HHAMS MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURES

            RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE TOWN OF
NORTH HEMPSTEAD AERODROME AT HEMPSTEAD HARBOR

Rev. 3/14/21

FLYING PERMIT REQUIREMENTS:
1) A current AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) membership.
2) A current HHAMS (Hempstead Harbor Aero Modelers Society) membership.
3) A Notarized Indemnity Agreement.
4) FAA Drone Registration Certificate

HOURS OF OPERATION

The hours of operation are contingent on the presence of a Safety Officer

The Aerodrome is open for flying rotary aircraft and electric powered aircraft from 7:00 AM until sundown for electric powered aircraft, all other aircraft from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM or sundown, whichever comes first, seven days a week, year-round. On Saturdays and Sundays, rotary aircraft have priority before 10:00 am. Airplanes have priority after 10:00 am. NOTE: NO ENGINES, OTHER THAN HELICOPTERS AND ELECTRICS, MAY BE STARTED BEFORE 9:00 AM. NO ELECTRIC POWERED AIRCRAFT MAY BE RUN AFTER SUNDOWN. ALL OTHER AIRCRAFT ENGINES MAY NOT BE RUN AFTER SUNDOWN OR 7:00 PM, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.
SPECIAL NOTE* ALL DRONE PILOTS MUST MAKE THEIR LOG ENTRIES  IN THE “ DRONE FLIGHT 
LOG BOOK” IN THE TRAILER PRIOR TO AND AFTER THEIR FLIGHT AS APPROPRIATE.

GENERAL AERODROME RULES

1) Common Sense, Courtesy and a Civil Tongue will ensure that all of us will have a good time at the field.

2) The HHAMS is an AMA chartered Club and as such the AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code will be adhered to at all times.

3) The North Hempstead Aerodrome is part of the Town of North Hempstead Parks System; therefore, all rules regarding the use of Town Parks apply to the Aerodrome.

4) No one is to be on the Aerodrome property without a Safety Officer present. Safety Officers are appointed by, and responsible to, the HHAMS Board of Directors (BoD). Safety Officers have keys to the entrance gates, which will otherwise be locked at all times. Any member violating this rule will have his flying privileges suspended. Any non-member violating this rule is to be reported to the Port Washington Police for trespassing.

5) All Safety Officers present at the Aerodrome must place a red colored pin on the impound frequency control board in the designated Safety Officers area in the southwest corner of the impound. The Safety Officer in Charge will be designated by the left most pin on the board and will be responsible for overseeing all activities and filing Incident Reports.

6) All flyers are required to prominently display their Flying Permits on their person when participating in flying activities.
 

7) Each pilot's name must be affixed to his transmitter.

8) A maximum of four aircraft will be permitted to fly at any one time.

9) If attendance at the Aerodrome is such that pilots are waiting for flight time, pilots will be restricted to one flight every half hour. The Safety Officer in Charge is the only one that has the authority to invoke this rule.

10) Rotary Aircraft Operations: Permitted during all flying hours. When a rotary aircraft is flown from the main runway, the pilot will occupy one of the four flight line pilot stations. Rotary aircraft may practice hovering maneuvers on the Heli Pad and not be counted as one of the three aircraft in the air. During hovering practice, rotary aircraft must not fly higher than twenty feet off the ground and not fly within twenty feet of the runway.

11) No gasoline powered engines may be started unless a certified fire extinguisher is available for immediate use.

12) Aircraft with running engines must not be carried through the pit area. Aircraft must be carried directly to the taxiway or runway.

13) Hand launching of any aircraft will be done from the runway and will be launched, only to the west. Wind direction will not be a consideration.

14) A table is provided for breaking in or any extended running of engines near the north end of the Aerodrome. Please be courteous to other pilots and utilize this table for those purposes.

15) Flying of Novice Permit holders is permitted only under the direct supervision of a qualified Senior Pilot, approved by the Safety Officer in Charge, who must stand with the Novice pilot on the flight line throughout his flight. Novice rotary aircraft pilots may use the Heli Pad, but may also fly from the main runway before 10 am if no airplanes are flying.

16) It is the responsibility of all permit holders to:
* ensure that spectators are supervised and that no spectators are permitted on the flight line.
* ensure that spectators are aware of restricted areas.
* see that the field is maintained free of litter at all times.
* follow, and help enforce, all the rules and regulations governing the use of the Hempstead Harbor Aerodrome.

17) Free Flight, Control Line, Non-powered Gliders/Sailplanes and Rockets are strictly prohibited at the Aerodrome.

