June 2019

  

The intent of this authorization is to demonstrate the ability to safely operate multirotor “drone” racing activities in a controllable manner as to afford safe operations, demonstrate knowledge of these guidelines and field airspace limitations.  The perspective pilot(s) must maintain safe operation of their aircraft at all times including during preflight, flight and post flight operations.

 

RI Aeromodelers Club (RIAC) is primarily a fixed wing club.  As such, these activities shall be conducted solely in what will be known as the “Drone Basin” moving forward and shall NOT interfere with any fixed wing or helicopter operations on or around the main runways and related airspace at Beattie Field under any circumstances.  Operations shall be conducted in conformance with ALL restrictions, rules, and guidelines as outlined below and contained in RIAC Rules and Bylaws.  This authorization is at and under the control/vote of the fixed wing members of the RI Aeromodelers Club, Inc. only.

 

Any violation of the guidance contained herein shall be considered a major safety violation.  If  three (3) or more documented violations occur, this authorization for drone racing and the use of the basin at Beattie Field will be automatically revoked. 

 

Rules/Guidelines:

 

1. Flight Operations under this authorization shall be confined to the “Drone Basin” only as illustrated below.

2. There shall be NO interference with fixed wing operations at Beattie Field at any time.

3. Pilots, Spotters, Observers, and Spectators MUST be under a protective tent/cage when operating at the Basin 

4. Pilots/spotters needing to recover an aircraft, place, repair, or remove a gate or other item in the Basin during fixed wing or helicopter operations on the main runways must fly a Safety Flag visible from the fixed wing flight line so pilots know that someone is walking in the basin.  It is recommended that a reflective vest and hardhat be worn while outside the protective enclosure and active fixed wing operations are ongoing.

5. Drone Basin Pilots must maintain awareness of fixed wing operations at all times.

6. Multi-Rotor Racing operations shall be confined within the Drone Basin only.

7. No drone shall exceed 30’ AGL from the basin floor (approximately ½ way up the trees at the southwest side of the field so as to remain completely clear of the departure and approach path airspace at the SW end of the NE/SW runway (and related fixed wing operational area).

8. All Events must be planned and coordinated through the RIAC Event Manager and/or the Board of Directors.

9. All pilots (members and guest pilots) must be current AMA members.

10. All pilots must be a current RIAC member and have passed the multi-rotor pilot flight test. (Initial membership will be limited to twenty (20) members - (Except during RIAC board sanctioned events).

11. Each operating member is allowed two (2) guests at any given time for drone flight operations. (Similar to fixed wing guest limitation).

12. There shall be NO commercial use of Beattie Field for any reason including delivery of any commercial curriculum or class.

13. Each pilot/drone operating/using FPV (first person view) operations must be done only with a qualified safety spotter.  One spotter per pilot/drone.  A single spotter is NOT allowed to spot for two pilots simultaneously.  “Qualified” spotter in this case is another fully rated (AMA) multirotor pilot.

14. Operations over or south of Division Rd, above the altitude restriction noted in (7.), or outside the boundaries of the basin shall be considered a major safety violation.

15. All vehicles shall be parked in the Beattie Field Parking Lot only as designated.

16. Temporary safety tents, chairs, tables, etc. set-up for basin operations shall be placed for flight operations at the basin and completely removed once flight operations are complete.

17. No more than four (4) active pilots can be operating in the race basin simultaneously at any time. 

 

  

 

Authorization Requirements - (ALL maneuvers to be accomplished successfully while maintaining an altitude below 30’ above ground level (AGL))

 

1. Knowledge: The applicant will have to verbally explain the rules/guidelines and define the boundaries of the flight area and be able to remain within them at all times during flight.

 

2. Take-Off: The take-off should be performed straight up from the landing area, at a constant rate of climb, with little lateral deviation.

 

3. Stationary Hovering: Remain in a stationary hover, out of ground effect, with little lateral movement, and long enough to prove full control (time in hover will be left to the discretion of the instructor/examiner).
 

4. Forward Flight: Must be able to fly in a left-hand and a right-hand pattern for at least two circuits. This flight should give the appearance of being under total control at all times.

 

5. Landing: Demonstrate landing within an assigned designated landing area (to be selected by the instructor/examiner).  Must be capable of transitioning from forward flight to landing in a safe and efficient manner.

 

 

 

Model Name: _____________________________ Type: ____________________________

                                                            (Multi-Rotor)

 

 

 

 

EACH CANDIDATE MUST EXHIBIT PROFICIENCY IN THE ABOVE MANEUVERS WHILE BEING OBSERVED BY AN RIAC AUTHORIZED INSTRUCTOR AND A SAFETY OFFICER OR CLUB OFFICER/OFFICIAL.  UPON SATISFACTORY COMPLETION, THE EXAMINEE WILL RECEIVE THEIR AUTHORIZATION TO FLY MULTIROTOR AIRCRAFT AT THE DRONE BASIN at BEATTIE FIELD.  

 

 

 

Candidate Name: ______________________________ AMA ___________________

 

Observed By: ______________________________ Date: ___________________

 

Observed By: ______________________________ Date: ___________________

NOTE: After completing this form, turn it in to any club officer for updating of club record

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Drone Basin Safe Fly Zone