TRAC Flying Rules
Updated September 21, 2023
These field rules are established to ensure that flying operations at the TRAC flying field are conducted in a safe and responsible manner. Common sense, common courtesy, and a respect for the rights of others promote safety and fellowship. Each member of the club is responsible for his or her own, other members’, and visitor adherence to these rules. It is the responsibility of the club officers to enforce these rules when necessary.
A. RULES CALLED FOR BY TRAC'S LEASE AGREEMENT
1. Downed Aircraft: If your aircraft goes down beyond the fence, do not cross the fence. Doing so will jeopardize TRAC's continued use of the flying site. If you cross the fence, you may lose your membership in TRAC. TRAC members are allowed on the landfill only when accompanied by a Solid Waste on-duty person. The landfill is a Hazardous Waste Site.
TRAC's contract with Hillsborough County requires us to contact an on-duty County employee to retrieve aircraft that go down on the landfill. Please use the following schedule:
Monday through Friday, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.:
You can contact the Solid Waste personnel at the Hillsborough Heights Landfill Office. The office is located on SR 579 (Mango Road) just north of Interstate 4. You can contact the office in person or by calling 813-744-5535. If this number goes to voicemail, you can try 813-505-1878 for direct contact. A County employee usually arrives in a truck within 15 minutes to retrieve the aircraft.
Monday through Thursday after 3:30 p.m.:
You can call the same number, 813-744-5535, and leave a message that an aircraft is down and its approximate location. The Solid Waste personnel will retrieve the aircraft the next morning and you may pick up the aircraft at the landfill office.
From Friday, 3:30 p.m. through dusk on Sunday:
You can contact the on-call Solid Waste person by calling 813-505-1878 . This number is also posted on the Bulletin Board. You will have to wait for this person to come to the landfill to retrieve the aircraft. TRAC is billed $60 each time this weekend service is used. An alternate no cost option is to call 813-744-5535, and leave a message describing the approximate location of the downed aircraft. They will retrieve the aircraft Monday morning and you may pick up the aircraft at the landfill office.
2. Smoking is not allowed. This is a stipulation in the lease agreement.
3. Flying times: Aircraft are allowed to fly from sunrise to sunset.
4. Fuel Recovery System: A fuel recovery system will be used while fueling models to prevent the spilling of fuel. The system may consist of an extra fuel line returning the overflow back to the supply tank. Another system would be an old fuel tank attached to the overflow tube. Any simple, non-breakable container that catches the fuel overflow can be used.
5. Any fuel, oil or solvent spills at the flying site should be reported immediately to a club officer.
6. Locking of gates: The entrance gate has two locks, one for our use and the others for the County workers. The spectator gate and the entrance gate will be checked and locked by the last member to leave, unless County workers are inside. Please place our lock so that opening any of the locks allows access.
B. FREQUENCY CONTROL
1. An active TRAC or AMA card will be pinned in the proper position on the frequency board before turning on any transmitter. For 72 mhz use, each flyer is responsible for the prompt removal of the pin and card after the transmitter is turned off. During special events, transmitter impound may be imposed, and must be followed to participate.
2. For 72 mhz use, a pilot should not claim for more than 10 minutes of pit activity a frequency another member wants to use.
3. For 72 mhz use, transmitters will display the appropriate ribbons and channel numbers as specified by AMA official model regulations.
4. When a transmitter is not being used to control flight, the antenna will be in the collapsed position.
5. A crash caused by two flyers operating on the same frequency shall be the financial responsibility of the flyer who did not correctly use the frequency board. If the two flyers cannot agree on who is at fault for the crash or the amount of settlement, the following procedures will be followed:
Once the President of the club is notified of the incident, and the need for arbitration, the President will appoint a club member to act as an investigator. This investigator will gather the facts from both flyers and present these facts along with a recommended settlement to the club membership at the next scheduled meeting. The flyers involved may speak if they wish; however, if they are not present, the appointed investigator will represent them in their absence. The club members in attendance will either vote on the recommendation presented, or change it based on the discussion held at the meeting. The club members will determine the outcome.
Once the recommendation is approved, it is binding on both parties. If compensation is awarded, the flyer causing the damage must pay the award within 30 days of the meeting or be subject to termination of his or her club membership with no reimbursement of dues.
C. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS
1. All radio equipment will comply with, and be used in compliance with, all applicable AMA guidelines and FCC regulations.
2. A successful range check of radio equipment should be completed before the first flight of the day.
3. No models are allowed to fly unless identified with the owner's name and address or AMA number, on or in the aircraft. The owner's phone number is also recommended.
The owner’s FAA registration number is to be displayed on the outside of the plane.
4. A muffler or tuned pipe is required on all engines of .10 cubic-inch displacement or larger.
5. No aircraft of any type with a turbine engine may be flown at TRAC.
6. Prohibited equipment:
a. Flow-through mufflers.
b. Metal-bladed propellers
c. Gaseous boost
d. Pyrotechnics
e. Extremely hazardous fuels
7. Propeller nuts should be protected by a spinner or rounded prop nut.
8. In the pits, when the engine of a plane is running, the plane must be held securely by a second person, a mechanical tail, or a wing holder capable of holding the plane when the engine is running at full speed.
