These Operational By-Laws establish the rules and procedures governing flying and related activities at TMAC.

The objectives are to:

• Ensure safe model aircraft operations
• Protect members, visitors, spectators and property
• Maintain insurance compliance
• Comply with regulatory obligations, meet lease obligations and align with national aviation model standards.

All members share responsibility for maintaining a safe and respectful flying environment.

These Operational By-Laws are subordinate to:

1. Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR Part 101)
2. The Model Aeronautical Association of Australia (MAAA) Model Operating Procedures (MOPs)
3. The TMAC Constitution
4. Conditions of the Brisbane City Council Club’s lease.

If any inconsistency arises, the higher authority document prevails.

The Committee has authority to interpret and enforce these By-Laws.

Membership constitutes agreement to comply with these By-Laws.

Members must:

• Familiarise themselves with these By-Laws
• Follow applicable national safety codes including the MAAA Safe Flying Code MOP056.
• Comply with lawful directions of Committee Members, Safety Officers, Event Coordinators, and Flight Line Controllers.

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.

1. Combustible Fuel Engines and Drones are permitted between 7.00 am and 8 pm Monday to Saturday and between 8.00 am and 8 pm Sunday.
2. Electric Aircraft are permitted between 5.00 am and 8 pm 7 days per week.
3. Night flying is permitted only if a member observer is present and fail-safe checks are completed prior to darkness.
4. Restricted Days: no flying before 1:30pm on Anzac Day. Additional restricted days may be published by the Committee.

Only financial members and visiting MAAA affiliated members may fly at TMAC sites.  Current MAAA Membership Cards must be carried and available to be presented on request. Insurance validity depends on current membership.

Visiting Pilots can use the TMAC facilities for 3 calendar flying days per year (excluding invitations and events). Before flying, visitors must:

• Sign the visitors book and agree to abide by all TMAC By-Laws and Rules.
• Be briefed by a club Safety Officer or experienced member who will review the club rules and monitor the visiting pilot’s flying ability and level of control until satisfied.

1. Solo Flying: Pilots must hold a minimum MAAA Bronze Wing rating for the model type being flown.
2. Unqualified pilots must fly under direct supervision of an approved instructor.
3. Additional Requirements: The Committee can grant exemptions to the above and may impose additional proficiency requirements for specific aircraft categories.

1. 2.4GHz – must comply with MAAA MOP058 – 2.4GHz Policy.
2. 29 & 36MHz must comply with MAAA MOP049 – 29 & 36MHz Policy and the frequency control procedures outlined in By-Law 25 – Supplemental 29 & 36MHz Radio Requirements.

Permitted radio-controlled model aircraft include:

• Fixed wing
• Gliders
• Turbines
• Helicopters
• Multirotor

Aircraft over 7 kg & Gas Turbine models must comply with additional certification requirements – MAAA Heavy Model Aircraft Inspection & Operation Procedures MOP015, and MAAA Gas Turbine Rules MOP030.

Giant Models (over 25 kg) must also comply with the additional requirements in By-Law 26.

Control Line model aircraft are permitted in the Rotary Wing Area.

Model rockets, pulse jets and solid fuel motor aircraft are prohibited unless lawfully authorised.

All internal combustion engines must be fitted with effective mufflers and all models must comply with 96 dB maximum noise level, as set out in MAAA MOP062 – Noise Policy & Guidelines.

Noise Measurement and Reporting procedures are outlined in By-Law 27.

Flying is prohibited:

• For all aircraft during a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating
• For Gas Turbine aircraft during a Total Fire Ban or declared fire emergency.

The Committee may suspend flying during elevated fire risk conditions.

• No alcohol or drugs while flying – Zero blood alcohol concentration.
• No smoking within fenced area.
• Only members or authorised visitors are permitted in the pits area, at the Pilot’s Position, or on or near the runways. Anyone whose age or incapacity is likely to cause injury or damage must be supervised at all times by a mature and responsible person.
• Dogs must be restrained.
• Last member leaving must secure the premises.

Aircraft must:

• Be securely restrained (including while connecting an electric aircraft flight battery)
• Be oriented away from people
• Have throttle cut engaged (electric aircraft).

Heavy models and turbines must use designated Heavy Model Start Pads (see 14.1).

Engine run-in, Troubleshooting, tuning, or sustained high-power operation must use the engine run-up area.

Before first flight of the day:

• Range check
• Failsafe check.

Before every flight:

• Airworthiness inspection
• Ensure control surfaces move freely
• and in the correct direction

1. Pitts & Taxi Way Diagram – Main Field
   
2. Taxing Outward from the Pits
   • Aircraft can be carried or taxied under escort from the concrete pits to the adjacent grassed area. From there the aircraft may be taxied via the designated taxiways to a runway holding point.
   • Rotary Wing Aircraft must be carried to the runway and not hover in the pits or taxiways.
3. Taxiing Inward from the Runway
   • Aircraft must not be taxied into the pits.
   • Before crossing the Inward Taxi Limit/Engine Stop Line:
     • Engine must be stopped (Electric aircraft restrained and flight battery disconnected).

