In addition to the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) Safety Code and the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation regulations, the following apply to both the Jornada Field and the Las Cruces R/C Airpark. As applied, these rules are consistent with, and do not supersede, conflict with or otherwise alter the AMA Safety Code or the City Regulations. As of September 2023, the Las Cruces RC Air Park is a FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA).

 

1. In order to fly at the Las Cruces R/C Air Park, all pilots must be able to show proof of insurance as required by the City of Las cruces Parks and Recreation. AMA membership is required for flying at the Jornada Field.
2. It is recommended that each new pilot fly the first time at the field with a club member who will review the club safety and field rules, AMA safety code,  and ascertain that the new pilot can adequately and safely fly their aircraft
3. After hours guests shall be allowed flying privileges at the Jornada field only if the host of the guest assumes responsibility to ensure club and AMA rules are enforced. This includes verification that the guest is a current and licensed AMA member.

 

4. All FM flyers MUST have a frequency pen to fly on 72Mhz frequencies. Do not turn on the transmitter without a frequency pin. Place your frequency pin on the appropriate frequency only if it is not previously in use by another pin. Frequency pin MUST have the pilot’s name and AMA number in plain view and legible.

 

5. If using video downlink, frequency coordination must be done with pilots at the field. If a video frequency board is present, pilots will put a frequency pin on the video frequency being utilized. No more than four (4) pilots will fly video link at any time. If video feeds are being down linked to another part of the field, all efforts will be made to coordinate with all pilots prior to powering up any video transmitters.

 

6. Complete a proper radio range check of your equipment before maiden flight or after repairs to your aircraft. It is recommended to confirm range check on a regular basis. Pilots should complete an airframe pre-fight check before each flight.

 

7. Aircraft should include identification numbers as per AMA and FAA guidance. It is recommended to include the pilot’s name, contact number/ information and FAA/ AMA numbers.

 

8. Start times for reciprocating internal combustion powered aircraft is 8:00AM and no engine runs will be allowed after 8:00PM. CLUB MAY WAIVER START TIMES FOR SCHEDULED EVENTS. During summer months (May through September), starting times will be extended to 7:00AM.

 

9. Airframe engines will be run at the Start Up Area and the Run Up Area ONLY, preferably using the start stands or appropriate hold devices. Servicing engines on the runway or on the pit tables is prohibited. Aircraft stalled on the runway shall be retrieved as quickly as possible. Intent to walk on the runway for recovery shall be announced loudly prior to runway entry.
10. Pilots performing 3D/Aerobatic maneuvers over the runway area during normal operations will yield the right of way to aircraft taking off, landing or performing touch-n-goes. Stationary 3D/ hovering flight shall be conducted on the non-active runway or control line circle and out of the flight pattern when other aircraft are in the pattern if practical and safe.

 

11. It is recommended that when 2 or more aircraft are flying at the same time that an active runway and pattern direction be established. It is common courtesy that upon arrival, the new pilot on site coordinates with earlier pilots regarding changes in runway activity or pattern direction.

 

12. When four (4) or more aircraft are flying in the pattern, each pilot should have a spotter to assist with locating other airborne aircraft.

 

13. Pilots will operate with respect to the maximum permitted noise level for the field. Pilots will use their best abilities to mitigate any excessive sound levels above the permitted 98 decibels as measured by an approved sound device as per AMA Publication #927. However, pilots will respect the county ordinance of 70 decibels or less as measured at the RC Park fence line. MVMAC will periodically monitor and report to the Las Cruces Parks and Rec department any excessive noise concerns for its members and guests to the RC park. ALL CLUB MEMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR MEETING, MAINTAINING AND ENFORCING THIS STANDARD.

 

14. Alcoholic beverages of any type are not permitted at the RC Park or the Jornada field at any time. This includes the parking lot.

 

15. Smoking is STRICTLY prohibited in the area from the pits to the flight line. If permitted by the city, smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas. Being mobile and smoking at the RC park or Jornada is prohibited.

 

16. Afterhours access points (where permitted) WILL BE LOCKED UPON ENTRY AND EXIT. WITHOUT EXCEPTION. Anyone found violating the security of the fields will have their afterhours access rescinded immediately.

 

17. MVMAC club officers and all members will ensure the safety, security and standards of the AMA, FAA, MVMAC and the Las Cruces City Parks and Rec are followed; ANY violations will be documented and reported to the proper authorities.

 

MULTIROTORS and other SPECIAL AIRCRAFT

1. The FPV, sUAS, autopilot equipped and other unique aircraft will be governed and operated under AMA and other applicable FAA rules for these platforms.

 

2. FPV flight operations require the support of a designated spotter who can visually see and identify your specific aircraft without the aid of binoculars, telescope, or lenses other than standard eyewear.

 

3. First Person View (FPV) is defined as flight using first person view video signal. This can be via computer, GPS signal, video monitor, goggles, or any other device that depicts the flight of the aircraft.

 

RULES FOR PROPER AIR TRAFFIC/FIELD ETIQUETTE

 

1. NO take-offs from anything other than approved runway surfaces.

 

2. Flying is not allowed above the pit or parking area.

 

3. Avoid flying directly over people. If anyone is in the runway/ field space, all air traffic will avoid that space and all ground traffic stays grounded until personnel are clear. Remember people are potentially present in the archery area as well as personnel on our field.

 

4. DO NOT fly over or near the electrical power station to the North of the field. It is off limits and all violations are reported.

 

5. Do not stand on the runway while flying. Use the available pilot’s stations behind safety barriers. Under limited, special circumstances, after announcing intent to do so to all available pilots, pilots who need to do so can enter the runway space and stand. A spotter is required.

 

6. Pilots will ensure safe access to the runway entrance by checking both directions for traffic, personnel and any other potentially hazardous situations. LOUDLY announce intend to access the runway and taxi. Aircraft already on the ground or on final approach have right of way. As well as any “dead stick”, “Take Offs”, or “Landings” once loudly announced.

 

7. While flying with other pilots and aircraft, Student pilots under instruction have right of way and priority to the air space. It is up to the experience pilots to avoid the student pilots airspace.

 

8. The following priorities in flying shall be honored:

0: Manned Aircraft

1: A person on the field

2: Dead-Stick Landing

3: And aircraft on landing final approach

4: An Aircraft ready to take off.