Hello, and welcome back to Scale Me Down, and to a special edition all about
Article 16 and the rules and regulations that govern us radio control model
flyers. Remember to like and subscribe to support the channel.
The rules that govern us are the air navigation order (ANO)
CAP722, and article 16 and that's mainly what this video is going to focus on.
The easiest way of finding the regulations is through the British Model
Flying Association (BMFA) website www.bmfa.org
For the regulation, model aircraft are split into different weight categories.
The first category is for models weighing less than 250 grams that are
not fitted with a camera. As you would imagine, there's very little
regulation for these very light models.
Most model flyers fit into the next band. That is from 250 grams to 7.5kg
when fully fueled.
To fly these models you should register with the CAA and get an Operator ID and
this should be displayed on your model.
This is where Article 16 comes in to allow us to fly above 400 feet.
To operate above 400 feet, the model must not be a multi-rotor,
and it must not be automated i.e not flown on autopilot
but helicopters are allowed. It must have a maximum takeoff weight i.e
with fuel of less than seven and a half kilograms,
or 14 kilograms if it's an unpowered glider.
You must be able to maintain unaided visual line of sight with the model.
You must not fly within 30 meters of uninvolved persons, or 15 meters for
takeoff and landing. You should take the online CAA test or hold
a BMFA A or B certificate. You should not fly within the Flight
Restriction Zone (FRZ) of an aerodrome. So what is an FRZ ?
It's a circle, centered on the aerodrome with a radius of either two, or two point
five nautical miles, and this is raised up into a cylinder that is two thousand
feet tall. Then there are additional boxes that are
five by one kilometer, centered on the ends of the runways, also up to two
thousand feet.
In practice, this is how the FRZ looks for my local airports
This complex airspace on this
aeronautical chart doesn't apply to us. When operating at heights which may
exceed 400 feet, it is essential that modellers maintain a good lookout for
manned aircraft. If a manned aircraft appears in the
vicinity, their model aircraft should be brought down to under 400 feet as
quickly as is safely practicable.
So what about bigger heavier models then ? The next band covers models from 7.5 to
25 kilograms in weight, fully fuelled. These models are limited to a maximum
height of 400 feet above the takeoff position, and should not be flown within
a horizontal distance of 50 meters of assemblies of uninvolved people.
This can be reduced to 30 meters for takeoff and landing.
It's a good exercise to pace out 400 feet and look how big your model will look
at this height.
This is a 2.2 meter span Multiplex Solius, paced out at 400 800 and 1000
feet
Remember, it's your responsibility to ensure that flights are made safely and
not to act recklessly, endanger aircraft, persons or property.
This film is only meant to be a guide, you should go and read the rules for
yourself.
I hope you found that useful and informative. Thanks for watching, and safe
flying