Flying Site Rules – Whitireia Park

These rules are to be read in conjunction with:

  • The general model flying rules as defined in the Model Flying New Zealand (MFNZ) Club Manual, available online at: http://www.modelflyingnz.org/clubs.html, and
  • Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Authority (“CAA”) Rules, available online at: https://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/Rule_Consolidations/Part_101_Consolidation.pdf , and
  • Controlling authority (council, DOC, etc.) – specific policies, rules or guidelines that apply to this site.

Whitireia Park is used by the Wellington Model Aeroplane Club as a slope soaring site. This area is not a dedicated flying site as it is shared with the public. Extra care must be taken when operating model aircraft in this environment.

Site Specific Rules

  1. Only the following model types are allowed to be flown at this site:
    1. Non-powered slope soaring gliders
    2. Electric powered gliders
  2. Communication with other users in the area i.e, para-glider and hang glider flyers on an agreed envelope of operation prior to launch
  3. All vehicles to be parked beside the sealed roadway OR disused concrete pads area

General WMAC Rules

  1. The Club Captain, a Committee member or another senior club member will act as Flight Steward. All WMAC fliers must conform to direction from the Flight Steward in all operational matters. The first committee member or senior club member to arrive at the park will assume the role of Flight Steward. This role can be passed to another qualified member by mutual agreement.
  2. Fliers without a Wings badge must fly only under the active supervision of a Club Instructor or experienced Wings badge holder. Fliers without a Wings badge must not operate a winch / bungee unless they have proven experience.
  3. A frequency control system must be used by all pilots not using 2.4GHz. All intending fliers using frequencies other than 2.4GHz must take active steps to ensure that switching on the transmitter will not result in a shoot down.
  4. Models will not be flown that are deemed unsuitable for use at this site by the Flight Steward. Where specific model type limits or restrictions apply, these are listed above in the site specific rules
  5. No model shall be launched when there is any risk of airframe failure, high speed stall or other uncontrolled manoeuvre leading to injury to a member of the public or to another modeller.
  6. Models considered by the Flight Steward to be of poor construction or in a damaged condition shall not be flown.
  7. Where bungee is permitted, no model will be bungee launched if members of the public are present in the area around the bungee and beyond the anchor peg.
  8. Unless specifically not required at a site: all pilots must be accompanied by an active observer. If, therefore, there are only two members present only one may fly at a time; the other acting as observer.
  9. Electric powered and assisted models must be flown in airspace well clear of glider launch and landing areas.
  10. Any mishaps involving injury (or even manifest fright) to a member of the public must be reported to the Flight Steward or to the WMAC Secretary immediately.

Please be assured that the Committee will take any proven breaches of these rules very seriously.