SECTION 1 GENERAL
1.1 Applicability of Rules
RAFMAA competitions are run in accordance with FAI, BMFA (formerly SMAE), BARCS, BEFA, GBRCAA or RAFMAA rules. This book specifies which set of rules is applicable for each class flown within the RAFMAA, details those rules which are specific to RAFMAA events and also defines any waivers which are applied for certain classes.
Anyone in doubt or unable to obtain the relevant rules should contact the RAFMAA Competition Secretary. All references to male modellers apply equally to female modellers. Top
1.2 Conduct of Events
The conduct of all events may be varied at the discretion of the Contest Director (CD).
Examples of such variations are:
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Flying only one round of a multi-round event due to unsuitable weather.
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A reduction in the number of judges.
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Changes to suit local conditions. Top
1.3 Builder of the Model
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It is a BMFA general rule that the competitor must construct his/her own model has been rescinded by the BMFA and is therefore no longer applicable in RAFMAA competitions. Top
1.4 Multiple Entry
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With the exception of certain RAFMAA events for which this rule is waived, a model may be entered only once in an event, i.e. team or club entries of one model with several flyers is prohibited. Top
1.5 Number of Models
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A competitor may enter only one model in each event with the following exceptions:
Certain classes permit use of a spare model.
In Scale and Concours events the CD may allow a competitor to enter more than one model depending on the overall number of competitors. If more than one entry is permitted, only the highest placed model will gain points towards trophies and prizes and lower placed entries will be discounted from the final ranking. Top
1.6 Proxy Flying
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If having entered a competition, a member is unable to attend due to illness or Service commitments he may have his model flown by another competitor subject to the following limitations:
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The intention to proxy fly must be approved by the CD before the event.
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Proxy flying will only be permitted in the following events:
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All Free Flight events except HLG and Scramble.
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Concours d’Elegance Top
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1.7 Model Aircraft Noise
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Any model which emits a noise measured to be in excess of 96 dB(A) at 3 metres over tarmac or 94dB(A) over grass may not be operated at a RAFMAA competition. Top
1.8 Radio Control Equipment
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For RAFMAA competitions in the UK only radio control equipment which conforms to the specification and frequency bands authorised for operation in the UK may be used. Additionally, where a failsafe is installed and operational in a power model it MUST be set to stop the engine on loss of signal. This will be tested before the first flight in each competition. Top
1.9 Frequency Allocation
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At the Annual Championships the following frequency allocation will be applied:
2.4 GHz - No restrictions
35MHz - Power - Any odd numbered frequency
Glider – Any even numbered frequency Top
1.10 Eligibility for Competitions
All Full and Junior Members are eligible to enter all RAFMAA competitions and compete for trophies and prizes. Honorary Members may fly in all events and compete for the Honorary Members Trophy. Additionally MOD Civilian Members may compete but will not gain Interstation points or be eligible for trophies. Top
1.11 Late Entry
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At any event held by RAFMAA, Service personnel may be permitted to enter the event after the event has commenced. Late entry will only be permitted when the late arrival of the competitor is due to essential Service reasons. In all cases the final decision to permit late entry will rest with the CD. Top
1.12 General Conduct
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RAFMAA competitions are in the main held at RAF stations by permission of the Station Commander. This is a privilege, not a right, and it behoves all competitors to ensure that their standards of behaviour and dress are above reproach; particular attention is to be given to dress standards detailed in Mess Rules. Top