The past couple of weeks we have had a lot of SAFETY ISSUES at the feild. I am asking for everyone's help in this matter. I will not go in to big detail as this was talk about at the last club meeting. If anyone knows someone that we can purchase some new and bigger sign's at a good price for the feild let me know. Thank's for you.

How about a big neon rotating sign mounted on wind sock pole.

Below are the Irvington Field rules I C&Ped from club web site.
I see several that I am guilty of violating and I promise to do better at complying.


1. Open flames and smoking are not allowed anywhere on Irvington Field except in the pavilion and in the area between the pit fence and parking area. This is to comply with a stipulation in the lease agreement between Mobile County and ACMA.

2. All AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) safety code rules apply at Irvington Field, and during club events. The rules are posted in the pit area.

3. Only members of the AMA can fly at this flying site. Exceptions are newcomers who can fly with an ACMA member on a buddy-box for one flight only. Prospective members must apply for AMA membership immediately, even prior to becoming an ACMA member.

4. All transmitters must be impounded until the frequency pin can be obtained. No transmitters will be turned on unless the flier holds the frequency pin, and has posted his current AMA card on the frequency pin board. There is a 20-minute time limit on anyone holding a frequency pin.

5. Only narrow-band transmitters are allowed at lrvington Field. A frequency analyzer has shown that Channel 11 gets interference from an unknown source.

6. All non-electric powered models will have a functional muffler to reduce noise, unless they comply with the maximum 98 dB limit. The safety officer may rule on the question of noise.

7. When starting engines, models should be pointed in the direction of the runway, with props aligned along the pit area's east edge. Engines may not be started on the work benches in the shed.

8. All model aircraft shall be started with someone other than the pilot holding the plane, or with the use of a passive restraint. The restraining device shall be sturdy enough to restrain the aircraft at full throttle.

9. No plane or helicopter may taxi between the pit area and the runway. Planes that are too large or too heavy to be safely carried or pushed may be taxied from either end of the pit area to the nearest taxi way. You must set up your field equipment at that end of the pit area. Taxiing between the taxi ways and the center of the pit area is not permitted.

10. All powered aircraft must take off from, and land on the runway. This includes hand-launched models.

11. No more than five models will be flown at the same time, except during special club events. Pilots will stand on designated pads and should have an observer with them. No more than two observers may stand with a pilot while his or her plane is flying (includes instructor).

12. Because of the close proximity of the neighboring residence, there will be absolutely no flying allowed on the pit side (west) of the runway. Under no circumstances will pilots stand east of the runway and fly facing west to avoid looking into the morning sun.

13. High speed, low altitude passes over the asphalt runway are not allowed. Flying at high speed over the asphalt runway at an altitude lower than 50 ft. is prohibited.

14. Long duration engine runs (break-ins), and engine troubleshooting are to be accomplished at the downwind end of the pit fence.

15. Alcoholic beverages may not be consumed before a pilot flies at the field on a given day, and are not allowed east of the fence.

16. Flying must be postponed while grass cutting or any other maintenance is in progress east of the pit area. This includes maintenance done by ACMA members or County personnel.

17. Unsupervised children and pets are not allowed beyond the spectator areas, in the pit areas, around the pilot stations, on the runway, and in the entire area east of the runway.

18. Fliers will refrain from buzzing any birds, horses, pigs or other animals that may stray into the overfly areas, or that may be present in the south portion of the landfill not leased by ACMA.

Sounds like we need someone to start posting the minutes of the club meetings.. I can find out what I'm doing that way ;)

The only time I heard Jon's name mentioned was someone said "If we could all do like Jon does at field, we would have no problems" and many nods of agreement. Confidence is high that I heard correct.

Meeting minutes are in club newsletter.
I reckon Frits will get the minutes all caught up when we get another one.

But, at the last meeting, between trips to desert bar, I remember the following rules violations being discussed. It was nice discussion, no loud voices or tempers flared, no pising contests started. Everyone had their say.

Rules: 4, 7, 9, 10, 14, 17, and 14.

Jon Frit's is sending a e-mail copy to all club members.

They must have been talking about another Jon ;)

Looks like rule 14 was really getting hammered!!!