FOR 72 MHZ ONLY:
18) Each pilot must supply a clothespin on which his name and frequency number are printed legibly. Appropriate AMA approved frequency flags must be displayed on all transmitters. Upon arrival at the Aerodrome, each pilot shall make sure his transmitter is turned off and placed on the transmitter impound table. His frequency control pin must be placed on the appropriate frequency on the Frequency Control Board. Transmitters may be removed from the impound table only when the pilot's pin is placed in the active (black left) area of the appropriate frequency. Pilots sharing the same frequency will place their pins in the standby (yellow) area of the appropriate frequency. If two or more pilots share the same frequency, active time will be limited to fifteen minutes. Upon completion of his flight, the active pilot will place his switched off transmitter on the impound table and move his pin to the right-most position in the standby area and will inform the next pilot that the frequency is available for use.
19) It is your responsibility to make sure your frequency is clear. Be aware that if you turn on your transmitter, and your pin is not on the appropriate black area, you will be responsible for any damage caused to the person rightfully occupying that frequency.

20) Only the owner of the frequency pin may move or permit the movement of his pin on the Frequency Control Board.

MOVING ANOTHER PILOT'S PIN WITHOUT HIS EXPRESS PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL BE CAUSE FOR LOSS OF FLYING PRIVILEGES.
AIRCRAFT FLIGHT RULES
1) The maximum number of aircraft permitted in the air at any one time is four (rotary aircraft on the Heli Pad are not included).

2) All flying will be done from the designated pilot stations. Pilots may take off while standing on or near the runway but then must proceed immediately to an open pilot station and remain there throughout the flight. When landing, the pilot may move closer to the runway, while remaining at a safe distance.

3) Pilots approaching the runway must clearly announce “On the runway”, and must get acknowledgement from everyone on the flight line. When on final approach, "Landing" or "Coming in" must be announced. When retrieving an aircraft from the runway, “On the runway” must be stated. After having retrieved an aircraft and having moved a safe distance off the runway, the pilot must announce "Clear" or "Runway clear" to the pilots on the flight line. Pilots on the flight line should acknowledge these announcements.

4) Any aircraft displaying a problem prior to takeoff is to be removed from the runway immediately and returned to the pits. Repairs or adjustments are not to be made on the runway when other aircraft are flying. Upon landing, all aircraft are to be removed from the runway in a timely manner.

5) Each individual is responsible for ensuring that no aircraft is in the landing pattern or on final approach before going near, on, or across the runway. Landing aircraft shall have runway priority at all times.

6) A deadstick or other flight emergency must be clearly announced by the pilot and will have landing priority.

7) On takeoff, wheels must not break ground until the aircraft has passed the last Pilot Station.
8) After takeoff, the initial turn is to be away from the flight line, pit area, spectator area and parking area.

9) A “NO FLY ZONE” exists east of the runway. This extends north indefinitely and south to the fence and/or property line. At no time will any flying or approaches for landing be permitted in this area.

10) Flying beyond the designated Aerodrome boundaries is strictly prohibited.

11) No low altitude, high speed flying or low-level aerobatics are allowed any closer than the far edge (western edge) of the main runway.

12) Pilots may take off from the taxiways. Landing on the taxiways is not permitted. When landing from the South, a left turn landing pattern will be followed. When landing from the North, a right turn landing pattern will be followed. After landing, aircraft may be taxied back to the pit area on the taxiways. At no time may any aircraft taxi to or from the runway and the pit area.

13) Taxiing between the runway/taxiway and the pit area is strictly prohibited. Aircraft physically too large to carry are exempt from this rule.

14) Touch and go maneuvers may be performed only when: The maneuver is clearly announced by calling out "Touch and go" each time the maneuver is performed, the runway is clear, other active pilots do not object & priority is given to other aircraft taking off or landing. A Safety Officer may ask pilots to temporarily stop this maneuver if conditions warrant.

15) “3-D” and other aggressive flying styles are permitted for airplanes and rotary aircraft when all active pilots agree to it, or when no other pilots are on the flight line. Otherwise flying directly over the runway is restricted to taking off, landing and touch & go’s. Courtesy dictates that if an active pilot is flying non-3D, a “3-D” flyer must be given permission to fly before going up. Flying is “at your own risk”, and if another pilot’s flying style makes you uncomfortable, your option is to land and fly later. If you feel the other pilot is flying irresponsibly, please inform a Safety Officer.
16) It is everyone's responsibility to inform pilots on the flight line of a shift in wind direction.

17) It is every Pilot's responsibility to ensure a safe flying environment. Safety, courtesy, common sense and protection of our flying site must dictate all activities at the Aerodrome.

GUESTS
Guests who are AMA members may fly as the guest of a club member when sufficient open airtime allows. Members are limited to one guest per day, and each guest is limited to two visits. It is a Safety Officers responsibility to check the guest’s AMA card and will sign him/her in. A Senior Pilot must “spot” for the guest while flying and will be responsible for informing the guest of our flight restrictions. Extenuating circumstances may be discussed with the Safety Officer in Charge. Guests who do not have AMA membership may fly only with the assistance of an AMA designated Introductory Novice Pilot Instructor.

AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS
1) No metal propellers are permitted at any time.

2) All Aircraft must be thoroughly inspected before a maiden flight or a flight following serious repairs. A Safety Officer is responsible for inspection of the aircraft. If he determines that the aircraft is unsafe to fly, the aircraft will be grounded until corrections are made and the aircraft is deemed safe to fly.

3) All aircraft must have the owner's name, address, telephone number, AMA number and FAA Drone Registration number affixed.

4) Any aircraft employing a gasoline powered engine, a tuned pipe, or a two-stroke engine larger than 1.00 Cu In, or any excessively loud aircraft must submit to a sound test prior to its first flight. Sound test appointments are to be made with the Chief Safety Officer. A list of approved aircraft will be distributed to all Safety Officers and no further testing will be necessary unless modifications have been made to the model. Any aircraft failing the sound test may not be flown until it is brought into compliance with The AMA Safety Code (98 decibels at 9’)

FLIGHT TEST – Airplane and Rotary Aircraft
1) Flight tests are to be administered by Examiners.

2) Before any flight test the Examiner will administer a five-question oral test, based on these rules and regulations. The applicant must answer all questions correctly before a flight test will be administered.

3) The Examiner will follow the flight test applicant from impound to flight line without giving assistance. He will direct the novice to fly the following maneuvers, which must be performed safely to qualify for a Pilot Permit or a Senior Pilot Permit:
• An unassisted takeoff, from the runway.
• b) Flight through left traffic pattern followed by flight through right traffic pattern, demonstrating the ability to fly parallel to the runway at constant altitude and heading.
• c) Figure eight parallel to the runway.
• d) Figure eight perpendicular to the runway.
• e) A controlled landing on or adjacent to the West of the runway, engine running.
Upon successful completion of two flight tests, a Pilot will be issued the appropriate sticker for their Town Flying Permit.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
All permits are required to have a sticker designating a pilot’s status.
NOVICE = Yellow Sticker
PILOT = Green Sticker
SENIOR PILOT = Blue Sticker
SAFETY OFFICER = Red Sticker
EXAMINER = Orange Sticker

NOVICE
All new members are Novices and must have a Senior Pilot spot for them. A Novice must learn the rules of the field and safe operation of their aircraft. Novice Rotary Pilots are limited to hovering at the Heli Pad, or flying on the runway before 10:00 am.
A Novice Pilot seeking promotion to Pilot or Senior Pilot must pass two flight tests. Each flight test will be administered by a separate Examiner and can be administered on the same day.
PILOT
A Pilot is limited to flying an aircraft weighing over 2lbs. and under 5lbs.flying weight and/or is incapable of flying over 50 mph. A Novice Pilot wishing to be promoted to “Pilot” must take a flight test on an aircraft meeting these requirements.
SENIOR PILOT
A Senior Pilot may solo any aircraft permitted at our field. The flight test for Senior Pilot will be taken on a .40/.46 size aircraft, fuel or electric, having the four basic controls (throttle, aileron, elevator and rudder) or any aircraft that a minimum of three (3) EXAMINERS deems acceptable for a Senior Pilot rating.

SAFETY OFFICER
1) Must be a minimum of 21 years of age.
2) Must be a Senior Pilot for at least one full year.
3) Must have a thorough knowledge of all Aerodrome Rules and Regulations plus a willingness to ensure that fellow pilots adhere to these rules and regulations.
4) Safety Officers are responsible for inspection of all aircraft. If they determine that any aircraft is unsafe to fly, they may ground the aircraft until corrections are made.
5) Safety Officers are responsible for opening and closing the field. If a Safety Officer needs to leave at a certain time, and other Safety Officers are not available at the field, it is his responsibility to inform the flyers in advance so that they have time to clean up, pack up and depart. He must wait for the last flyer to leave before locking the gate. Unless a valid emergency exists, the last Safety Officer must remain until everyone has left and personally lock the gate.
6) Safety Officers should be dedicated flyers, but must also have good people skills, be good communicators, have a better than average knowledge of the other flyers and their skill levels and should set an example for all flyers to emulate. They should possess good conflict resolution skills, and should be comfortable guiding and encouraging appropriate conduct and safety.
7) A Safety Officer’s goal is to protect our field at all times.
8) Safety Officers will be nominated by the Chief Safety Officer and approved by the HHAMS BoD.
9) Upon arrival at the field will place a red pin, with your name clearly printed on it, in the designated Safety Officer area under the impound. The pins will be placed left to right in the order of your arrival.

