Field Rules

General Rules

1. Usage is limited to radio controlled (R/C), control line (UC), and limited range uncontrolled hand launched air vehicles. Powered aircraft must use internal combustion engines, properly muffled, or electric motors.
2. Flight operations are normally restricted to daylight hours between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., seven (7) days a week.
3. Federal aviation administration (FAA) airspace safety rules apply to all airborne operations.
4. Authorized users may be accompanied at the EFR by one or more guests and shall be responsible for their proper conduct and safety.
5. All vehicles must remain in parking area except for a brief time while delivering or removing aircraft and equipment in pit area.
6. All persons using EFR are responsible for its overall condition and cleanliness. Do not litter. Place small waste matter in receptacles provided. Take large debris with you on departure.
7. No vehicles shall be driven on or across paved runway.
8. All those using roads to and within the EFR shall exercise responsible care and judgment to minimize wear and tear, especially during inclement weather. It may be prudent to wait for roads to dry and become firm.
9. For a limited time, persons receiving an instructional flight demonstration from a certified instructor are not required to have a valid AMA membership card.
10. Transient pilots with valid AMA membership cards will be permitted use of the facility within limitations authorized to SLO Flyers. Such courtesy is limited to three (3) visits.
11. No alcoholic beverages may be used or in sight on the EFR at any time, parking area included.
12. The pond is treated waste water, not potable. Aircraft landing there may be retrieved using safe, sanitary procedures. Never wade in or enter the pond. Throw nothing into the pond.

EFR Safety Rules

1. Safety rules of the FAA and AMA safety code apply at all times.
2. Be watchful of danger to others. Spectators, children, animals and less experienced pilots. All require special attention.
3. Avoid full scale aircraft at any cost.
4. Do not fly over pit area, flight line, or spectator areas.
5. Aircraft should be inspected for condition and control function before first flight each day.
6. Stay clear of all propellers. Make adjustments from a position behind propeller.
7. Aircraft fuel is highly flammable. Keep container closed when not in use If spilled, wipe it up. It softens the blacktop. No smoking when fueling or de-fueling.
8. Never attempt retrieval from power lines.
9. Follow all rules and regulations of the Flight Operation section.
10. Do not fly unless visibility and wind conditions are satisfactory for safe flying.

Flight Operation Rules

1. Courtesy, consideration and good judgment must be exercised. All flying must be in accordance with safe and reasonable practice. Review section on Safety for all applicable information. Student flyers should be given special consideration.
2. Before starting engine assure your frequency is secure. (See section on Radio and Frequency Control.) Position your aircraft so as not to endanger others or blow prop wash, dirt, etc., on others or their aircraft.
3. Do not break in an engine by prolonged operation in pit area. Go to a place remote to all EFR activities.
4. Pilots must occupy designated box on flight line throughout each flight. No more than two (2) people may attend each pilot and shall not annoy, obstruct or interfere with other pilots on the line.
5. Flight line courtesy to other pilots includes calling appropriate warnings, such as:

*Entering Runway
*Dead on Runway
*Ready for Take Off
*Ready to Land
*Dead Stick or Other Flight Emergency
*Runway Clear

6. No one may be on runway during flight operations except:

*Those directly involved in official Cal Poly Academic Research Programs requiring such access.
*Person or persons retrieving downed aircraft, in which event all pilots on line must be warned and understand before said retrieval is initiated.

7. Flight operations may be conducted anywhere within the over-fly airspace above and surrounding the EFR site, except spectator areas, pit area and flight line.
8. High speed passes over runway and touch and go landings may be performed only if no other pilot or aircraft is endangered or interfered with.
9. All property and/or personal damage/injury incurred or caused by a pilot shall be totally his responsibility.
10. All flyers must observe any flight pattern restrictions that have been posted.

Radio and Frequency Control

1. Radio systems and their operating frequencies will be controlled according to FCC and AMA rules at all times. Fifty radio channels have be assigned by the FCC and AMA for radio controlled aircraft. They are in the 72.01 to 72.99 MHz frequency band and are named Channels 11 through 60. The FCC and AMA do not require a license to operate radio systems in these Channels, but require that all radio transmitters must be “Narrow Band.” Note: Anyone using “HAM” frequencies for control must have a valid FCC operators license.
2. No radio transmitter shall be turned on at the EFR or within a three (3) mile radius thereof unless its Channel has been secured.
3. A frequency control board is located in the pit area of the EFR and all aircraft Channels are shown on the board. Each Channel number has its own card clip. The clips are used to secure a Channel.
4. To secure a Channel for your use, place your AMA or SLO Flyers membership card in the clip corresponding to the Channel desired. If the clip contains someone else’s card, the Channel is in use and you must wait until it is available. Only after your Channel has been secured by you may you turn on your radio equipment.
5. If a person turns on a transmitter whose Channel has not been secured thereby causing the pilot who has secured that Channel to crash his aircraft or otherwise cause damage, then said person will be totally responsible for all damage and/or injury.
6. Radio transmitters not in use shall be retained in an impound area. Make certain your transmitter is turned OFF when placed in the impound.
7. If others are waiting for your Channel, limit your usage to 15 minutes.
8. A radio system must be range checked prior to the first flight of a new or repaired airplane.
9. If the aircraft controls begin to glitch, jitter or buzz, turn the radio off and do not fly until the problem is corrected.