Etiquette
07-07-2002, 05:35 AM
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Etiquette
Being new to the RC world, I don't know anything about the general behavior and etiquette of being around multiple people in a fly zone.
In golf, you never talk when your friend is at the tee, and you yell "FORE!" just before driving a golfball into the ear of your nextdoor neighbor...yikes!
If someone could point me in the right direction, maybe a link or two or a few pointers, it would be greatly appreciated as I'm hoping to make some new friends out there, instead of enemies.
Thanks
In golf, you never talk when your friend is at the tee, and you yell "FORE!" just before driving a golfball into the ear of your nextdoor neighbor...yikes!
If someone could point me in the right direction, maybe a link or two or a few pointers, it would be greatly appreciated as I'm hoping to make some new friends out there, instead of enemies.
Thanks
07-07-2002, 09:56 AM
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field etiquette / rules ??
Check with your local club for a set of field rules. Also review the safety rules from AMA. If visiting and planning to fly ask first before proceeding to the flight line. Have your AMA card with you.
If you want to learn to fly see when training sessions are scheduled.
Bill
If you want to learn to fly see when training sessions are scheduled.
Bill
07-07-2002, 01:33 PM
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Communication!
Hello Nex,
I agree with Excap about checking with your local club about rules that might only be force at that club (every club is different).
However, the rule which every club shares is a requirement to communicate with your fellow pilots. Make sure the guys at the flight line know a) you are coming on to the runway from the pits b) you are about to take-off, c) you have a deadstick (you then have priority to land first or should have priority), d) you are about to land, e) you personally are on the runway for any reason and finally f) you are clear of the runway (you and your plane). And if some-one else shouts these warnings - then acknowledge that you have heard him.
Only yesterday, I shouted "Landing", most of the guys responded with "OK" but one guy who was standing only 5 yards away from me still proceeded to walk onto the runway and place his plane ready for take-off. Later on the same day, the same guy landed his plane without warning anyone and got a couple of curses from the rest of the flight line.
Have fun!
I agree with Excap about checking with your local club about rules that might only be force at that club (every club is different).
However, the rule which every club shares is a requirement to communicate with your fellow pilots. Make sure the guys at the flight line know a) you are coming on to the runway from the pits b) you are about to take-off, c) you have a deadstick (you then have priority to land first or should have priority), d) you are about to land, e) you personally are on the runway for any reason and finally f) you are clear of the runway (you and your plane). And if some-one else shouts these warnings - then acknowledge that you have heard him.
Only yesterday, I shouted "Landing", most of the guys responded with "OK" but one guy who was standing only 5 yards away from me still proceeded to walk onto the runway and place his plane ready for take-off. Later on the same day, the same guy landed his plane without warning anyone and got a couple of curses from the rest of the flight line.
Have fun!
07-08-2002, 01:33 AM
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I agree with Scotsman. You gotta communicate. If you can't say "Hey I'm on the runway" even if that's the only time you talk to the other members of the club maybe that club isn't for you. Personally half the fun of going flying is being at the club with all the guys. If you're comfortable with everyone, and are communicating with each other, especially when it comes to flight safety it's alot more fun and doesn't feel structured. Even though it is and should be structured when it comes to safety. When you're comfortable and communicating the structured safety rules become second nature which is all you can hope for.
07-08-2002, 02:59 AM
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On the Line
Well, I'd be a little leery myself. I know the feeling as I'm faily new to this as well.
Some suggestions I would make involve the inevitable crash.
DO: Offer whatever tools you have (heli guys are usually over-tooled like norm abrams, but fixed-wing guys may be short).
DO: Answer any questions you have with just the facts. ie, sometimes people will ask you "did you see my control surface do this?". Just say what you saw. Chances are your fellow modeler has quite a bit on his mind, and is trying to plug the data he / she hopes you have into a formula to resolve what went wrong.
DONT: Crowd the impact zone(s). Let the 'victims' recover whatever pieces they can - unless they ask for help.
DONT: Go into "Did you glue this" or "did you tighten that" type advice. Last thing someone needs to hear. If it's a student and you're their instructor that's something different.
DONT: Neglect to take FULL USE of a club's frequency-card board. Most every club has one (ALL should for safety).
