RCRCC FPV Flight Rules

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

1. OPERATIONS - REQUIREMENTS - LIMITATIONS:
          a) FPV novice pilots must use a buddy-box system with an FPV spotter while learning to fly FPV.
          b) All FPV flights require an FPV pilot to have a spotter next to him/her while maintaining Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) with the FPV aircraft throughout its flight.
          c) The FPV pilot must brief the spotter on the spotter's duties, communications and hand-over control procedures before the FPV flight.
          d) The spotter must communicate with the FPV pilot to ensure the FPV aircraft remains within VLOS and within the fields perimeter, warning the FPV pilot of approaching aircraft, and when avoidance techniques are necessary.
          e) The spotter may at any time during an FPV flight acquire the transmitter from the FPV pilot and assume VLOS control of the model aircraft.
          f) If the FPV pilot experiences a problem due to a loss of video link, orientation, or is unable to safely fly, he/she must abandon FPV mode  and fly VLOS or pass the RC transmitter to the FPV spotter to assume VLOS control of the model aircraft.
          g) Before the initial flight of an FPV model aircraft and/or after any changes or repairs to essential flight systems, the FPV model aircraft must have an R/C test flight by conventional VLOS.
          h) FPV model aircraft must use frequencies approved by the FCC for both the RC system and the wireless video system. Pilots must meet applicable FCC licensing requirements if they choose to operate the RC flight control system or the wireless video system on Amateur Band frequencies.

2. RANGE - ALTITUDE - WEIGHT - SPEED:
          a) One of the requirements in Federal Law (Public Law 112-95 Sec 336 (c) (2)
February 14, 2012) for model aircraft to be excluded from FAA regulations is that model aircraft must be flown within VLOS of the operator. When operating at any of the RCRCC fields the aircraft must stay within the boundaries of the field at all times.
          b) Model aircraft flown using FPV must remain at or below 400 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) when within 3 miles of an airport as specified in the AMA Safety Code.
          c) Model aircraft flown FPV are limited to a weight (including fuel, batteries, and onboard FPV equipment) of 15lbs. and a speed of 70mph.

3. RECOMMENDATIONS & INFORMATION:
          a) FPV novice pilots should consider using a cockpit view flight simulator to become accustomed to FPV flight.
          b) FPV pilots should consider using a programmable autopilot (AMA Document #560) with a failsafe "return to launch" (RTL) feature that will maintain control of the aircraft in the event of signal loss.
          c) An onboard camera equipped with a pan and tilt mount that is positioned by head tracking goggles, will improve the FPV pilot's situational awareness of airspace surrounding the FPV aircraft during flight, but does not replace the requirement for a spotter.
          d) When purchasing FPV operational systems, always try to select quality equipment, verify its compatibility, install components for interference rejection, and determine that signal range is adequate for maximum VLOS range.