MIXERS - RAKERS - POINTERS - MOVERS

A SQUAD OF ABLE BODIED PENSIONERS TURNED OUT TODAY AND GOT ON WITH THE MUCH TALKED ABOUT RUNWAY REPAIRS

'The Mixer'

The 'Prof' was on the shovel

'The Raker'

Ken volunteered to rake out the seams

'THE POINTER'

Ricky busy with the trowel

'THE MOVER'

'Taildragger'  moves material

Work commenced at 10.30 and finished up at around 4.00pm with a good hour or more taken for a lunch break.   The long lengths of wide seams in the concrete runway were filled with a mix of small stones, sand and cement.  Upon final inspection we all agreed the runway is a lot more servicable and safer to use.  Hope you guys agree.

Still a bit more filling to be done but this will be for another day. 

A very big thanks to the Peter, Ricky and Ken for all their hard work.

Off to visit the chiropractor now!

'Taildragger43'

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has recently launched its ‘Prototype Rules’ for the regulation of ‘unmanned aircraft’ throughout Europe. 

In their current form, the proposals represent a serious threat to model flying as we know it which I cannot understate.  You can read the ‘Prototype Rules’ and the ‘Explanatory Note’ here: https://www.easa.europa.eu/easa-and-you/civil-drones-rpas

The Prototype Rules are clearly written to deal with the rapidly developing area of ‘drone’ operation (at this time principally multi-rotor aircraft).  Unfortunately, ‘drones’ and model aircraft share the same legal definition as ‘unmanned aircraft’ (UA) which means that the proposed regulations also capture model flying.

There have undoubtedly been some breaches of existing laws by pilots operating ‘drones’ in ignorance of the regulations (or with disregard for them) which have received sensationalised coverage by the media.  I am doubtful that the proposed complex regulations will address this problem in any way.

There is also concern that ‘drones’ may be used for illegal or terrorist acts, but again I very much doubt that the proposed regulations will have any bearing on this.  There are some fairly stringent regulations in place for shotguns, but it doesn’t stop people occasionally using one to hold up a Post Office!

The rules are ‘prototype’ at this stage as currently EASA has no power to regulate any aircraft below 150Kg.  Unfortunately, it seems a matter of formality that the European Parliament will grant them this power in the very near future.

For model flying, the proposed Prototype Rules are largely unnecessary, overly complex and disproportionate given the widely acknowledged safety record for model flying established over the last century throughout Europe. 

EASA are struggling to get to grips with model flying as an activity.  As written, the proposals seem to represent a fine example of the worst excesses of EU regulation, developed to deal with an area where it is simply not required and even EASA themselves acknowledge that there is no real problem.  It’s a sledgehammer to crack a non-existent nut! 

The proposals do not fit many established forms of model aircraft types such control line and free flight.  EASA seems unable to grasp that model flying covers an enormous range of activities from indoor duration models weighing little more than a gram, up to complex turbine powered radio controlled aircraft and everything in between (including balloons and rockets).  As such, whilst I would accept EASA’s comment that it is ‘difficult to produce a definition for model aircraft’, I cannot accept that they are unable to define model flying as a specific area of operation.

EASA argue that excluding model aircraft from the prototype rules would allow operators to declare their ‘drone’ as a model aircraft and escape the requirements, therefore ‘opening a safety gap’.  I argue that this would only be an issue if the ‘drone’ was flown outside of the terms of ‘model flying’ which would be limited to sport & recreation in accordance with rules agreed with the national authority (CAA) and carried out within unaided visual line of sight.  EASA state in justification that ‘a significant number of incidents are caused by unmanned aircraft operated non-commercially’.  It is my view that the number of credible reports is overstated and perhaps not as ‘significant’ as suggested.  There are no longer any UFO reports, only ‘drones’ (though one of these may actually have been a carrier bag!).

Model Flying for Association Members

EASA has placed model flying carried out within the framework of associations/clubs (like the BMFA/LMA/SAA) within their proposed ‘Specific Category’ and in Article 15 they provide some ‘Transitional Provisions’ covering the three years from implementation of the rules.  After the ‘transition’ period, it is proposed that ‘authorisations are issued by national authorities to associations or clubs taking into account their safety record’ and defining which regulations will or will not apply.

EASA’s intent with Article 15 was to allow national authorities (like our own Civil Aviation Authority) some freedom to largely maintain the ‘status quo’ for model flyers, but only for the benefit of ‘those operating within associations or clubs with proven satisfactory safety records’.  However, the ‘Prototype Rules’ lack clarity on how this would be achieved in practical terms and still leave the potential for large areas of the proposals to be applied disproportionately to model flying.

Model Flying for individuals outside of Association Membership

Model flyers operating as individuals outside of an association would fall within the ‘Open Category’ with their aircraft having to comply with ‘Product Requirements’ which could include requirements for functionality not found in model aircraft such as geo-fencing, height limiters, electronic identification and auto return home functions.  It also places a minimum age restriction of 14 on all but the most basic category.

