People first
Flying areas should be arranged so that aircraft do not pass over spectators, participants, vehicles or other occupied areas.
Safety
Flight and activity safety
Safe aeromodelling starts well before launch: with a prepared site, a technically sound aircraft, suitable weather, clear responsibilities and disciplined decisions.
UAL policies
Core principle
No flight is more important than people’s safety
These are baseline principles for UAL training, club activity, youth sessions and events. Specific competitions and locations may impose additional official rules, organiser instructions and airspace requirements.
Airworthy equipment
Structure, controls, power, radio link and all safety-critical components should be checked before launch.
Clear responsibility
At organised events, every participant should know who controls the flight order, where the flying boundaries are and which instruction means stop immediately.
Before launch
Pre-flight check
Even a familiar aircraft deserves a short inspection before every flight. Transport damage, loose hardware, low battery state or an incorrect model configuration can turn a routine launch into an unsafe situation.
- inspect the airframe, wing, tail, undercarriage, propeller and mechanical joints;
- confirm that control surfaces move in the correct direction and through the expected range;
- secure batteries, receiver, servos and other components;
- verify transmitter and onboard power;
- perform the radio checks appropriate to the equipment;
- make sure the aircraft and conditions match the pilot’s level of experience.
Flying site
Organising a safe operating area
Flying zone
Define take-off and landing directions, pilot positions, model preparation areas, spectator zones and safe routes between them before activity starts.
People and vehicles
If a person, animal or vehicle enters the flying area, pause the launch or change the flight path. Do not assume that bystanders understand model-aircraft hazards.
Airspace
Operate only where current rules and airspace restrictions allow. Consider temporary restrictions, nearby aerodromes and other aviation activity.
Weather
Wind, gusts, precipitation, thunderstorms, fog and poor visibility can quickly exceed the safe operating envelope of the aircraft or pilot. If confident control is not assured, postpone the flight.
Equipment
Power systems, propellers and radio equipment
Batteries and charging
Use batteries within manufacturer limits. Do not fly damaged, swollen or overheated packs. Charge with appropriate equipment in a place where the process can be supervised.
Propellers and motors
Keep the propeller arc clear before arming or starting. Secure the aircraft so accidental power cannot move it towards people. Replace damaged propellers and mounts.
Radio link
Confirm the correct model memory, failsafe settings and reliable control before flight. At busy events, follow the organiser’s frequency and transmitter procedure.
Repairs and configuration changes
After major repairs, centre-of-gravity changes, power-system changes or control modifications, treat the aircraft as a new configuration and conduct a full technical check.
Youth
Keeping children and teenagers safe
Youth sessions must reflect participants’ age, experience and ability to assess risk. Mentors should explain why a procedure is safe, not merely demonstrate it.
- new participants should not operate complex aircraft without direct supervision;
- cutting tools, soldering equipment, batteries and power systems require appropriate oversight;
- young participants should understand site boundaries and stop signals;
- parents or guardians should understand the activity format and key safety expectations;
- participants should be able to say “I am not sure” without embarrassment.
UAL events
Organiser and participant responsibilities
Organiser
Set site boundaries, flight order, responsible roles, basic incident procedures and participant communication before the first launch.
Participant
Maintain your aircraft, disclose technical issues, follow safety instructions and terminate a flight if safe control can no longer be guaranteed.
Incident or damage
After a crash or unsafe event, do not automatically return the aircraft to the air. Identify the cause and inspect safety-critical components first.
Reporting culture
Reporting a hazard should help prevent recurrence. The objective is to understand risk and improve procedures, not discourage people from speaking up.
Safety questions
If in doubt, stop and ask
Contact UAL about safety rules, event procedures or a risk you believe should be addressed.