Rules

Flying is permitted at the Western end of the East-West runway at any time unless informed otherwise by a Committee member or Shropshire Aero Club (SAC). Examples of times when flying may be prohibited include during fly-ins, SAC competitions, and RAF helicopter activity, though this list is not exhaustive. Access from the peritrack via the Western access onto the runway, and from the Southern side of the airfield, is prohibited on weekdays to accommodate RAF activities and equipment (marked ‘Avoid’ on the included map).
Safe flying is the sole responsibility of the pilot, who must ensure that the flight can be safely completed. It is recommended that an observer is present to keep alert for helicopters and aircraft that arrive in the model flying zone from time-to time without warning.
Models shall be grounded immediately if RAF helicopters are present at the airfield performing training manoeuvres, or if aerobatics are performed overhead below 1000ft. Avoiding action shall be performed immediately if a full size aeroplane is present for any reason where models are flying. Note that RAF helicopters may make extended off-field manoeuvres, so be sure they are not returning before resuming flying.
SAC is to be informed of model flying through WhatsApp on weekdays so they can co-ordinate with RAF Shawbury. SAC may similarly inform us of any restrictions. The first flyer on the day shall visit the SAC office on arrival to confirm that model flying is allowed that day.
Models must be flown strictly below 400 ft and kept well clear of the adjacent 18/36 runway to the East, and the pits and car parking areas.
On ALL WEEKDAYS, our runway and flying is currently restricted due to RAF helicopters performing load carrying exercises at the extreme West end, close to the peritrack. Access to our runway MUST NOT be made from the South peritrack or the West end of our runway. The Parking / Pits area is then at the eastern end of the smooth runway. The SAC office normally advises us of load bearing helicopter activity, and, if it is heavy, we should not fly that day, and leave the area clear.
1. Access to the flying site is ONLY from the North Peritrack turning South along the right hand (West side) track on the SAC North-South 18/36 runway until turning right (West) as soon as possible onto our East-West runway and crossing diagonally to the left side (South) track. MAKE SURE there are no aircraft taking off or landing as usual. See the included map.
2. The Vehicle Parking / Pits is at the Eastern end of our smooth runway between the cones. The cars must not be parked further down the runway than the large metal square which should be stood up when flying.
3. The flying area is unchanged, but pilots should adjust the pilot location and flight paths as appropriate and safe for the wind conditions. Planes must immediately be landed and return to the pits if RAF Helicopters are present, or we have been informed of the time slot that they will attend.
4. NOTE that RAF helicopters, both load bearing and normal manoeuvring, will use the Western end of the runway, and approach close to the runway from the North-East. They may also fly West-to-East along the runway to the far east end by the fuel bowser and back again, so keep tightly to the south side in the pits area.
On WEEKENDS ONLY, we can use the original flying arrangements, with access from the West end of the runway. Car parking, and pits will be near the centre of the runway, leaving the take-off direction clear.
In the absence of the Flying or Safety Officer, then one member shall be appointed as Safety officer on the day, but can be changed as required.
The Safety Officer’s instructions and requests shall be respected by all members, and all members are encouraged to remind each other of safety issues and the rules.
Visitors and guest flyers must be previously arranged with the committee, and be accompanied by an SMF member from the public area by the control tower, so as to respect the SAC rules for vehicles and pedestrians.

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