First a few words about “rules”, while every organized RC club has structure, in general sailplane pilots are a fairly laid back group, and this certainly holds true for SLNT. The club leadership governs by a set of well established by-laws. Our objective is simple, promote the maintenance and growth of our club. At the field we take a common sense approach to our hobby, the underling motivation is to have fun while maintaining a perfect safety record and acting as good stewards of our flying fields. In general we adhere to AMA flight safety guidelines with specific local field modification as required. Participation in any contest, or use of our equipment requires the AMA membership. It’s inexpensive and not negotiable, a must for our club affiliation with AMA.
Equipment
In 2022 the club began a transition to electric launch sailplanes. Our Monthly format is now aligned with the FAI F5J format. We still fly a competitive Thermal Duration format, however we don’t use a winch to to launch. Most pilots have converted existing models by adding an efficient, low cost motor with a folding propeller and a smaller battery with enough power for one or two flights. Batteries and chargers are cheap and lightweight. It’s simple to quickly change batteries between flights.
The club still owns and maintain two winch trailers. These world-class launching systems are impeccably maintained and still come out from time to time .
Our fields
SLNT uses one field for monthly contests and fun flying. In addition, we fly at several local fields and parks across the metroplex. Access to these “secret fishing holes” is via the network of local pilots and changes from time to time based on weather and field availability. If you come across a group of guys standing in a field staring into the North Texas sun, there is a good chance you've stumbled across one of our flying sessions, and we hope you’ll approach us and say hello. Otherwise, drop us a note and we’ll put you in contact with a local flying group.
General field safety guidelines and rules
Common sense applies here, if you've flown RC sailplanes in a club or a contest, there is nothing really new here. If you’re new to the hobby, pay attention to these simple guidelines and you’ll fit right in with the guys on day one:
Contest Director - (CD) is the “Air Boss”, during a contest event he owns the field. In general there is no non-contest flying during a contest without the permission of the CD. Before each contest the CD will conduct comprehensive brief which will include a review of safety items.
You must be a current AMA member to fly with us, you’ll need to show your card.
All of our pilots are flying on 2.4GHZ, frequency control is not an issue.
Right of way - Airplanes that are launching have the right-of-way. While in flight, avoid the path of launching aircraft.
If you join a pilot flying in a thermal, always circle in the same direction as the original plane- to avoid a mid-air collision.
Driving onto the fields is not permitted for any reason except for setting up winches.
Avoid flying low over pit areas.
No alcohol - Quickest way to lose our field privileges, save if for the post contests get together
No littering - Our policy is to leave if cleaner then we found it
Parking - No parking in the flying area except to position winches, otherwise, park near the other cars
Gas Powered models - Never, not in this club, nothing personal, just leave them at home, electrics are fine for fun flying