Field Etiquette

Proper field etiquette contributes to safety and to a fun flying experience at Stillwell Woods Park.

Introduction

The flying field is owned and maintained by Nassau County. Members of Long Island Silent Flyers club are authorized to fly certain aircraft models provided they maintain membership in the Academy Of Model Aeronautics, and obtain a permit from the Department Of Parks and Recreation. Permitted models include non-powered and electric powered gliders, electric powered park flyers and rubber powered models.

Etiquette At The Flying Field

The following is being provided for members and guests in the interest of safety, security, and good sportsmanship.

What To Bring Along

• Nassau County Permit

• AMA card (reminder: AMA rules apply at the field)

• Clothespin(s) labeled with your name and transmitter frequency(s)

Entering The Site

• Lock the gate behind you.

• Stop at field boundary to check wind direction and location of other members already there.

• If you spot any flyers, drive around the field perimeter to their location, otherwise drive around the field perimeter to the extreme downwind side of the field.

CAUTION: Never drive across an active field, as this subjects you and others to possible injury from flying aircraft, or may cause damage to unseen equipment. Also, don’t park too close to any winch setup (believe it or not, launch mishaps have been known to occur.) A good rule of thumb is to maintain a 50 ft. clear area between vehicles and winches.

Before Flying

• If the frequency board is out, place your pin in the designated space (channel xx), and announce your frequency. If your channel is occupied, locate that flyer and make arrangements for time sharing.

• If the board isn’t out, announce your frequency to all present to ensure there is no conflict; if there is, make arrangements for shared usage.

IMPORTANT: If you shoot someone down due to a frequency conflict, you just bought their plane!

Launching And Landing

• Before launching your model, observe what is going on around you, being especially aware of casual onlookers who may be unfamiliar with flight operations. Keep in mind that landing planes have right-of-way over all others and non-powered gliders have right-of-way over powered planes in all flight operations.

• If your observation indicates that others may be about to launch or land, announce your intention by calling out loudly, “LAUNCHING”, so all present are made aware.

• Powered planes should be launched at a safe distance away – about 50 ft minimum- from vehicles, winch setups, and observers. Launch into the oncoming wind, and avoid crossing winch lines.

• Avoid flying in the vicinity of glider launch trajectories.

• Though landing planes have priority, avoid landing at the same time as someone else, or when someone is about to launch. If this isn’t possible, call out loudly, “LANDING!” so everyone present is aware.

Caution: Be extra vigilant when entering an active field to retrieve your plane. Be especially aware of winch lines, launch areas, and any flying planes that might suddenly descend into your path. Never linger in the flying area.

Wrapping It Up

• Don’t forget to remove your pin from the frequency board. (CAUTION: First make certain your radio is turned off.)

• Unless you’re the last to leave, don’t drive across the active field.

• Lock the gate behind you.

Special Note About Winches

Certain LISF members voluntarily retain custody of club winches. They provide a valuable service which benefits all members, and in large part allows the club to continue functioning. Setting up and breaking down winch systems is laborious and time consuming. Keep this in mind, and offer assistance to these individuals as a small way of saying thank you.

We Hope You Have A Great Day With LISF At Stillwell Park!