premises and shall be binding on all members.
13 GENERAL MEETINGS
A General meeting of the club shall be held in every year not later than the 10th day of December to transact the following business:-
(1) To receive and if approved adopt a statement of the clubs accounts to
the end of the proceeding year.
(2) To appoint an auditor or auditors.
(3) To consider and approve, sanction any alteration of the rules.
(4) To appoint the officers and other members of the committee.
(5) To deal with any special matter which the committee desires to bring
before the members and to receive suggestion from members for consideration by the committee.
Notice convening the General meeting shall be sent to the members or posted in some conspicuous part of the club premises not less than Ten days before the meeting and shall specify the matters to be dealt with.
14 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
A special or extraordinary meeting shall be convened within twenty one days from the receipt of the requisition writing signed by not less than Ten members specifying the object of the meeting for any one of the following purposes: -
(1) To consider and if approved, sanction any duly made alteration of the rules.
(2) To deal with any special matter which the committee or any of its members may desire to place before the members.
(3) To remove any member or members of the committee from office and to fill any vacancy caused by such removal.
(4) To deal with any special matter which the member requiring the committee may desire to place before the club.
Notice convening a Special General Meeting shall be sent to members or posted in some conspicuous part of the club premises not less than Seven days before the meeting to specify the matters to be dealt with.
15 CHAIRMANS CASTING VOTE AT COMMITTEE MEETINGS
At committee meetings and at general meetings, the Chairman shall be elected to preside, and shall have a casting or addition vote, in the event of an equity vote.
16 QUORUMS
At committee meetings four members shall form a quorum.
At General meetings Eighteen members shall form a quorum.
Junior, and family members may attend general meetings but they shall not be entitled to vote, and they shall not be counted as part of the necessary quorum.