DONT: Run control-line or free flight aircraft outside club's designated areas. You've never seen angry until you've seen the owner of a 33% competition model after his plane ate a bunch of control wires.
DONT: Run obnoxiously loud engines or airplanes that are difficult to control (don't confuse this with highly-aerobatic-they're not the same thing). Again, it's something else if you're at a pylon race or a jet-fly. Note that most 'out of the box' R/C engines us newbies end up with are fine - as long as the muffler's on right.
Seems like a lot, and there's certainly club rules to follow, BUT once you're exposed to the rules in action, you'll be less apprehensive about them - and it'll be second nature to you.
Oh... and all clubs like safe builders, flyers and crew members. Today I was asked a "Why'd you do it that way" and the answer was "For safety, so this whatzit doesn't fall off". The 'audience' of old-timers and new-commers alike in the club was an approving nod. VERY cool.
Some suggestions I would make involve the inevitable crash.
DO: Offer whatever tools you have (heli guys are usually over-tooled like norm abrams, but fixed-wing guys may be short).
DO: Answer any questions you have with just the facts. ie, sometimes people will ask you "did you see my control surface do this?". Just say what you saw. Chances are your fellow modeler has quite a bit on his mind, and is trying to plug the data he / she hopes you have into a formula to resolve what went wrong.
DONT: Crowd the impact zone(s). Let the 'victims' recover whatever pieces they can - unless they ask for help.
DONT: Go into "Did you glue this" or "did you tighten that" type advice. Last thing someone needs to hear. If it's a student and you're their instructor that's something different.
DONT: Neglect to take FULL USE of a club's frequency-card board. Most every club has one (ALL should for safety).
DONT: Run control-line or free flight aircraft outside club's designated areas. You've never seen angry until you've seen the owner of a 33% competition model after his plane ate a bunch of control wires.
DONT: Run obnoxiously loud engines or airplanes that are difficult to control (don't confuse this with highly-aerobatic-they're not the same thing). Again, it's something else if you're at a pylon race or a jet-fly. Note that most 'out of the box' R/C engines us newbies end up with are fine - as long as the muffler's on right.
Seems like a lot, and there's certainly club rules to follow, BUT once you're exposed to the rules in action, you'll be less apprehensive about them - and it'll be second nature to you.
Oh... and all clubs like safe builders, flyers and crew members. Today I was asked a "Why'd you do it that way" and the answer was "For safety, so this whatzit doesn't fall off". The 'audience' of old-timers and new-commers alike in the club was an approving nod. VERY cool.
07-08-2002, 03:29 AM
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I don't think there are specific rights and wrongs to communicating at a field. At our field it's an understanding that we announce (yell) our intentions ie.. landing, taking off, touch & go etc...
Beyond that it's on an individual basis. Being new to the hobby I generally try to ask lots of questions and give little advice. I know several people who don't mind at all if you stand beside them while flying and carry on a conversation. I know some people who it's best to keep your distance from while they are flying. I asked a guy the other day if I could stand beside him and watch his hands on the sticks while he flew. He didn't mind. You'll just have to get a feel for who flies at your field and what types of personalities there are. Some people go to the field more to hang out and talk with others than to fly. Some show up, fly, and get the heck out of there in a hurry. Some spend more time helping others than flying themselves (and prefer it that way). I hate to sound like a kiss a** but you can't go wrong ooohing and ahhhhhhing over everyone's airplanes and flying ablities.
Before too long you'll make a few friends and start seeing yourself more of a regular than as an outsider looking in. You'll be the one making inverted low passes over the runway while 5 people stand behind you yelling "lower!" all the while. When that happens you'll know you've arrived.
Beyond that it's on an individual basis. Being new to the hobby I generally try to ask lots of questions and give little advice. I know several people who don't mind at all if you stand beside them while flying and carry on a conversation. I know some people who it's best to keep your distance from while they are flying. I asked a guy the other day if I could stand beside him and watch his hands on the sticks while he flew. He didn't mind. You'll just have to get a feel for who flies at your field and what types of personalities there are. Some people go to the field more to hang out and talk with others than to fly. Some show up, fly, and get the heck out of there in a hurry. Some spend more time helping others than flying themselves (and prefer it that way). I hate to sound like a kiss a** but you can't go wrong ooohing and ahhhhhhing over everyone's airplanes and flying ablities.
