BRITISH MODEL FLYING ASSOCIATION
A GUIDE TO SAFE HELICOPTER FLYING
ISSUED FREE OF CHARGE ON REQUEST
FIRST ISSUE DECEMBER 2002
This Supplementary Safety Code for all model helicopters should be used in conjunction with and in addition to the BMFA hand book
1. The assembly of any model helicopter demands a high level of mechanical understanding. Particular note should be taken to any instruction to use loctite during assembly. Newcomers to the hobby are recommended to have an experienced builder check his or her work before test flying.
2. Particular attention should be paid to the radio installation. Servos should be installed with the manufacturers recommended accessories. Receiver and gyro control boxes should be wrapped in soft foam to protect them from vibration. Servo and battery wires should be carefully routed away from moving parts.
3. The potential danger from high speed rotating parts on a model helicopter should never be under estimated. Particular attention should be paid to the main and tail rotor blades.
4. Never bend over a model helicopter with loose clothing or transmitter neck strap.
5. Most composite rotor blades do not require balancing before use, but a simple check may reduce the chance of unwanted vibration. Wooden main rotor blades should be checked for balance, even if factory finished. Atmospheric conditions will change the balance of wooden blades as they take on or lose moisture.
6. Wooden blades should never be operated without additional root support in the form of a moulded or wooden doubler that should be securely bonded to the blade.
7. Never run your helicopter without main blades fitted, even during early adjustments. Restraining or holding the helicopter while adjusting the settings is strictly forbidden.
8. Never run up or hover your helicopter in or near the pit area.
9. When starting your helicopter one hand should always restrain the rotor head. If you don't feel comfortable holding the head while operating a starter, get someone else to help during starting. Either way, never release the rotor head before the helicopter is placed on the ground a safe distance from the pits or other pilots.
10. When flying your helicopter pay attention to other people on or surrounding your flying area. Never over-fly persons or property.
11. Pilots are strongly advised not to attempt to fly a model helicopter in a restricted space i.e. back gardens.
12. If flying at a mixed flying site careful thought should go into the use of the airspace in which the helicopters are operating. If hovering, helicopters should occupy a space that gives priority to fixed-wing for take-offs and landings. Due to different flying characteristics between helicopters & fixed-wing models when flying circuits, a slot system should be considered.
13. Main & tail shafts should be cleaned and lubricated at the end of each flying session. Make sure exposed gears are cleaned and back-lash is adjusted correctly.
14. The operation of electric helicopters should be handled with extreme care due to the high currents involved.
15. Be careful with the use of metal hydride batteries for airborne packs. A nicad pack will show a gradual loss of voltage on a battery checker over a period of time. Metal hydride packs appear to be fully charged but can drop voltage dramatically without warning.
16. The use of a battery checker is highly recommended.
17. Modern digital servos have a much higher current drain. You will therefore need to re-charge the receiver nicad more often.
18. Turbine powered model helicopters are very specialised. The operation of a model jet turbine should never be attempted without a fire extinguisher present. Extra care should be taken with spectators standing at least 4 metres away from the helicopter during starting. NEVER allow anyone to stand near to the exhaust system during start up in case of a "Hot Start". For further details on the operation of gas turbines refer to the GTBA Safety Code, issued free of charge on request from the BMFA.
19. New pilots are strongly advised to seek advice from experienced pilots either in a club or flying school environment.