The ‘Product Requirements’ also limit electric powered aircraft to 48 volts and stipulate that the aircraft ‘must not be explosive or contain elements likely to explode’ (presenting a bit of a problem for model rocketry and gas turbines!) and require labelling with the appropriate ‘product class’ (which depicts the image of a multi-rotor!).

The ‘Product Requirements’ may be fine for large ‘drone’ manufacturers, but many model aircraft are manufactured in low volumes by small enterprises and I think that there is a very real danger that unnecessary and irrelevant over-regulation will drive many of them out of business.

Registration for all!

The ‘Prototype Rules’ require the registration of all operators of ‘unmanned aircraft’ within their own country and requires them to display their registration marks on all of their aircraft.  EASA states that ‘registration will also require new resources and it is envisaged that these resources will come from a proportionate fee to be paid by the people who register as UA operators’.  Our hope it that membership of an established model flying organisation would satisfy the requirement to register, but this is far from certain.

EASA stated clearly in their Technical Opinion published last Christmas that the intention was to ‘develop rules which will not affect model aircraft flying’ but they certainly seem to have failed in this regard. 

The significant numbers (over 500,000 throughout Europe) in the model flying community would be best served were EASA to follow the lead set by the Federal Aviation Administration in the USA whose comparable rules ‘do not apply to model aircraft’.

Europe Air Sports has worked hard to defend the status of model flyers throughout Europe over the last 12 years and along with the Secretary General of the FAI, we met directly with EASA in June this year to ‘present the case’ for model flying.  Sadly, EASA seem to have largely ignored what we told them, probably due to political pressure.  Regardless, Europe Air Sports remains very active on the ‘front line’ in the fight to defend the interests of model flyers throughout Europe.

EASA has ‘gone wrong’ in the past with the application of disproportionate regulation to other recreational aviation activities (such as gliding and ballooning), which has taken years to undo.  As written, I am concerned that the ‘Prototype Rules’ represent a case of history repeating itself.

What can we do?

Europe Air Sports has registered its concern to what has been proposed and is involved in ongoing discussions with EASA on a positive basis.  Representatives of EAS & FAI will be meeting directly with EASA again in the very near future to explain why we think they have got it wrong.

In partnership with our colleagues throughout Europe, we are proposing to form a European Model Flying Union (representing at least 500,000 model flyers) to collectively challenge EASA’s proposals.

In the meantime, should you wish to register your own comments or objections to the ‘Prototype Rules’, you can do so directly to EASA by emailing them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As stated at the outset, these are ‘Prototype Rules’ and are the start of the rulemaking process.  As such, we will have further opportunities to provide input into the process as it proceeds.  However, it does indicate EASA’s current line of thinking.

A proposal has been submitted to the TRANSPORT Committee of the European Parliament to amend the EASA ‘Basic Regulation’ which would place model flying outside the scope of EASA regulation and leave it under the control of national authorities. The vote on this is expected to take place on 10/11 October and through Europe Air Sports we will be lobbying the relevant MEP’s and monitoring developments closely.

As it stands, the BREXIT vote has no bearing on the implementation of EASA regulations within the UK.  However, we are fortunate in the UK that the CAA remain broadly supportive of model flying and have confirmed that “our desire is to have small unmanned aircraft regulations that are realistic, proportionate and above all, simple to understand and use”. 

Dave Phipps

Aeromodelling Technical Officer to Europe Air Sports

FENCING NOW IN SITU

You will see from the picture, the fence panels have been erected enclosing the Shelter, Start-up Box and Car Parking area.

Ricky, ably assisted by Sam, braved the strong winds on Saturday to complete the task and for that we are most grateful.  Not quite 'Area 51' but at least it will provide us with a 'clean' area in which to work, rest and play!

TD43

THE FENCE PANELS WERE DELIVERED TO SITE EARLY THIS MORNING

A big thank you to George and Ricky who forgoed a leisurely  breakfast in order to meet the delivery lorry at 8.30 am.

The next stage of the grand plan is to erect the fence panels across the tarmac runway and along both sides down to the perimeter fence at the 'barn end'.  The whole area around the shelter, start-up box and car park will be enclosed keeping it out of bounds to our wooly winter visitors.

TD43

The Shelter has been moved to a new location at the 'Barn-end' of the Tarmac runway.

Project Managers Bill Mc and Ricky have gathered together tools and the materials necessary to complete this move.

Bill secures square section steel braces at the openings		They seem happy with their endeavours thus far!
Furniture cleared out
Jacked up - ready to move		MTK's the 'driver'
Keep her moving		Ooops.....slight hitch.   Bill gets it sorted
Final position		Ready for a refit
Johnny spruces up the tables		Time for lunch
Colin and Saun pose for the camera		Team NDMAC

YOU'RE CLEAR TO LAND - CONCRETE RUNWAY' 

A commandment from the Boss - (that's Barry in case you are wondering)

Glow & Petrol engines MUST, repeat, MUST be started in the Start-up Box.

