FLYING SITE RULES


IMPORTANT - RULES FOR THE NEW WHAMS LAYOUT - 16 May 2026


The reversal of the Whams field will offer significant challenges however with a considered approach we believe these challenges can be met and the site operated safely and successfully so we can all enjoy our hobby into the future.

These are the new rules for operating in this manner and they are in place to ensure members are as safe as possible.

The flying operations at the Whams have now been rotated through 180 degrees.

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING

On arrival at the Whams, enter through the main entrance gate, making sure you close it as there may be livestock in the field not instantly visible on entry.

Proceed down the track and enter the flying field through the second gate.

At this point you may unload your models and equipment adjacent to the starting benches before driving across to park your vehicle in the car park. Normal rules apply for crossing the field and if any flying is taking place, you must wait and sound your horn to seek authorisation from those flying before proceeding across to park your vehicle.

If you decide to use alternative parking, please make sure that it is appropriate and allows access to others and does not hinder the operation of the site for other members.

If you wish you can still leave your models and equipment in your vehicle and carry them across to the flying area/pits on foot but only after ringing the bell attached to the container to alert the flying pilots to your request to cross the field, only proceed if you have received acknowledgment that it is ok to cross from those flying and remain vigilant whilst crossing.

When you leave you must sound your horn at the car park exit and wait for authorisation from those flying to drive along the track (as normal). You may park by the pits area if you wish to collect your models and equipment.

SITE AND FLYING RULES

For the added protection of members a new 2m high fence has been provided that offers increased protection to the area adjacent to the welfare cabin. The position of this fence will allow members to sit outside the cabin and walk between the cabin, the charging area and the toilet. Caution must be taken while using this corridor of protection and members are advised to be vigilant when models are flying. This area is used at your own risk and if you feel uncomfortable using it then you can of course remain in the welfare cabin or in the pits.

Due to the distance between the cabin, charging points and car park area, members wishing to walk across from there to the flying area must notify the members at the new pits/pilot’s box by ringing the provided bell. You must only cross to the flying area when notified to do so by the pilots flying (as normal). 

If models are flying then you must walk along the track to the gate area and then along the northern fence to the pits area.

Members who are flying must keep their planes well away, at height and to the left of the track while members are walking along the track.

Before flying you MUST MAKE SURE YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE NEW FIELD LAYOUT AND NO FLY ZONES (Diagrams in site cabin) and below this text.

The area containing the Containers, Welfare Cabin, Charging Area and Car Park are STRICTLY NO FLY ZONES.

Models must be positioned within the new pits area.

The new pits area should also be used by members when not flying or assisting flyers.

All members must use the new pilots’ box when flying their models. The car park, welfare cabin, charging area and toilet are STRICTLY NO FLY ZONES.

The boundary of this No Fly Zone extends to 10m in all directions around these features. The No Fly Zone boundaries are indicated by the White Post by the stile and the Windsock along the fence by the track.

The area including the pits, loading/unloading car parking area and pilots’ box are No Fly Zones. This No Fly Zone boundary continues as shown in the diagrams.

Models must not be flown in close proximity to the wind turbines.

We appreciate that this is a new system and will take time for everyone to become familiar with the new site layout and rule but most of the rule’s regrading crossing the field are already in use.

There will no doubt be future changes and tweaks required to the operation/ rules as necessary.