Flying Field Guidelines | Wright Flyers

These guidelines supplement—not replace—the club Constitution and By-Laws, current FAA regulations, and applicable AMA safety guidance. New-field-specific access and operating procedures must be confirmed by club officers.

Purpose

These guidelines are a practical companion to the Wright Flyers Constitution and By-Laws. They help pilots prepare, share the field safely, protect visitors, and enjoy model aviation responsibly. The guidelines do not amend or supersede the club’s governing documents, applicable law, or applicable FAA-recognized community-based organization safety guidelines. They are not a certification or endorsement by the FAA or AMA.

Wright Flyers is preparing a new flying-field location. Pilots must obtain current, club-confirmed directions, site boundaries, runway layout, operating hours, and access procedures before using the new field. This general safety reference does not establish those site-specific procedures.

1 Membership and pilot readiness

Maintain current Wright Flyers membership and AMA membership as required by the club Constitution and By-Laws. Submit the club membership application each year.
For recreational operations, complete the FAA Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) and carry proof of completion when flying.
Register and mark aircraft when FAA registration is required; carry proof of registration and meet applicable Remote ID requirements unless a lawful exception applies.
Follow the safety guidelines of an FAA-recognized community-based organization and all applicable FAA airspace rules. Check airspace restrictions and any necessary authorizations before flying.
New pilots should arrange instruction or a checkout before flying alone, as required by the club’s existing bylaws.

2 Before every flight

Inspect the airframe, propeller or rotor system, control surfaces, linkages, battery or fuel system, and secured components for safe operation.
Confirm correct transmitter model selection, control directions, failsafe behavior, battery status, and reliable radio control before takeoff.
Observe weather, wind, visibility, and field conditions. Postpone a flight when the aircraft or pilot cannot operate safely.
Identify the active runway or launch area, pilot positions, spectator area, parking area, and any temporarily closed sections of the field.
Before arming or starting a motor, keep people clear of propellers and rotors and securely restrain the model where appropriate.

3 Takeoff, flight, and landing

Fly only within the approved field boundaries and operating areas established by the club and property owner. Confirm the new-field boundary map and operating area with club officers before flying.
Maintain the required visual line of sight for recreational flying, or use a co-located visual observer in direct communication with the pilot as allowed by FAA rules.
Give way to all crewed aircraft. Descend or land promptly when needed to avoid interference.
Use clear verbal calls for takeoffs, landings, and unusual conditions. Give priority to a pilot announcing a dead-stick or other emergency landing.
Do not fly over spectators, pit areas, or parking areas, consistent with the current club field rules. Maintain separation from people and property.
Stay within applicable FAA altitude limits and the restrictions of the local airspace; do not assume that a club field permits unrestricted flights.

4 Aircraft types and special operations

The existing Wright Flyers field rules prohibit turbine-powered aircraft and first-person-view (FPV) piloted aircraft. These provisions remain in the 2022 governing document; any change for the new field requires an authorized club decision. Do not assume that a change in location automatically removes these restrictions.

Electric, glow, gas, helicopter, and other permitted model types must meet applicable AMA/FAA and club safety requirements.
The existing field rules require adequate mufflers on glow/gas engines and state a maximum sound level of 95 dB at 3 meters at 9,000 RPM. Confirm site-specific enforcement procedures with club officers.
Do not assume an exception for FPV, turbines, night operations, or other special activities without an officially adopted club decision and any required FAA authorization.

5 Guests, visitors, and shared field courtesy

Guests should coordinate with a club member before flying. The current bylaws limit guest flying to no more than three occasions, except as otherwise specified for club-sponsored activities; applicable credentials remain required.
Keep spectators and children in designated safe areas; supervise visitors and explain active flight operations.
Share pilot stations and flight time courteously, especially during busy sessions. Help new pilots and visitors understand field practices.
Clean up after flying. Remove trash, damaged model parts, and batteries; report hazards to a club officer.
The existing rules prohibit alcoholic beverages at the landfill. Follow the restrictions established by the club and property owner at the field being used.

6 Incidents and emergencies

If an aircraft becomes unsafe or control is uncertain, announce the condition and prioritize a safe landing away from people.
For injuries, fire, or other serious emergencies, contact local emergency services as needed and notify a club officer. Do not delay urgent assistance.
Do not retrieve a downed aircraft from restricted or unsafe property without required permission and a safe recovery plan.
Report significant incidents, property damage, or unsafe conditions promptly to club leadership. Cooperate with any applicable FAA, AMA, or property-owner reporting requirements.

7 Field access and operating hours

The Constitution and By-Laws (Revision 4, 2022) describe landfill gate procedures, daybreak-to-dusk operation, and a Sunday noon restriction for internal-combustion engines at the prior site. Those provisions are part of the existing document, but their application to the new field has not been independently confirmed. Use only current access, parking, operating-hour, and emergency procedures communicated by authorized club officers; do not treat the old landfill instructions as directions to the new location.

8 Club stewardship

Treat other pilots, officers, nearby residents, and property-owner personnel respectfully.
Follow reasonable field directions from authorized club officers and immediately address unsafe practices.
Use these guidelines together with the Constitution and By-Laws, applicable FAA requirements, and the current AMA safety guidance. If requirements conflict, seek clarification before flying rather than assuming permission.

Document status: 2026 webmaster publication edition. This document is a practical guidance resource; it is not a formally adopted amendment to the club Constitution and By-Laws. Site-specific field instructions must be confirmed by club officers. Published guidance may be revised when the club adopts new field procedures.

References and document status

Club source: Wright Flyers Club, “Constitution and By-Laws,” Revision 4 (2022), especially Article 3 (membership), Article 4 (officer duties), and field rules and safety regulations on pages 6–7. These guidelines organize and paraphrase those provisions; the Constitution and By-Laws remain the authoritative club document.

FAA references (checked November 2026): Recreational Flyers & Community-Based Organizations, https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers ; Remote Identification, https://www.faa.gov/uas/getting_started/remote_id ; Airspace Authorizations, https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_flyers/authorization . Consult the FAA for current operating requirements.

AMA reference: Academy of Model Aeronautics Safety Handbook, https://www.modelaircraft.org/sites/default/files/documents/100.pdf . General preparation and courtesy suggestions are recommendations, not a claim of separate club adoption or AMA endorsement.