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INTRODUCTION
Every year, the British Aerobatic Association
(BAeA) organizes a number of competition weekends, when flying takes
place at host airfields. The intention of such weekends is that they are
beneficial, not only to the BAeA and its members, but also to the groups
and individuals who normally operate from the airfields in question.
The arrival at the host airfield of a
fair number of visiting aircraft, pilots, officials and supporters can
be disruptive, and a long series of contest flights throughout the day
can easily spoil the operating routine at the host airfield. There is
therefore a real need for understanding and co-operation on all sides if
the aims of the competition weekend are to be met.
AIM
The aim of this code of conduct is to provide a framework within which
contest organizers, competing pilots and the authorities at host
airfields can work together to ensure a mutually beneficial
relationship.
THE PURPOSES OF COMPETITION
The main purposes of the competition are:
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To enable competing pilots to pit
their aerobatic skills one against the other in safe, fair and open
competition.
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To provide groups and individuals at
host airfields with an interesting and beneficial annual event.
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To further the sport of aerobatics at
host airfields.
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Where practicable, to give the
general public the opportunity of watching and learning about
contest aerobatics.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
The prime consideration at aerobatic contests
shall always be safety.
Once safety has been established, sportsmanship, good manners and
camaraderie should at all times prevail.
Discipline of competing pilots and other BAeA members shall be the
responsibility of the Contest Director nominated by the BAeA.
This code is complementary to the General Rules for the Conduct of
Aerobatic Contests published by the BAeA.
THE CONDUCT OF CONTEST OFFICIALS
Prior to the issue of contest briefing papers,
the Head of Contest Organization (HCO) shall establish close liaison
with appropriate persons at the host airfield to ensure local
requirements are included in published material.
Copies of contest briefing papers should
always be sent to the host airfield at the time of general circulation.
To ensure clear, unambiguous
communication, a single point of contact shall be established between
the BAeA and the host airfield. Initially this shall be the HCO for the
BAeA; during the two weeks leading to the contest this shall be the
Contest Director.
The Contest Director will agree special
operational procedures with the responsible authority at the host
airfield to ensure that local flying may continue with as little
disruption as is compatible with achieving a valid contest result.
At all contest briefings, the appropriate
local official shall be invited to address competing pilots on local
procedures and sensitivities.
When considered appropriate, the contest
organizer will agree in advance of the contest, any fees or other costs
to be paid by the BAeA or its members to the host airfield authorities.
Whenever possible, and in order to
promote a better understanding of the sport, contest officials and
competing pilots should make themselves available for informal
consultation by local people.
Where appropriate, the Contest Director
will make arrangements for the briefing of the media and the general
public as to the conduct and progress of the competition.
After the contest is complete, the
Contest Director will review the conduct of the event with host airfield
officials.
THE CONDUCT OF COMPETING PILOTS
Competing pilots shall at all times display
exemplary airmanship. Attendance at, or participation in, a BAeA contest
at any level does not imply that it grants to the pilot under any
circumstances exemption from any aspect or clause of the Air Navigation
Order, the Rules of the Air nor any other statutory instrument nor from
any local regulations.
Pilots should remember that the aim of
contests is to promote friendly rivalry and good sportsmanship.
Arrival at and departure from the host
airfield shall be in the normal manner prescribed for visiting aircraft.
Aerobatic practice flights at or within
5nm of the host airfield during the week leading up to the contest are
prohibited to competing pilots unless specifically authorized by both
the host airfield authority and the Contest Director.
Competing pilots shall at all times
understand that they are guests of the host airfield and act
accordingly.
When not actively preparing for a contest
flight, pilots shall endeavour to encourage and inform local individuals
and groups concerning the practice of contest aerobatics.
Pilots shall ensure that all outstanding
fuel bills, landing fees etc are paid before departure.
THE CONDUCT OF HOST AIRFIELD OFFICIALS
The host airfield authorities shall nominate
one individual to be the single point of contact with the BAeA.
The hosting authority will endeavour to
ensure that all relevant local conditions and operating practices are
brought to the attention of visiting pilots through formal briefings.
Host airfield authorities will, on
request, advise pilots on local sites suitable for aerobatic practice
flights, bearing in mind that, unless otherwise specifically agreed with
an official of the BAeA, practice within 5nm of the airfield is
prohibited to BAeA pilots.
Where appropriate and practicable, the
host officials will endeavour to provide controlled public access to the
competition site.
The host airfield will make a parking/hangarage
area available for competing aeroplanes and, where possible, restrict
access to this area by the general public. The hosting authority should
brief local groups and individuals, as appropriate, on the need to
respect the privacy and concentration of pilots directly preparing for
contest flights.
Safety
at BAeA Competitions
The Code of Conduct emphasises the
prime importance of safety at aerobatic contests. The BAeA Board and
other contest officials are charged with monitoring and maintaining
safety standards at all times. Competing pilots are also urged to
consider their personal safety as paramount all times, and should pay
particular attention to their choice of personal safety equipment and
protective clothing. In particular, the wearing of a protective helmet
has proven to be of prime survival value in aircraft accidents. Pilots
should also consider the installation of an approved parachute system
where permitted for their aircraft.
Rules
on Practice Flights
Except where an official practice
session is specified in these contest details, aerobatic practice
flights at or within 5 nm of the host airfield are not permitted during
the week leading up to the contest unless with the express permission of
the airfield operator and the Contest Director.
The purpose of this rule is to minimise
noise pollution at valuable contest sites. Contravention of the rule may
lead to exclusion from the contest.
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