CODE OF CONDUCT
Every year British Aerobatics organises events when flying takes place at host airfields. The intention of such events is that they are beneficial, not only to British Aerobatics and its members, but also to the groups and individuals who normally operate from the airfields in question.
The arrival at the host airfield of many visiting aircraft, pilots, officials, and supporters can be disruptive, and a long series of contest flights throughout the day can easily spoil the operating routine at the host airfield. There is therefore a real need for understanding and co-operation on all sides if the aims of the contest weekend are to be met.
Aim
The aim of this code of conduct is to provide a framework within which contest organisers, competing pilots and the authorities at host airfields can work together to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.
The Purpose Of Contests
The main purposes of contests are:
- To provide pilots and the public with an opportunity to learn more about aerobatics in general.
- To encourage novice aerobatic pilots to experience the benefits of friendly competition via the Get into Aeros events, Club events and special events.
- To enable competing pilots to pit their aerobatic skills one against the other in safe, impartial, and open contest.
- To provide groups and individuals at host airfields with an interesting and beneficial annual event.
- To further the sport of aerobatics at host airfields.
- Where practicable, to give the public the opportunity to watch and learn about contest aerobatics.
General Principles
The prime consideration at aerobatic contests shall always be safety. Once safety has been established, sportsmanship, good manners and camaraderie should always prevail.
Discipline of competing pilots and other British Aerobatics members at a contest shall be the responsibility of the CD. Competitors and participants must respect the authority of the CD. Upholding the spirit of the rules, practising good airmanship and placing a safety first ethos is the responsibility of all participants - pilots and officials alike. Individuals must exercise self-discipline to ensure they exhibit appropriate behaviour that is expected of members of British Aerobatics. The CD has the right to take action to enforce adherence to operating procedures, the rules and uphold the spirit of the Code of Conduct. Promotion of a safety culture is not the sole responsibility of the CD. It is a shared endeavour and all participants have a responsibility to act safely, respectfully and in a spirit of mutual support and cooperation.
Any protests about the operation of the contest must be made in accordance with the procedure given in the General Rules.
Persistent dissent shown towards the CD or other contest officials shall result in a competitor being disqualified from a contest.
This code is complementary to the General Rules for the Conduct of Aerobatic Contests published by British Aerobatics.
The Conduct Of Contest Officials
Prior to the issue of contest briefing papers, the CD shall establish close liaison with appropriate persons at the host airfield to ensure local requirements are included in published material.
Copies of contest briefing papers should always be sent to the host airfield at the time of general circulation.
To ensure clear, unambiguous communication, a single point of contact shall be established between British Aerobatics and the host airfield. Usually this will be the CD.
The CD will agree special operational procedures with the responsible authority at the host airfield to ensure that local flying may continue with as little disruption as is compatible with achieving a valid contest result.
The CD will agree the location of the aerobatic performance zone with the responsible authority at the host airfield in accordance with the procedure described in the British Aerobatics Risk Assessment and Safety Analysis document and the Operations Manual.
The CD will also review the major incident plan with the host airfield to ensure that emergency response procedures and the responsibilities of British Aerobatics and host airfield staff are defined clearly ahead of the contest.
At all contest briefings, the appropriate local official shall be invited to address competing pilots on local procedures and sensitivities.
When considered appropriate, the CD will agree in advance of the contest, any fees, or other costs to be paid by British Aerobatics or its members to the host airfield authorities.
Where appropriate, the CD will make arrangements for the briefing of the media and the public as to the conduct and progress of the contest.
After the contest is complete, the CD will review the conduct of the event with host airfield officials.
The Conduct Of Competing Pilots
Competing pilots shall always display exemplary airmanship. Attendance at, or participation in, a British Aerobatics contest in any Class does not imply that it grants to the pilot under any circumstances exemption from any aspect or clause of the Air Navigation Order, the Rules of the Air Regulations nor any other statutory instrument, nor from any local regulations.
Pilots should remember that the aim of contests is to promote friendly rivalry and good sportsmanship.
Arrival at and departure from the host airfield shall be in the normal manner prescribed for visiting aircraft.
Aerobatic practice flights within 10nm of the airfield are prohibited to British Aerobatics pilots during the week leading up to the contest, unless prior agreement is given by the appropriate CD.
Competing pilots shall always understand that they are guests of the host airfield and act accordingly.
When not actively preparing for a contest flight, pilots shall endeavour to encourage and inform local individuals and groups about the practice of contest aerobatics.
Pilots shall ensure that all outstanding fuel bills, landing fees etc are paid before departure. Contravention of this rule may lead to exclusion from future contests.
The Conduct Of Host Airfield Officials
The host airfield authorities shall nominate one individual to be the single point of contact with British Aerobatics.
The hosting authority will ensure that all relevant local conditions and operating practices are brought to the attention of visiting pilots in the Main Briefing for each contest.
When practice days are scheduled as part of a contest or event, the Host airfield authorities will advise pilots on local sites suitable for aerobatic practice flights.
Where appropriate and practicable, the host airfield authority will endeavour to provide controlled public access to the contest site. The host airfield authority has responsibility for control of the public and provision of appropriate facilities to host spectators, considering the requirements of CAP 403 as being indicative of best practice in these respects.
The host airfield will make a parking/hangarage area available for competing aeroplanes and, where possible, restrict access to this area by the public.
Personal Safety for Pilots
The Code of Conduct emphasises the prime importance of safety at aerobatic contests. British Aerobatics Directors, MT, contest officials, volunteers and competitors are charged with monitoring and always maintaining safety standards.
Competing pilots are also urged to always consider their personal safety as paramount and should pay particular attention to their choice of personal safety equipment and protective clothing. In particular, the wearing of a protective helmet has proven to be of prime survival value in aircraft accidents. Pilots should also consider the installation of an approved parachute system, where permitted for their aircraft.
OTHER EVENTS
All the provisions of the Code of Conduct shall apply to participants in Special Events, Training Events and Association meetings and social gatherings.