Safety Rules:

TIMPA Flying Field Safety Rules

  1. All flyers must have a current AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) card.
  2. All flyers must always comply with both the TIMPA Field Safety Rules and the most recent Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code (both General and Radio Control).
  3. A CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER OR AUTHORIZATION extends the altitude limit for several FRIA flying fields from 400ft AGL to 1200ft AGL. The Waiver Authorization for TIMPA is effective as of April 11, 2025.  A copy of the certificate is displayed on the bulletin board at the TIMPA flying field. Figure 1 maps the class “G” airspace classification for TIMPA.  

Figure 1

  • Except for takeoff and landing, all flying must be north of the far edge of the runway. This includes helicopters and 3D flights.
  • Any flying behind the Safety Line (the south edge of the runway), either intentional or unintentional, is strictly prohibited and may result in loss of flying privileges. This includes the flight line, start up and ramada areas.
  • No overflight of the rocketry area at any time during posted launches.
  • No high-speed passes are allowed over the runway including low level approaches from the north and towards the pilot stations, unless part of a published aerobatic sequence is required for competition. Touch and go practice approaches, or missed approaches are allowed over the runway.
  • TIMPA personnel are not authorized to cross over the fence to enter the property East of the tree line. Should any aircraft go down on the other side of the East berm/fenced area you must call the Water Company representative to retrieve your aircraft. Contact information is posted on the TIMPA bulletin board at the flying field.  

Figure 2 represents the flight boundaries for TIMPA as mentioned.

NOTE: Trespassing on Water Company is a Federal Offense

Figure 2

  • Use the start-up area to start engines or connect batteries/power source for electric aircraft prior to flight. Likewise, batteries/power source for electric aircraft must be disconnected before removing the aircraft from the start-up area.  
  • No starting engines or connecting batteries/power source for electric aircraft south of the safety fence (sidewalks, grass area & ramada) except for helicopters in the helicopter pad or use of the engine break-in area. Batteries/power source for electric aircraft may be connected for pre-flight testing and radio programing in the areas mentioned (sidewalks, grass area & ramada), however, it is mandatory the propeller(s) be removed from the aircraft prior to connecting the battery/power source. Upon completion of pre-flight testing, batteries/power source must be disconnected prior to reinstalling the propeller(s).
  • No taxiing in the start-up area or south of the safety fence. All taxiing must be carried out north of the white line at the front edge of the pilot stations.
  • When starting or energizing electric aircraft, the use of the plane restraints or a helper is mandatory.
  • When three or more aircraft are in the air at the same time, spotters are required for all pilots at the pilot stations.
  • Pilot stations must be used for all flying including helicopter and electric aircraft operations. Exceptions: helicopter hovering and small 3D electrics. In addition, if only one pilot is practicing 3D, the pilot and spotter may stand on the runway but must return to the pilot station if another pilot announces flight intentions.
  • No 3D flying is allowed directly in front of the pilot stations when other aircraft are flying.
  • Flying small electric 3D type aircraft may be performed from either end of the pilot station area over the dirt regions adjacent to the pilot position, assuming the area is free of other activities. The AMA 25-foot rule must be observed.
  • The helicopter pad is for helicopter hovering only. Helicopters will follow the same restrictions as required for all aircraft including 3D operations.
  • Flyers must notify other flyers of their intentions, e.g. taking off, landing, dead stick, etc. MAKE SURE THEY HEAR!!!!
  • Dead stick landings have priority over all flight operations.
  • Any unsafe flying will be determined by one of the TIMPA Safety Officers and the pilot will be informed and may be expelled from the field. All TIMPA Board Members are considered Safety Officers.
  • Special scheduled events will have priority over routine flying.
  • Turbine pilots must always have current AMA waivers in their possession.
  • Pulse jet powered aircraft are not allowed at any time.
  • All aircraft must comply with current TIMPA noise control requirements. Violators will be grounded until their aircraft complies with these requirements.

Requests:

  1. When special aircraft are flying, such as turbines and giant scale, all other aircraft should remain grounded, or their pilots should be extremely aware of any potential dangers and take appropriate action. It is also requested that flying of special aircraft be limited so that routine flying will not be unnecessarily restricted.
  2. When two or more aircraft are in the air, all aircraft should follow the same right or left hand pattern, depending on the established takeoff direction at that time. Responsibility for any mid-air that occurs because of a violation of this policy rests with the offending pilot and may include financial restitution.
  3. When finished flying please bring aircraft and starting equipment to the south of the safety fence when numerous flyers are present, pilots and callers are to return south of the safety fence.
  4. Use the engine break-in area for extended carburetor adjustment and break-in. Extended high speed engine run-up directly behind other pilots is both discourteous and dangerous.
  5. Flying alone is strongly discouraged. Another person should always be available in case of an emergency.
  6. Please help us keep the field clean and place all trash in trash cans. Do not overfill the trash cans. If discarded aircraft or boxes do not fit completely in the trash can, take them home with you. DO NOT LEAVE THEM AT THE FIELD.
  7. When fueling aircraft on the tables under the ramada, use an overflow container to prevent spills. Spilled fuel must be cleaned up to prevent damage to the tables.
  8. When fueling aircraft in the aircraft startup area care must be taken to not over saturate the area with fuel from overflow. The use of an overflow container is highly recommended to help reduce clean-up activities.