CLARK COUNTY RADIO CONTROL SOCIETY
FIELD CLOSURE COMMENTS / FAQ'S
| General information: CCRCS relations with the county fairgrounds is a partnership. As part of this relationship, CCRCS has traditionally suspended operations each year to accomodate camping, parking, and other activities around our field during fair operations. AMA rules require each member club field to publish field boundaries. These boundaries, which delineate our range of operations is posted at the field. In accordance with AMA rules and CCRCS Field Operating Rules, no aircraft may operate outside those boundaries, or when hazards exist inside those boundaries. To fly outside those boundaries, or when hazards exists inside those boundaries may cause additional liabilities to CCRCS and the AMA. Typically, we will see campers and other equipment, such as trucks and trailers inside our flying boundaries as much as a week before the fair, and they may remain a week after the fair. Exact dates for closing and opening the field cannot be posted, because it is based on real-time operations with the fairgrounds. The club desires to keep the closure period minimal, so a broad range of suspected closure dates are not used. Members can rely on the club website and other communication to stay informed. If in doubt - please do not fly! |
| Webmaster note: Field closure rules may be confusing to some, so below I've offered my best explanation of what's happening. If you have a question not listed here, please let the webmaster know . . . |
Who makes the closure call?
Any club officer will make the decision when notified by club members or other third parties of boundary incursions. The over-flight boundary is posted at the field per our Field Operating Rules and AMA. When the field over-flight boundaries are violated, then the field will be deemed closed. Any club member can notify any club officer when hazards exist.
How are members informed of field closures?
Generally, the club relies on disseminating emails to registered users, and posting on the club's website. To be sure to be "in-the-loop," ensure your email address is up-to-date with the webmaster.
When is the field closed?
Generally, the field will be closed about a week before the start of the fair. This is to accomodate campers that use the area around the cul-de-sac at the SE part of the field. Once the first campers move in, we stop flying for the safety of the campers and property.
When will the field re-open?
Generally, the field will be open sometime after the fair, but opening the field is incumbent upon all campers moved out of the area. Sometimes property ( trucks, trailers, etc. ) remain a little longer after the campers leave, so it's a judgement call. A club officer will make the decision.
Is the field close to all flying, or can I fly my park flier?
No. You are responsible for safe operation of your aircraft, of course. And though it is conceivable that park fliers are much less risky because they are able to fly in a more confined area, accidents still happen. It is safer for all concerned to simply declare off-limits to all flying. Any flying operations once our field boundaries are breached impose substantial liability issues, including the loss of our AMA insurance, and perhaps permits from the county or a threat to the status of our agreement with the fairgrounds administration.
Who decides when the field will be re-opened?
As with the closure - we all watch for the last people and equipment to leave. Once club officers are notified, the decision will be dissemenated through club email and posted on the club's website.
Where else can members fly?
In general, any associated AMA club welcomes visitors, but to fly with another club is a courtesy provided by that club. In our area, Fern Prairie Modelers ( Washougal, WA ) welcomes CCRCS fliers. Please be sure to check with a Fern Prairie member for permission. Their field is generally gated to the public and visitors when no member is present. For more information, or for contact info, visit their website.