THE ANNUAL CLUB BBQ TOOK PLACE ON SATURDAY AND WAS FAVOURED WITH SOME LOVELY SUMMER WEATHER, LIGHT WINDS AND SUNSHINE, AND THE AROMA OF TANTALISING BURGERS SIZZLING ON A CHARCOAL GRILL

Chef Barnes created enticing Gourmet Burgers which were greatly enjoyed by everyone
The party's over.  A very BIG thank you to Tony for all the hard work on the coals and to Patricia for the lovely cup-cakes.

Taildragger43

Turbine

Work is currently underway with the installation of cables from the turbine to grid connection point.  The underground cables in the adjoining field are buried and neatly covered up.  Erection of poles along the Rubane Road to carry the cables overhead has been started.

Shelter

Bill McC (Project Manager) has gathered all the bits we need for moving the Shelter.  It's to be positioned at the 'Barn' end of the tarmac runway.  We hope to organise a squad of able bodied pensioners and others to provide  muscle power for this operation.

   Can you help?

Please let Stewart know if you are up for it. 

Sometime in September would seem to be the favoured month for this excercise.

Starting Box

A Starting Box area has been designated at the end of the tarmac runway.  You'll notice an 'L'-shaped wall of tyres there and shortly, some 'Ronnie-restraints' will be secured in position.  Being mindful of our neighbours, the tyre wall will help deaden the sound of noisy engines being run up and help preserve the peace!

Steadyhand completes fixing the 'Ronnie-restraints'.

Please start your engines in this box.     Thank you.

Taking it easy.

TD43

DANGER!  -  MEN AT WORK   

Things are moving apace what with the positioning of a new Flight Line along the 'concrete' runway, some runway repairs and the construction of a Starting Box.

Ricky is definately not posing here;  he actually shifted quite a lot of earth.  Great job Rick.

Building up a Starter Box.  Hard work.  Cruelty to pensioners!  The exception being the 'young' guy on the left.

Some restraints will be secured in the Starting Box area which may be shared and the bank of tyres you see will be filled with soil to help muffle the sound of engines being run up.

Project managers Ricky and Bill McC have devised a cunning plan for moving the Shelter. This we will hope to do quite soon and it will require the assistance of as many voulenteers as possible.  A rallying call to the Colours will be made prior to the epic event, so cancel all holidays, hospital, dental and Specsaver appointments and be ready to lend a hand.  Remember, I know where you live.

The Shelter will be located at the 'barn end' of the Tarmac runway.  Final position, to be decided.

The concrete runway is now designated the MAIN runway.  The tarmac runway will still be available when conditions prevent the Main runway being used.  ie:  Strong crosswinds or difficult lighting conditions.

'Happy landings' to everyone.

Taildragger43

A BIG WELCOME TO ROBIN who has applied for membership of NDMAC

Capt. Robin has many hours in his log book flying the 'Big Stuff' including passenger jets, such as the Embraers.  He will be joining his fellow aviator, Capt. Mark on the flight line and we can watch and see who can fly the fastest, the lowest, and who can excute the best landings!  He's also up for a bit of competitive flying (Fun-Fly) if anyone's interested.  Robin is hoping to buy a house in the Newtownards area which will be very convenient for the trips to Kirkistown.

Taildragger43

WESTON PARK MODEL AIR SHOW

Nine NDMAC members flew to Birmingham to visit the three day Model Airshow

The happy group being welcomed by our pilot		Capt McMeekhan discusses his Flight Plan with Steve
The Captain reassures a nervous flyer		Mark gets comfy
Mark's office		First stop - 'Toby' for breakfast
Bacon, Sausage, Egg, Mushrooms, Beans, Fried Bread, Tomatoes, Scrambled eggs, Tea, Coffee.  Yummy, Yummy!		Safe arrival at the Show
Our chauffeur		The spectators get ready
Every type of aircraft was to be seen		Members of the 'Dawn Patrol' getting ready
Some nice models on the Horizon showline		These guys aren't bad either
Guess what made Tony's day ...................................................................................................................	.......	You guessed it.  A 250mph Pulse Jet!

You can see it flying here:       http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r50DRou0LsM

                                                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_h6D47Lkfcw

And if you think that was fast then have a look at this:      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wi20xMXETxk  

Commentary by DB Sound		Nice shirt!
MTK spots a nice looking model		OMG - He's thinking of electriflying it!!
Time for refreshment		Interesting.  Is that a DLE50 with header and can?
Some bargins to be had

What about this!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkR3ptR2aic

Barry has his eye on something		Trevor & Matt chat with Steve Holland. Steve's 'Bronco' is the largest model at the show

Some liquid refreshment before dinner

Have a look at this - Helicopter & Plane flying at night.    

AMAZING!

View these wonderful videos shot by Matt Chamberlain.  Click the links below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRJT8aH9CFk

A Martin Pickering - spectacular.  Don't try this at home!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF9qq2Sqy8o

That's all for now folks.

Taildragger43