Before too long you'll make a few friends and start seeing yourself more of a regular than as an outsider looking in. You'll be the one making inverted low passes over the runway while 5 people stand behind you yelling "lower!" all the while. When that happens you'll know you've arrived.
07-08-2002, 03:32 AM
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Oh, another thing. If you see someone taking off with their transmitter antenna lowered (regardless of how much experience they have) let them know. They'll thank you for it.
The same goes for taking off with the glow driver still on the engine, reversed ailerons etc...
The same goes for taking off with the glow driver still on the engine, reversed ailerons etc...
07-08-2002, 12:38 PM
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Etiquette
When someone is doing a high-speed, inverted pass over the runway, don't yell "UP!"
Don't take engine starting advice from guys with missing fingers
Don't laugh at your instructors hat
And don't say to a crash victim, "stop crying, it's only a piece of WOOD!"
Don't take engine starting advice from guys with missing fingers
Don't laugh at your instructors hat
And don't say to a crash victim, "stop crying, it's only a piece of WOOD!"
07-08-2002, 05:36 PM
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Originally posted by MinnFlyer
When someone is doing a high-speed, inverted pass over the runway, don't yell "UP!"
Don't take engine starting advice from guys with missing fingers
Don't laugh at your instructors hat
And don't say to a crash victim, "stop crying, it's only a piece of WOOD!"
When someone is doing a high-speed, inverted pass over the runway, don't yell "UP!"
Don't take engine starting advice from guys with missing fingers
Don't laugh at your instructors hat
And don't say to a crash victim, "stop crying, it's only a piece of WOOD!"
Good One!
07-08-2002, 06:42 PM
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The number one rule is to ensure that everybody at the field gets the chance to see you drive it into the mud. Loud shrieks will get everbodies attention. It does not matter what you say as long as everybody is aware that this thing is doomed.
Crashing in secret is very bad form.
Ed s
Crashing in secret is very bad form.
Ed s
07-08-2002, 11:29 PM
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1. Observe frequency control. Some people get upset when they crash, and it's always re-assuring to know your transmitter was in the impound, and you had control of your channel.
2. When someone crashes, walk with them out to the wreckage. They probably won't ask for help, but they will always appreciate it. Don't say anything except mumblings of sympathy. When you find the plane, the pilot will be slightly in shock, so you keep your wits and find all the parts. I would avoid saying things like "This can be rebuilt". Stick with, "Can I help you carry this stuff?"
3. As far as talking to flyers, a lot of the very experienced pilots can talk and fly at the same time, and are happy to, but flying does take a lot of concentration, so I'd mostly leave them alone while their plane is in the air. I once had this guy come up to me and start talking and wouldn't go away no matter what I did. I finally had to bring my plane in it got so distracting!
4. Be really nice to spectators, newbies, small children, but make sure they stay where they are safe.
5. Please, do not offer help unless the person asks, or has very obvious body language. I had this guy come up totally unasked and tweaked my needle valve before I could stop him ("You sound lean," he said). I then informed him that I had just noticed that I forgot to connect the tube to the muffler, and would he please put the needle valve back where it was!
6. Let folks know you are new. I once visited a club, and I was welcomed to fly, but I should have asked more about local rules. They had very strange (to me) rules about where you could set up, and it was very awkward when folks very nicely tried to explain to me that I was breaking some rule I couldn't figure out. I would have been much better if I had simply asked ahead of time about the rules. For example, some clubs are *much* more concerned that you fly "the pattern" (everybody takes off and lands the same direction, plus flies pretty much in an oval the same direction) than other clubs where you pretty much just try to avoid mid-airs.
7. Last one: This hobby tends to attract introverts, the guys that love to putter around their workshop alone for hours. As introverts, they tend to be reserved, and are quite happy being alone, and if they are tired, they need to be alone. So don't take it personally if someone seems to want to be alone. Work it slowly. Maybe after 1/2 hour, a guy might ask a question about your plane. Once they realize you're not going to make any sudden moves, these guys can be incredibly friendly and helpful, but they can also appear cliquish. If you're expecting typical extrovert behaviour ("Hi, welcome to our club, I'm Mike, and I'll be your tour guide!"), you're likely to mistake reserve for unfriendliness.