Flight Operations Area: All flight operations must be within the green area below

• Eastern Boundary: is 400ft (122m) from Stanton Road West, but pilots should turn at the visual turn indications (a white drum and a yellow pole) and immediately turn back if they fly past the eastern tree line.
• The Western Boundary is the Bulimba Creek and the Northern Boundary is 30 metres before the bike path that runs from Stanton Road West to Wynnum Road.

Red Area: If an aircraft enters a Red No-Fly Zone, the pilot must take immediate action to return to the Flight Operations Area. If the pilot loses orientation or the aircraft does not turn immediately, the throttle must be set to 0 and the aircraft ditched.

Behind the Pilots Position: Flying is not permitted behind the Main Runway flight line for the length of the main field in both directions, or over the Rotary Wing Aircraft Area.

Pilots must:

• Seek permission and receive acknowledgement from all flying pilots before entering the runway, by asking “AM I CLEAR TO ENTER THE RUNWAY”.
• Stand in the designated Pilot Position while flying
• Immediately return to the Pilot Position if taking off outside the Pilot Position
• Not take off or land over any person at any time
• Hand launch aircraft outside and upwind of the Pilot’s Position, at a safe distance from other people
• Not place bungies or similar launching mechanisms on the field so as to cause obstruction to other operations
• Fly rectangular circuit when multiple aircraft airborne (unless otherwise agreed by all pilots)
• Not use mobile phones while in the Pilot Position
• Make standard pilot calls clearly including:
  • “TAXIING ON THE RUNWAY”
  • “GOING ON TO THE RUNWAY” – for aircraft take-off or retrieval – ensure acknowledgement is received before proceeding
  • “CROSSING THE RUNWAY” – ensure acknowledgement before crossing both directions
  • “HAND LAUNCHING” or “HAND LAUNCHING FROM THE RUNWAY” – ensure acknowledgement is received before proceeding
  • “TAKING OFF” – after checking for proximity of other airborne aircraft
  • “LOW PASS” – if flying below 2 meters.
  • “DOWNWIND FOR LANDING – call on downwind leg, before turning to final.
  • “GOING AROUND” – aborting landing after calling intention to land.
  • “DEAD STICK” – emergency landing because of engine failure – all other pilots must give way.
  • “CLEAR ON THE RUNWAY” – when exited the main runway.
• Maintain Awareness of Mowing Operations including not taking off or landing when the Runway is being mowed and not flying over any person mowing the Runway or the outfield.

Maintain Awareness of Dam Flight Operation including checking for the Dam Operations sign on the fence behind the Main Pilot’s Position when taxiing to the main strip and if present flying in such a manner as to not conflict with aircraft operating from the Dam.

Any incident involving:

• Injury
• Property damage
• Aircraft crash outside the Flight Operations Area

must be reported by phone or other practical means immediately and prior to aircraft recovery to the TMAC Secretary or if not available to another committee member, by, as per the following table:

Incident reports must be completed in a timely manner and returned to the TMAC secretary when required.

Rotary and Control Line Aircraft only.

Main Field rules apply with the following modifications:

• Flight Operations Area: flight operations must be within the area identified as Rotary Wing Only in diagram below
  
• Pilots Position: Is in front of the Rotary Wing Area pit area as shown in the Figure above. 
• Rotary Wing Trainees are limited to hovering until awarded their MAAA wings.

Float Planes Only.

Main Field rules apply with the following modifications:

• Pilots Position: located at the approved Dam Pilot’s Position.
• Pilot Communication: Hang the Dam Operations sign (stored in the Canteen) on the fence behind the Main Pilot’s Position and coordination with the Main Field Pilots before proceeding.
• Operational Awareness: an observer is required and the pilot must fly in such a manner as to not conflict with aircraft operating on the Main Strip.

All flight instruction must be provided by either a TMAC or MAAA Instructor.

Instructors are required to ensure, upon completion of training, pilots:

• Have a thorough understanding of TMAC’s Operational By-Laws.
• Meet the MAAA Flight Proficiency Standards for the particular Wings Test.

Commercial Instruction as defined in MAAA MOP023 is NOT permitted.

MAAA Instructors must have completed the MAAA Instructor training course. It is recommended MAAA Gold Wings be held for at least 12 months before taking the Course.

TMAC Instructors are members who have been approved by the Committee considering: need, pilot’s skill level and suitability for delivering instruction. The approval may be for up to 12 months and be conditional to certain trainees, equipment and flight certification. e.g. Certain trainees – family or friend; Equipment – buddy box; and/or Flight certification – gold wings.

Testing shall be undertaken by an MAAA Instructor in accordance with MAAA MOP027 Award of Wings and Instructor Rating using either the instructors or the new members aircraft and be successfully completed the same day to gain proficiency.

Working with Children (Blue Card): All instructors must complete a Working with Children check and hold a current Queensland Blue Card, unless the instructor is approved by the Committee for immediate family instruction only.

