1. This flying site, shown bounded in red, is operated by Epsom Downs Model Aircraft Club (EDMAC).
a. The red line marks the boundary stated in the byelaws for model flying.
b. The light red shading marks where the byelaws require a minimum altitude of 61 metres (200 feet) for radio-controlled aircraft. This is the area at the Tattenham Corner end of the racecourse.
c. The dark red shaded area south of the Radio Control (R/C) strip marks the Pits no-fly zone.
d. The green shaded area is the area where R/C models may not be flown below 30 meters (100ft) in this zone unless making a landing approach. This is the area at the western end of the racecourse.
2. The no-fly zones:
a. The Car Park
b. Any part of the Racecourse proper
c. Behind the flight line or over the pits area.
d. The no low-flying zone to the west of Walton Road where any R/C model may not be flown below 30 meters (100ft) unless making a landing
e. The By-Laws prohibit the flying of R/C models lower than 61m (200ft) in the kite-flying zone.
3. Only members of EDMAC are licensed to fly and all pilots must always have their EDMAC & BMFA membership cards with them for identification purposes when flying on the Downs. All pilots must have BMFA 3rd Party Insurance and hold a valid Registration Competency Certificate.
4. Models must not take off from, or taxi back into, the pits. Only 6 R/C models are allowed in the air at one time. All pilots must stand in the same “pilots’ box” and communicate clearly with acknowledgement. If the wind changes direction during a flight, everyone must stay together, no moving separately to the alternate pilot’s box.
5. All Club Members are to consider themselves to be Safety Marshals to make the general public aware, and request that they exercise caution, when model aircraft are flying. No Club member is to fly any R/C, or propeller driven I/C or Electric FF model aircraft without another person being present.
6. Flying Restrictions
(I) Times
a) No models may be flown before 12 noon or after sunset.
b) No Radio-Controlled model or any model powered by I/C or electric motors may be flown after 20:00hrs.
(II) Models
a) All models guided by 35Mhz PCM or 2.4Ghz transmitters must have a functioning failsafe.
b) The Club operates the BMFA Flying Achievement Scheme.
c) Pilots without an “A” certificate in any discipline must be accompanied on the flight line by an “A” certificated Club pilot (helicopter pilot OK for multi-rotor) of the same discipline before flying their model
d) A BMFA “A” certification is the minimum qualification to fly solo on an aircraft not fitted with stabilisation technologies and able to meet the “A” certificate requirements.
e) A BMFA “Basic Proficiency Certificate” (BPC) is the minimum qualification to fly solo on an aircraft fitted with multi-axis stabilisation technology or not able to meet the “A” certificate requirements. The fitted stabilisation device must not be turned off while that pilot is flying solo. It is expected that pilots will use a “BPC” as a stepping stone towards the full “A” certification and as such the “BPC” will only be valid for 18 months from date of issue (unless an exception has been granted by the committee). Models are restricted to trainer style aircraft below 3 kg fixed wing and ‘500 size’ helicopter.
f) Pilots without an “A” certificate or a “BPC” in any discipline must be accompanied on the flight line by an “A” certificated Club pilot (helicopter pilot OK for multi-rotor) of the same discipline before flying.
7. For safety and common-sense reasons, ALL fixed wing I/C or electric models must be tethered using a tail or other secure mechanical restraint when starting and carrying out range checks with the following proviso. A mechanical restraint may not be required for lightweight models powered by an I/C engine of less than 1.5cc or its equivalent sized electric motor, or for any plane without an undercarriage. These models however must be physically restrained at all times in a safe manner during pre-flight checks, whilst the engine is running or, in the specific case of an electric model when it is switched on and live. Models must be tethered and started in a straight line along the front edge of the pits.
8. When other aircraft are flying (both fixed & rotary wing), no 3D aerobatics are allowed over the strip. 3D aerobatics are permitted if it is safe to do so with no other aircraft in the air. Low level passes, which are classified as 2 meters (6ft) or less are only allowed directly over the strip area. Pilots are not allowed to enter or exit the strip at low pass level and a higher altitude of at least 4 meters (13ft) must be maintained on entry and exit.
9. Only transmitters operating on the 35MHz & 2.4GHz band are permitted.
10. 35Mhz Transmitters must not be switched on until the pegboard has been checked for frequency clearance. A peg on system is in operation and applies to all frequency bands. Adjacent frequency channel checks are advisable. All pilots regardless of frequency are expected to use the peg board and all pegs should carry the full name of the pilot.
11. The By-Laws prohibit the flying of any aircraft with a dry weight of more than 7 kg or 15.4 lbs. Dry weight is defined for I/C models as being without fuel, glow or petrol, but with its battery for electric motor planes.
12. The Department of Environment noise limit for powered aircraft of 82 dB maximum at 7 metres on all 4 faces applies.
13. All pilots must be familiar with the By-Laws, accept any checks, recommendations, or requests that the Conservators or Rangers may make, and act in compliance with their requirements. All Club members should treat all other Downs Users with courtesy and civility.
14. Rules 2, 4, 7-10 are specific to the flying of Radio Control Models and do not apply to Free Flight Models.
Rules Version #21. November 2024.