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C) Establish and use the active runway
direction. The wind direction usually sets the active runway since we
always take off into the wind. However, if you don't know for sure, ask
one of the pilots on station.
Pilots should use the active runway
heading for takeoffs and for low and high passes that are directly over
the runway. Midair collisions are less likely and accidental contact
between models produces less severe damage if the models are flying in
the same direction.
For calm winds, pilots may decide to set the active
runway as that from which the wind blows most often. Find out what the
convention is, if any, at your flying site. Any direction of flight
would be expected in areas away from the runway.
The active runway
heading for our flight is toward the southwest. I will get the airplane
airborne and trimmed out. Then I will have you set your trim switches in
the same position as mine and let you try some easy turns.
As the
airplane lifts off, it tends to turn to the left. I compensate with
right rudder to maintain a straight heading. We want to fly a straight
line along the extension of the runway centerline to keep our aircraft
from wandering over the pit and spectator areas. The airplane should
never be flown behind us. Remember that isolation of the overflight area
and the spectator areas is one of our levels of safety.
D) Fly inside
the box. In some workplace environments people are encouraged to think
"outside the box." This is good practice for innovative thought,
developing new processes, and for think tanks.
However, "inside the box"
is good for model-aircraft flying; it is covered in AMA Radio Control
Safety Code sections 1, 4, 7, and 8. These items discuss the physical
separation of model-aircraft operation and nonflying activities
including spectating.
Restricting flight operations to inside the
flight-operations box prevents pilots from flying over other pilots"
heads or over the pit-preparation area where other pilots and spectators
may be working or observing.
Click on photo to view large image with caption
E) Keep the model in sight. This may sound
too simple to even discuss, but it can be a problem for novice fliers.
Beginners tend to delay making turns with the aircraft, which can result
in getting the model out on the fringe of visibility. (It happens
quickly!)
Flying within the defined flight-operations box, you will be
able to clearly see the model and its orientation. If the airplane is
farther away than 1,000 feet, thus outside the box, it becomes more
difficult to determine orientation and flight direction.
To enjoy the
flight visually and to safely control the model, you must be able to see
it. So keep your model in close during flight operations.
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