EXAMINER
1) Must be a Safety Officer for a period of not less than five years.
2) Must have:
* An above average knowledge of aircraft construction.
* An above average knowledge of radio control equipment.
* Above average flying skills.
3) Flight Examiners will be nominated by the Chief Safety Officer and approved by the BoD.

CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER (CSO)
1) Is appointed by and answerable to the BoD. The CSO may be a member of the BoD.
2) Be responsible for overseeing the safe operation of the Aerodrome. In that capacity, he will function as the representative of the Board of Directors on site.
3) Appoint, pending Board approval, all Safety Officers.
4) Be responsible for removing, pending Board approval, any Safety Officer he feels has not performed their duties to acceptable standards.
5) Report to the Board any member he feels has caused problems at the Aerodrome which he feels is a detriment to safety.
6) Make certain that all Safety Officers are aware of and enforce all safety and flight rules. To that end, he may call meetings of all Safety Officers and publish any notices or pamphlets.
7) Be that final authority at the field level to settle any disputes between Safety Officers and members. If the involved member is still not satisfied that his grievance has been resolved, he may bring the matter to the Board of Directors for deliberation.

RESPONSIBILITY, AUTHORITY AND OVERSIGHT OF AERODROME ACTIVITIES
The CSO is the primary authority in settling disputes between Safety Officers and members and making any decisions related to the overall safety of members and activities at the field. In the absence of the CSO any Board member(s) present at the field will assume the responsibilities of the CSO. Absent the CSO and Board member(s) a consensus of the Safety Officers present will assume the responsibilities and authority for making the decisions as delineated below. THIS SHALL HENCEFORTH BE REFERED TO AS “ALTERNATE AUTHORITY”
A. Suspension of a members flying privileges and attendance at the field for 2 days for;
1) Any infraction of the HHAMS, AMA, FAA or Town rules and regulations governing flying and the use of the Aerodrome.
2) Issues regarding safety of anyone or anything
3) Abusive, insulting or vulgar behavior
4) Any behavior that jeopardizes the smooth operation of the field
B. If the CSO, (Alternate Authority), feels that any infraction should warrant more than a 2-day suspension he will notify the Bod and ask for a review. All parties involved will be given the opportunity to state their case. The decision of the BoD is binding.
Failure to comply is grounds for having your Permit revoked.
C. If at any time the CSO feels that a PILOT or SENIOR PILOTS flying skills no longer meet the minimum requirements for a PILOT or SENIOR PILOT certification, he will return the individual to NOVICE status. The individual will remain a NOVICE until he passes a new flight test.
D. In the event that an accident or an emergency should occur, it’s the CSO’s, (Alternate Authority), responsibility to;
• TAKE CHARGE! This is not optional this is mandatory.
• notify emergency personnel and the authorities.
• Remain on scene until the authorities give you the OK to leave.
• Notify the club President
• Make sure that all necessary forms and paperwork are filled out correctly and retain copies.
• Make sure you get written statements from all involved parties and witnesses.
All Safety Officers will place their red pin (with name attached) in the designated area under the impound upon arrival at the field. This will assure awareness as to which Safety Officers are present and responsible for assisting in the supervision of field activities and closing of the field (sending out field closing text, locking trailers, and field access gate.)
It goes without saying that the safety of all members, guests, and the field itself is the responsibility of all members, but Safety Officers, in particular, should always be a model to all members of what safety is all about.

FLYING PERMIT REVOCATION
The Town of North Hempstead has given the HHAMS the authority to revoke any Town issued Flying Permit at their discretion. If your Permit is revoked your Permit fee will not be reimbursed by either the HHAMS or the Town.
Any infraction that may warrant the revocation of a Pilots Flying Permit, must be documented, signed by the Safety Officer in Charge, presented to the Chief Safety Officer for his review and submitted to the Board of Directors. The Pilot or Pilots in question may file an appeal, in writing, to the Board of Directors. The President will call a meeting of the Board, all parties involved and any witnesses. After a thorough review, the Board will make their ruling. The ruling of the Board of Directors is final and binding. Until a final decision is reached by the Board, flying privileges will be suspended.

DISPUTES
At the field, all disputes and unresolved conflicts of any nature must be submitted in writing to the Chief Safety Officer who will endeavor to resolve those conflicts either personally, or with the guidance of the HHAMS BoD. A copy of the written report and its resolution will be placed in the file of each affected party.
Any issues pertaining to the field, its operation, or anything else should be referred to a member of the BoD.

FIELD RULES AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
(To be signed and given to the Chief Safety Officer)
I have read, understand, and will comply with the HHAMS FIELD RULES and MANAGEMENT protocol.
Members Name: (print) _____________________________________
(sign)______________________________________
Date: _____/____/________