HEFA Proposed New Field Rules

[bdg]

Hello HEFA...!

With the elimination of Shannon Park from our field options, we have revamped the HEFA rules as attached. There are a few key changes:

• As noted, references to SP have been eliminated.
• More consistent general rules and fewer site-specific rules.
• There is renewed emphasis on signage from MAAC. These will be required to be posted at LT and PL. We are still working through the logistics of purchasing signs and how these might be made available to our members, but in general all access points to the pilot stations / flying areas need to be clearly identified to the public who might be accessing these sites. We will require three signs at each of the sites at major access points.
• Clear requirement that we are NOT to fly within 30m of the public (ie. those not participating in the hobby).

There is some traction from MAAC moving forward so stay tuned and thank you for your patience.

While a public forum can be a great venue, it would be preferred to please reach out to us directly via EMAIL with any comments on these rules. The best email is HalifaxElectricFlyers@outlook.com.

Thank you everyone for your patience.

Brian

[bdg]

Rules rules rules! Always lots of rules in this ever-changing hobby!! We just want to have fun in a safe and supportive environment but it can be tough to keep up! Ultimately, we need to remember that rules are in-place for the right reasons of personal and public safety so please continue to keep that in mind.

Now is a good time to refresh your memory about the MAAC safety code documents. As you know, adherence to the MAAC rules is a condition of your MAAC membership. There are lots of publications on MAAC at https://www.maac.ca/en/documents.php but particular emphasis on the Safety Documents is always a good point to review.

Additionally, now is a good time to review the supplemental field-specific rules. These have been updated from the February version with site-specific maps identifying the flying areas, the required signage at these sites, locations of pilot stations, etc. Be sure to reach out to your Directors should you have any questions.

A few other points:

• We are trying to sort through the procurement of warning signs again which will be mandatory at sites once flying resumes. We understand that MAAC might have provided some to HEFA but we will need more of these. Lots to think about with costs, who possesses the signs, firm agreement that these will be used as required, etc.
• It is important to make sure that members have the required credentials to keep enjoying this hobby. So with greater clarity is now the requirement for the BASIC OPERATIONS PILOT CERTIFICATE. A few members have taken the test successfully (I have not taken my test). This is open book and there are ample resources online to support the test.
• A reminder that HEFA guests are to be paired with an existing member. HEFA does not control access to these public areas.

As always, please reach out if you have any questions or concerns as we navigate this new landscape!!!

Brian