Read the statement below before you reserve a flight time.

 

 

 

Statements about the current situation and its implications

​

​

The risks from contracting this virus are clearly known; infection may result in death at worst, or minor, ranging to major, medical complications

The risks are exacerbated if an individual already suffers from one or more serious medical conditions

The virus is easily passed in droplets from coughs, sneezes, speech or by physical contact with contaminated surfaces or human contact

The impact of infection is generally worse as the age of the infected person increases, but this is not to be relied upon as a guarentee younger persons will not suffer severe symptoms or worse if infected

While a return to model flying is now possible it cannot be considered as being business as usual

A trip to the flying site to socialise with more than one other member is not permitted under the current government advice

You may not make arrangements to meet a group of other members to go flying

You may not invite guests to fly with you

Model flying within the current restrictions is a solo activity. Note - this does not mean that if anyone else is present at the flying site you must go home, but gatherings must be avoided, and social distancing maintained

Remember when you go flying you are not there to meet up with others, you are there to fly your aircraft; nothing else.  Do not mingle with other people and always respect social distancing guidance, to ensure you maintain a safe distance

Turn up, fly, go home

If in any doubt, stay at home.

​

Precautions

The following are actions required by every member wishing to fly, and restrictions that are imposed upon him :

If a flyer is unwell for any reason they must not turn up or attempt to fly; this especially applies if a member has reason to suspect (s)he, or a member of their household, is showing symptoms which might indicate Covid-19 infection. These include

• a raised temperature (>37.8 C),

• a persistent and unusual (for the individual) cough,

• a sudden and unexplained loss of taste/smell

• chills

• repeated shaking with chills

• muscle pain

• headache

• sore throat

These are not exhaustive symptoms but some of the most reliable indicators. Note; fitness to fly was already a requirement before commencing any flight, be it model or full size, but this is an additional requirement placed on the flyer. To be absolutely clear - he or she must not risk infecting others if they have any reason to suspect they, or those living with them, may themselves be infected. Again, if in any doubt, stay at home.

It is imperative that the number of flyers present at one time is compatible with the available space and maintaining social distancing. Government guidelines state this as a minimum of 2 metres at any time between individuals not from the same household. Given the available space in the pits, this means a maximum of five members may be present at any one time. This allows for two members along each pit side and one member at the head of the pits. This gives between 3 and 4 metres separation between each individual flyer in the pits. These separation distances will be marked in the pits and on the pilot line once we have an opportunity to visit the site.

 

The restriction to four concurrent flyers will be reduced to three. This allows for a minimum of three metres separation between flyers on the pilot line.

A booking system will be implemented. This will be accessible from the club website. This will allow members to prebook flying 'slots' of two hours duration. It will not be permissible to turn up or fly without having booked a slot. There will be thirty minutes between slots to allow departing members to clear their equipment away and arriving members utilising the new slot to arrive and set up.

If a slot is missed for any reason, including but not solely owing to unsuitable weather or inability to attend during the slot for any reason, the slot will be lost and no allowance will be made to make up that lost flying time.

Members should avoid close contact with all other site users (other members, general public and Military Personnel), maintaining social distancing at all times.

If interested members of the public approach the pits or flying area direct them politely to a safe area to view and, if necessary, discuss the aspects of model flying they are interested in. Do not allow them, particularly children who like to investigate, to touch the models or other equipment and always maintain a minimum two metres spacing between them and yourself.

Members must bring their own hand-sanitising equipment, and should wear nitrile/latex/vinyl gloves when handling the gate and lock during entry and exit from the site, or when handling any site maintenance equipment; e.g. shovels and buckets when removing mole hills.

Sharing of model flying equipment and aircraft is not permitted.

When driving to the car parking area keep car windows closed to avoid any chance of close contact with other members of the public.