--Mike
2. When someone crashes, walk with them out to the wreckage. They probably won't ask for help, but they will always appreciate it. Don't say anything except mumblings of sympathy. When you find the plane, the pilot will be slightly in shock, so you keep your wits and find all the parts. I would avoid saying things like "This can be rebuilt". Stick with, "Can I help you carry this stuff?"
3. As far as talking to flyers, a lot of the very experienced pilots can talk and fly at the same time, and are happy to, but flying does take a lot of concentration, so I'd mostly leave them alone while their plane is in the air. I once had this guy come up to me and start talking and wouldn't go away no matter what I did. I finally had to bring my plane in it got so distracting!
4. Be really nice to spectators, newbies, small children, but make sure they stay where they are safe.
5. Please, do not offer help unless the person asks, or has very obvious body language. I had this guy come up totally unasked and tweaked my needle valve before I could stop him ("You sound lean," he said). I then informed him that I had just noticed that I forgot to connect the tube to the muffler, and would he please put the needle valve back where it was!
6. Let folks know you are new. I once visited a club, and I was welcomed to fly, but I should have asked more about local rules. They had very strange (to me) rules about where you could set up, and it was very awkward when folks very nicely tried to explain to me that I was breaking some rule I couldn't figure out. I would have been much better if I had simply asked ahead of time about the rules. For example, some clubs are *much* more concerned that you fly "the pattern" (everybody takes off and lands the same direction, plus flies pretty much in an oval the same direction) than other clubs where you pretty much just try to avoid mid-airs.
7. Last one: This hobby tends to attract introverts, the guys that love to putter around their workshop alone for hours. As introverts, they tend to be reserved, and are quite happy being alone, and if they are tired, they need to be alone. So don't take it personally if someone seems to want to be alone. Work it slowly. Maybe after 1/2 hour, a guy might ask a question about your plane. Once they realize you're not going to make any sudden moves, these guys can be incredibly friendly and helpful, but they can also appear cliquish. If you're expecting typical extrovert behaviour ("Hi, welcome to our club, I'm Mike, and I'll be your tour guide!"), you're likely to mistake reserve for unfriendliness.
--Mike
07-09-2002, 10:40 AM
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Minnflyer, have you seen his hat????
Actually for talking on the flightline, one good rule to follow was already covered here briefly; ask someone if they mind talking while flying. Some of our members like to be in a "zoned world" while they fly; others like to chat.
It's no big deal to ask in advance and most flyers will be honest in their preference. That is the best advice you can follow and your fellow flyers will probably appreciate that you asked. Good way to make some new friends and to see how they fly too.
Then afterwards, you can all sit back and laugh at the instructors hats.
Nuker
Actually for talking on the flightline, one good rule to follow was already covered here briefly; ask someone if they mind talking while flying. Some of our members like to be in a "zoned world" while they fly; others like to chat.
It's no big deal to ask in advance and most flyers will be honest in their preference. That is the best advice you can follow and your fellow flyers will probably appreciate that you asked. Good way to make some new friends and to see how they fly too.
Then afterwards, you can all sit back and laugh at the instructors hats.
Nuker
07-10-2002, 04:59 PM
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Nex,
If the club there at Norman still flies where they used to when I competed in Pattern contests there, I think one of the main rules was 1. Make sure you don't crash into the Lloyd Nobel Arena! If you missed that, it was also considered bad form to nail the parking lot light pole in the middle of a North approach!
Have fun, they always seemed like a nice bunch of guys to me...
Lee
If the club there at Norman still flies where they used to when I competed in Pattern contests there, I think one of the main rules was 1. Make sure you don't crash into the Lloyd Nobel Arena! If you missed that, it was also considered bad form to nail the parking lot light pole in the middle of a North approach!
Have fun, they always seemed like a nice bunch of guys to me...
Lee
07-11-2002, 03:28 AM
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RLDIII, HAHA. That is so true about the LNCand the light poles. Always nervous on landing approach 
Yesterday I flew for the very first time. I was pilot and had a friend with me to help with fueling, starting, etc. Did a barrel roll my first flight (so what if it was an accident!!) and landed ok, woohoo! Got to do some more rolls, inverted flight, low fly-bys near the runway (we were the only ones there so...I figured what the heck ). Today I took the plane out again, big pro that I am, and totally messed up my first approach, turned left, tried to correct and accidentally went left more, and to top it off, I applied left rudder, all from 10 feet off the group and above 2 foot high grass 
What a mess. Wasn't terribly high speed but it was enough to rip the firewall and engine out of the plane. Some spare balsa, glue, and some time and I'll be back in the air tomorrow.