• Details about applying and renewing can be found at QLD Blue Card Services. There is no cost for a Volunteer.
• After filling out the application form, contact the TMAC Secretary who will complete the application on behalf of TMAC and submit it to the Public Safety Business Agency.
• After receipt of the Blue Card the instructor must promptly provide a copy to the TMAC Secretary.
• The Secretary will maintain a register of all Blue Card holders.
• Any breach of the Act must be notified immediately to the TMAC Secretary who will then notify the relevant agencies.

• Before commencing mowing, check mower oil levels and tyre pressure.
• Coordinate with all members present outlining your plan, before proceeding.
• Maintain a safe distance approx. 40 metres from runways when in use.
• Always maintain awareness of aircraft operating within the vicinity of the mower.
• Pilots and the Mowing Operator must work together to allow mowing to be completed in a timely manner.

Running an Event at TMAC brings with it various responsibilities outlined below.

Pilot Briefing: must be held prior to the start of the event, covering:

• Welcome to all member, guests and visitors
• Outline Facilities available: e.g. toilet, BBQ area, food and soft drinks, etc
• Pilot Safety Briefing.

Pilot Safety Briefing must include:

• Aircraft Start Up and Taxiing By-Laws
• Flight Operations By-Laws
• Minimum MAAA Wings Pilot Rating required to participate.
• Requirement to present Large Model and Turbine Certifications
• The role of the Pilot Callers and Flight Line Coordinator.
• Reminder that the Event Coordinator and Flight Line Controller have operational authority and may suspend flying for safety reasons.

(Download the Pilot Briefing Check list from the TMAC Website.)

Safety Responsibilities: The Event Coordinator is responsible for safety at all times during the event and must take into account:

• Number of aircraft in the air at any one time
• Air traffic management to accommodate very large/specialist aircraft
• Adverse Weather conditions requiring additional safety measures e.g. if pilots are required to call manoeuvres for Judges during flight. If weather conditions deem flying to be too dangerous, the event is to be stopped
• Presence of General Public. If the event is a MAAA approved Public Event e.g. “Model Expo”, “Air Show” MAAA MOP019 Display Procedures must be considered

Appointing Pilot Callers and/or Flight Line Controllers (MAAA members) as required in the table below:

• Safe flying practices of the pilots: If the Event Co-ordinator (or Flight Line Controller) feel pilots are not following TMAC Operational By-Laws, the Event Co-ordinator must stop all flying, and conduct a second safety briefing, highlighting the issues.

If anyone refuses to take direction from the Event Co-ordinator or the Flight Line Controller, the pilot(s) are to be refused permission to continue to fly in the event.

If safety breaches continue, the event is to be stopped.

All safety breaches at events must be reported to the Committee.

The Committee may:

• Issue warnings
• Suspend flying privileges immediately
• Recommend to a General Meeting disciplinary action. By majority member vote, penalties per Rule 8 Section (3) or (4) of the TMAC constitution may be imposed.

Procedural fairness will be observed.

Members must comply with immediate safety directions.

Members observing a breach of the by-laws or having other issues with a member’s behaviour should:

• Discuss the issue with the member in a calm and reasonable manner.
• If negotiation is unsuccessful, report their concerns in writing to the Secretary within 48 hours. The Committee will investigate and may require additional information from one or both members.

• Must be complainant with MAAA MOP049 – 29 & 36MHz Policy.
• Bandwidth Testing must be completed before first use.
• Switch OFF transmitters before arriving at and after leaving, the field.
• Frequency Control Keyboard MUST be used, with a commercially manufactured Frequency Control Key 50mms wide.
• Do not turn on transmitter until you have inserted your Frequency Control Key into the Keyboard’s position for your frequency.
• If your frequency slot is occupied, do not turn on your transmitter – wait until clear.
• Only the owner of the frequency control key is allowed to remove it from the keyboard.
• Maximum frequency use is 20 minutes unless no one else is waiting.

Aircraft weighing more than 25Kg are approved to operate at Porter Field, subject to following conditions and pilot responsibilities:

• Aircraft must be approved and operated according to MAAA Heavy Model Aircraft Inspection & Operation Procedures MOP015.
• Permit to Fly: must be carried by the pilot and produced on request.
• Form MAAA030 “Giant Aircraft Pre and During Construction/Assembly Inspection Assessment” signed by a MAAA FW50 Inspector, must be carried by the pilot and produced on request.
• MAAA Gold Wings for the aircraft type must be held by the pilot.

The pilot of a Giant Model must be satisfied flying area is suitable for the aircraft under the conditions present on the day. When considering the suitability of any site, the Giant Model pilot should refer to MOP015 – 7.7 Flying Sites for Giant Models.

Maximum aircraft pressure noise level is 96dB measured from the centre of the propeller, at a distance of 3 metres for engines with capacity of 19cc or under and at 7 meters otherwise.

• Aircraft must be tethered on a grass surface, with engine at full throttle and measurements taken from 3 directions (directly behind the aircraft, and to the left and right).
• The highest measured noise level from the 3 directions is the official noise pressure level.
• All readings are taken on “A” weighted scale with a Calibrated meter.

Members should report concerns regarding noise levels of model aircraft to the TMAC Secretary.

• The Secretary will coordinate with the Committee, and if deemed necessary organise for testing with the Club’s designated Noise Level Tester(s).