D. FLYING OPERATIONS
1. New or inexperienced members may not fly an aircraft until they have been certified competent by a TRAC instructor or experienced TRAC member.
2. Fixed-wing aircraft must be flown on the far side of the Flight Line. The Flight Line is defined as a straight line passing along the near side of the runway and extending indefinitely in both directions.
3. No more than four aircraft should be in the air, on the far side of the Flight Line, at the same time. Pilots should use the pilot stations for safety. Spotters are recommended.
4. Helicopter pilots will perform hovering, circling, and beginning forward flight in the designated helicopter area. The helicopter area is north of the Flight Line, east of the pits, and within the bounds of the entrance road. No more than two helicopters shall be in the air in the helicopter area at a time.
5. Advanced forward flight and aerobatics by helicopters may be performed on the far side of the Flight Line, while conforming to the flight pattern of the fixed wing aircraft. Prolonged hovering over the runway is not allowed while fixed wing aircraft are in the air. No new or inexperienced helicopter pilot will fly on the far side of the Flight Line until certified competent by an appointed helicopter instructor.
6. Slow flying electric R/C aircraft may use the helicopter area.
7. Pilots wishing to fly any special pattern will coordinate this activity with other pilots so that they may, at their discretion, suspend their flying operation and move to a safe distance from the special course. Some examples are pylon racing, fun-fly practice, low aerobatics, combat, sailplanes, 3-D aerobatics, and U-control.
8. Careless, reckless, or dangerous flying is prohibited.
9. Takeoffs and landings should occur only on the paved or grass runways. Helicopter pilots should use the helipads. Aircraft that have been taxied back to their pit should be shut down while still pointing parallel to the yellow center line.
10. Takeoffs and landings will be into the prevailing wind and consistent with the flow of traffic. If a wind shift occurs that dictates a change in the direction of traffic, any flyer on the line may suggest a change in the direction of traffic. This will be coordinated with all pilots on the line and agreed to before such change is made.
11. Landing aircraft have right-of-way over aircraft taking off.
12. Dead-stick landings, when called out, have right-of-way over all other traffic.
13. TRAC's asphalt pit areas will be used for all fueling and defueling of aircraft. Engines should be started only in the pit areas. Re-starting of a stalled engine is allowed on the taxiways and runway if coordinated with pilots who are flying. No fueling or defueling of aircraft or the starting of engines will be conducted under the shelters or between the pit area and the shelters.
14. Engine runs for break-in or other purposes will be conducted ONLY in the designated area established by the club and clearly marked "Engine break-in". Engine break-ins are not permitted in the pits or the shelter area due to the constant noise creating a nuisance not only to spectators, but also to pilots flying aircraft. A transmitter can be used if its frequency is not needed by an active flyer.
15. During all special events, any alternate-site flying rules will be announced at the initial pilot meeting, and will be in accordance with AMA guidelines.
16. Spectators will remain in the spectator area, that is, north of a line parallel to, but set back five feet from, the edge of the asphalt pits, and west of the helicopter area.
17. During normal flying activities the tower is to be used by members only as either an observation tower or to photograph or videotape aircraft. The tower is not to be used by children unless accompanied by an adult.
E. REVISED TRAC GUEST FLYING POLICY
Approved by vote June 10, 2023
Any person not currently a member of TRAC and wishing to operate a UAS at TRAC’s site as a guest will be allowed according to the following:
TRAC Member sponsoring guest pilot will contact a current club Officer providing proof of guest AMA membership stating that they will be present during the guest’s flying and act as sponsor.
TRAC Member will receive authorization in writing via email for the day requested and be able to produce this authorization either printed or electronic copy.
TRAC Member will make guest pilot familiar with TRAC flying rules, including, but not limited to, the no-fly area and no smoking, drugs, or alcohol policy.
This privilege will be limited to two days of flying. Each request after that will be accompanied by a fee payment of $3, to be collected from TRAC sponsor.
Email requests will be forwarded to TRAC Secretary who will document each occurrence and make available to club Officers for their use in authorizing guest flying.
Non-members participating in organized TRAC events are exempt from Guest Flying Policy, however must have AMA membership.
As always, spectators are encouraged and welcome at no cost.
F. ACCIDENTS
1. Any accident that results in injury or property damage to a second party will be reported to a club officer as soon as possible.
G. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
1. Members are reminded that AMA insurance does not cover any accident in which alcohol is a factor.
2. No consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be permitted at the TRAC flying field. This area is designated as a "ZERO TOLERANCE ZONE".
H. SUGGESTIONS
1. Preflight checks should include, but are not limited to, the following:
a. RX and TX battery voltage
b. prop nut tightness
c. fuel
d. trim adjustments and proper control surface movement
2. When revving engines in the pit area, do not point your aircraft directly at spectators. Also be courteous and aware of your exhaust and prop wash.
This Document updated on: September 21, 2023