Another thing mentioned was about folks not calling RUNWAY when thay bring there planes out :no:

This is not a ruel, but it's a good thing to do :yes:

I didn't bring it up at the meeting because the subject was getting a little long winded :sleeping: , but maybe we need to ammend the rules to include calling out intentions when at or near the pilot boxes. :hmm:

I kind of like that the way it is... I think we need to save the rules for necessities. It's very easy to 'rule' everything and suck the fun right out. I do think it's good practice to call out takeoff or landing all though I know I don't do it all of the time.

Really there are a few things that happen semi regular that could be addressed...

Taking extra time on the runway.... When landing, try to taxi off of the runway as quick/safely as possible. This sometimes gets really bad when it's a deadstick.. We need to clear the runway and move back from the flight line then turn off the radio and check out the plane (I've been guilty of this!!!)

I know it's a rule but.... I hate seeing people carrying planes out to the runway. Radio in 1 hand and a spinning razor blade in the other just waiting for you to stumble ;^( That has always seemed highly unsafe to me. Just think, you stumble, hit the throttle to wide open, then fall on top of the plane :pirate:

Things I need to work on:

I do have a bad habit of holding my 'little' planes with 1 hand and starting with the other. I'm good at doing it but it only takes once

I do tend to keep the pin longer than 20 minutes... I pretty much know who is on my frequency but.... (hope i can switch to SS before long so this isn't an issue!!!)

You might be right Jon about making too many rules and taking away the fun, and that was mentioned also at the meeting. Maybe then just a list of Highly Suggested practices. If we all try to make them good habits, before too long we'll do them without even thinking about it. I am by no means trying to shrug off blame. I know I'm guilty of a few infractions myself (#14, and worst of all #1, something I need to quit altogether!).

Hey Tony.
Exactly what type, size, and how many signes do you need? :thumbup:

I know that I am guilty of a couple of the rules.I even made a few bad judgements.
The only thing I can do now is read the rules more carefully and "try" and not to
screw up.(but,I am only human).I love flying and I enjoy being at the field.I really
believe with an open ear to other ideas and rules from flyers we can keeep things
safe and fun.If I by a chance mess up and not realize it at the time and if one of you see me,please call it to my attention.I wont be upset,I will actually be glad and
not do it again.Fritz called me a few times on different things and I applied it to
whats left of my brain.I know we all my not be able to keep up with the rules
due to alot to remember but, its good to have great friend and people around that care
and to help us out.this is the way I look at it.Instaed of looking at it as "Hey you
are not my boss and Ill do it my way attitude".I look at it as If Tony or Fritz or Mike
or anyone comes up and says,Hey you might have forgot but,we dont do it that way
remember the rule such and such,it could hurt someone or you.I feel that thats a
care instead of an arguement.we all are safety officers in a way(just not appointed).
Flying is fun and should be safe and this is the way we need to keep it for everyone.
If you think about it-even if you go to the bathroom theres rules there to, to go by.
we all have them for a reason,Lets keep it fun,safe and learning.I like it whan I go
around and brag about that field that we have.I am glad to be a part of it.I have
tried others and I will tell you,Our club and members are far the best I have ever been around.there is good people at others dont get me wrong but,Mobile has the best organized.I know me personally and a few others from Ms dont look at the drive being far or the money being alittle more than others yearly(you get what you pay for
and then some).we love coming out and being around and meeting new friends.
So I may mess up and forget break a rule everyonce and a while but,I know yall we be there to help me-this is what friends are for.thank you-sorry so long kenny2. :thumbup:

Well just like a real airports they have a sign stating nonpilots are not allowed in the runway area with danger on top,
the same with these hobby

Have sign saying Danger! No one allowed in flight only pilot and spotter.

I took note of the rules when I first began learning to fly but they didn't mean very much because I was observing others actions as what to do. I have unintentionally broken several rules and when notified of an infraction maybe didn't stop immediatly. I thought that I just wouldn't do it again. I apologise and I will try to remember to abide by the rules.
It is good that this has come up because I didn't know what some of the rules were or at least one. After listening at the meeting and realizing the seriousness of this issue I came to the conclusion that we should all not be afraid to point out rule infractions that we observe of others as they occur because after all

Safety is Everyones Responsibility...