Flight Line and Safety Fence
Flight Line Safety Fence ~ 2010
Report by the Field / Future Committee
Made to the EPAC AGM Sunday 31st October 2010
Background and Terms of Reference
The installation of the fence to augment flyer safety was introduced recently.
It was the subject of much discussion at the Committee Level after the initial suggestion by a member to install the fence as a safety device.
However the installation of the fence has caused some modellers to question the placement and or the need of the safety fence.
At a meeting held at the Club the general membership decided that the fence was to remain however its placement and geometry should be reviewed.
The Field Future Committee was tasked to examine this issue and report back to the Club Member Ship.
It was to take into consideration the various issues and opinions of the general membership and to make a recommendation to the General Membership
The following is an extract from the meeting of 13th June 2010.
S.Walker/Ross.F put forward a motion that the fence could be moved from 1mm – 2500mm “ “ “once consultation has been undertaken”, vote taken and carried,. no further discussion on this issue but a general understanding for further action and suggestions of distance etc to be forwarded by Ross after consultation with members.
The Rationale for the Fence
With the advent of Larger Aircraft and intensification of flying activity at the club this simple, inexpensive addition to the field provides an additional level of safety.
It is well known that Model flyers focus intensely on their own aircraft and as a result peripheral vision diminishes. The fence therefore provides a reasonable level of protection in the event that an aircraft veers off the runway toward flyers who are flying their own aircraft and who may not see or be able to avoid it.
The location of the fence was established by reference to the existing Red Markers, and was consequently placed adjacent to these markers.
The Red Markers were placed to mark the approximate Congregation point for Flyers when flying.
There are two, one towards either end of the mid section of the runway located between the Taxiways and either was to be used, depending on the prevailing wind direction. The markers were placed in the early 1990’s and since then other field markers such as the Centreline Pole and Racing Poles.
The issues arising from the initial location of the Safety Fence
Some modellers have argued that the Fence is too close to the runway and thus causes unnecessary damage to models.
Others have said that the fence should be placed at an angle, with the middle section placed in the existing position (or very close) and the outer panels some 2 or so meters back to form a sort of a V. This geometry is aimed at ensuring that the ends of the runways are not obscured by the adjacent flyer also standing at the Safety Fence. However it has been found that the V shape is not necessary to achieve the desired result provided other elements of the current design are maintained together with its relocation.
The current design includes a gap to facilitate ease of movement and setting the field up for competition flying. This element if the design seems to work very well and consequently no changes will be recommended in relation to this aspect.
The current design has panels of different heights. This is to accommodate flyers of different statures yet afford enhanced safety without interfering with the propagation of radio signal.
The current design also has angled sides to prevent a headlong path by a runaway models coming from the side and running in behind the fence line. This element of the design seems to cause no issue and consequently no changes will be recommended in relation to this aspect, unless the over all geometry impacts on it.
The fence should not be place too far back so as to cause difficulty with takeoffs or landing as this will encourage flyers to stand in front of the fence whilst landing or taking off. Therefore this would erode some of the safety objectives.
Some members have argued that the fence should be constructed from softer materials or made removable. The logic is not quite apparent but perhaps a reduction of damage to models should they come into contact with the fence was a factor in making these suggestions.
However provided the fence is located as recommended there seems to be litlle need for changing the material used which is the most durable and robust in terms of providing protection to the flyers on the flight line.
The Current Dimensions (Initial Location of Safety Fence)
8.2m Runway Width (between white Edge Lines)
0.8m Edge Line to Grass (approx)
8.9m Existing Fence Distance from runway Centre Line
4.8m Existing Fence Distance from Runway Edge Lines
The Recommendations
To move the fence 2.5m further away from the runway, but leave the existing geometry.
The relocation of the Fence in accordance with this recommendation will yield the following new dimensions;
11.4m Fence Distance from runway Centre Line
7.3m Fence Distance from Runway Edge Lines
This will yield the following improvements;
Increases the room for error on takeoff and landing for modellers and enhances safety during all modes of flying, which addresses the main issue with the initial location of the fence.
At this position all flyers can see the runway thresholds (ends) when positioned along the entire fence, without the need to take a step or more back to obtain a clear line of sight past the adjacent flyer also positioned at the fence line.
The General Membership therefore need make a decision between three broad options;
- Accept the Recommendation and then implement as recommended
- Trial the Recommendation
- Reject or Modify the Recommendation
Field / Future Committee
Mark Smith ……………………………………………..
John Adams ……………………………………………..
Ross Finocchiaro ……………………………………………..
Report verbally presented to the AGM by Ross Finocchiaro on behalf of the Field / Future Committee and the General Membership voted to accept the recommendations of the Committee.