CVF Rotorcraft & Drone Policy (28 May 2022)
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This document will describe the operational rules for rotorcraft (helicopters, multi rotors) and fixed wing “drones” at the Chino Valley Flyers (CVF) flying field.
It must be stated that the CVF club and facility is predominantly for fixed wing RC aircraft. As such, the priority will be to fixed wing RC aircraft in the runway environment and flying field pattern. A heli pad has been provided for hovering and very limited forward flight practice only.
Multirotors and Helicopters:
The “heli pad” of concrete located south of the runway, and just west of the cabanas. This helipad is provided for helicopters and multi rotors to take off and land. It is a practice area, not a full flight area.
The airspace permitted for rotorcraft (the “Flying Box”) is bounded on four sides (see Flying Area Sketch):
-west of the helipad
-south of the runway
-north of the entry driveway
-east of the Control Line circle.
Sufficient distance must be maintained from all of these boundaries to maintain safety.
A minimum of 25 foot distance is to be maintained, with more distance (50’) from the CL circle boundary required. See Flying Area Sketch in this document, below.
Pilots using the helipad for flight operations will announce their presence to the flight line pilots prior to initiating flight, so that they are aware of your presence.
Multi rotor videoing of fixed wing aircraft in flight will only be done with the concurrence of both pilots, when there is no else in the flight pattern.
All CVF fixed wing aircraft rules, AMA and FAA rules must be followed.
*If there are no fixed wing pilots present and using the runway and flying pattern area, helicopters and multi rotors may use the runway and flying pattern area. However, if a fixed
wing pilot arrives to fly his fixed wing models, the fixed wing pilot has priority. The helicopter or multi rotor must cease flying in the fixed wing area and cede to the fixed wing pilot(s).
**However, the rotary wing and fixed wing pilots are encouraged to cooperate and take turns so that both may enjoy the field, when it is not busy (less than 3 fixed wing pilots present).
***See Fixed Wing Drones (UAS) below, for rules applicable to multi rotors being flown FPV.
Fixed Wing Drones (UAS):
Aircraft flown autonomously via computer programming from a laptop, or flown solely FPV (First Person View) without a spotter (First Person View) via video goggles are not permitted at the CVF field.
All aircraft flown at CVF must be under direct pilot control with a hand held RC transmitter and must remain under visual contact with the unaided eye. FPV flown aircraft, may only be flown at CVF if the pilot has a spotter, and flight must remain in the rotor craft “flying box”. FPV aircraft will not be flown with traditional LOS aircraft in the pattern.
If there are no other traditional RC Line Of Sight (LOS) fixed wing pilots using the field, the FPV flown aircraft may use the runway and field area, with a spotter assisting the pilot. If using the runway, FPV aircraft may not fly south of the runway. All CVF fixed wing aircraft rules, AMA and FAA rules must be followed.