I am soooooo hooked
I appreciate the time all of you spent replying to my request, thank you. Just got my AMA membership today and hoping to talk to the local clob here.
Just curious RLDIII, do you still live in the Norman area?
Yesterday I flew for the very first time. I was pilot and had a friend with me to help with fueling, starting, etc. Did a barrel roll my first flight (so what if it was an accident!!) and landed ok, woohoo! Got to do some more rolls, inverted flight, low fly-bys near the runway (we were the only ones there so...I figured what the heck
). Today I took the plane out again, big pro that I am, and totally messed up my first approach, turned left, tried to correct and accidentally went left more, and to top it off, I applied left rudder, all from 10 feet off the group and above 2 foot high grass What a mess. Wasn't terribly high speed but it was enough to rip the firewall and engine out of the plane. Some spare balsa, glue, and some time and I'll be back in the air tomorrow.I am soooooo hooked
I appreciate the time all of you spent replying to my request, thank you. Just got my AMA membership today and hoping to talk to the local clob here.
Just curious RLDIII, do you still live in the Norman area?
07-11-2002, 12:17 PM
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Nex,
Some days I wish I did, but no, now I am in the Houston, Texas area. I actually used to live in Oklahoma City, and flew with the West Side Club and Torks in OKC.... MANY good memories from my old Oklahoma Days, but this is where my work is now, so here is where I am!
Lee
Some days I wish I did, but no, now I am in the Houston, Texas area. I actually used to live in Oklahoma City, and flew with the West Side Club and Torks in OKC.... MANY good memories from my old Oklahoma Days, but this is where my work is now, so here is where I am!
Lee
07-11-2002, 02:59 PM
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If for some safety reason be it other you need to approach a pilot while his plane is in the air announce your approach before reaching him so that you don't startle him. ("name" I am coming up behind you).
As far as just general talking that is one of the great things about this hobby. It gives me the chance to be a kid again.
Randy
As far as just general talking that is one of the great things about this hobby. It gives me the chance to be a kid again.
Randy
07-16-2002, 03:40 AM
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One thing is for sure, Never Ever Ever Never under any circumstances smear expoxie over your body, roll in chicken feathers and run down the flight line screaming "I’m flying too, I’m flying too..." while sprinkling tic tacs and flinging ho-hos everywhere. Wouldn’t be good I imagine.
07-31-2002, 12:38 AM
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Billy, I really love to read your posts! LOL
...There's a flight pattern? That's so funny...but true at our field...
Sundays....one or 2 guys doing 3-D right on the apron; another 2 doing "normal" flight up a 100' (but doing anything they want, in any direction) and one or two trying to land....one upwind and one downwind......Oh, plus a helo at the far end, maybe two.
So, you're absolutely correct...There's a pattern?
Now, in walks the new guy that just solo'ed and wants to practice. LOL
Talk about intimidation!
That's why I go on weekdays very early and am finished by noon. I've got enough trouble trying to fly and land let alone worry about half-a-dozen other yahoos trying to nail me......
...There's a pattern? I love it!
...There's a flight pattern? That's so funny...but true at our field...
Sundays....one or 2 guys doing 3-D right on the apron; another 2 doing "normal" flight up a 100' (but doing anything they want, in any direction) and one or two trying to land....one upwind and one downwind......Oh, plus a helo at the far end, maybe two.
So, you're absolutely correct...There's a pattern?
Now, in walks the new guy that just solo'ed and wants to practice. LOL
Talk about intimidation!
That's why I go on weekdays very early and am finished by noon. I've got enough trouble trying to fly and land let alone worry about half-a-dozen other yahoos trying to nail me......
...There's a pattern? I love it!
07-31-2002, 02:04 AM
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The thing to remember is that everyone was a YAHOO at one time or another... I dont think we all were born with a transmitter in hand.
I really dislike the guys who think they own the field.
I really dislike the guys who think they own the field.
