SAFETY BASICS
Most people enjoy flying ParkJets because they are not restricted the way that Fuel and Turbine Jets are. They feel they can avoid the hassles and fees associated with flying fuel planes, by flying small electric planes in large open areas, or public parks.
However, just because you can do something, it doesn't mean that you should do it, if your not going to do it in a safe manor. You need to follow a new common sense safety rules, which can save yourself and others from having needless accidents. Finding the Right Place to fly.
MAKE SURE IT IS LEGAL FOR YOU TO FLY IN THE AREA YOU HAVE CHOSEN!!!
Some communities have banned flying any type of Radio Controlled aircraft, not just Fuel planes, in their city parks. Check with your local Park or Recreation Department, or the local Police Dept., regarding any R/C flying restrictions that your community has.
If your community has banned parkflying, try to find someone with suitable private property, and go ask them (Nicely) if you can fly over their land.
If all else fails, Join a Local AMA Sanctioned club. (Believe me, any dues you have to pay will more than cover the cost of one citation for breaking a local ordinance..)
Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse!! If you want the right to fly your Parkjet, it is your obligation to know the local laws and rules governing your hobby.
Your Flying Area
At a minimum you should only fly in an open area that is 500 Ft. X 500 Ft. (almost the length of 2 football fields end to end) A ParkJet flying at 60 mph will travel 88 ft. per second. Giving you roughly 6 seconds before you need to make a turn-around. Not much time at all.
If your field is larger, say 1,000 ft. your straight line flying time increases to about 11 seconds. 1,000 ft. is about the range limit of some of the micro receivers in use today, so plan according to your needs.
General Rules
The Area you fly in must be relatively level, with no trees, or any other obstructions to block your line of sight with your plane.
You cannot fly within 3 miles of any airport.
You cannot fly higher than 400 feet high without invading general aviation airspace. (Some AMA flying sites have FAA Wavers allowing their members to fly higher)
You should not fly within 3 miles of any OTHER flying sites. (transmitter overlaps)
Avoid areas of tall grass, farm crops, etc. (It's very difficult to find a plane in a corn field)
Avoid area's with lots of people!!!! The 4th of July is NOT the time to be flying your ParkJet in your local park. (More on dealing with people later)
Always set yourself up so you can launch into the wind, and land into the wind.
Avoid flying in un-safe conditions, High Winds, bad weather, etc...
Flying with Others
Flying with other people calls for some special requirements:
Spectators: NEVER fly when the number of spectators or passers by exceeds your ability to keep track of them as well as your model. A helper or spotter can keep you informed of people walking past. A faster more challenging aircraft will severely restrict your ability to watch people while you’re flying.
The one thing that people love to do is watch others fly. Children especially love to watch, and they will most likely run over to you and start asking questions. If you have another person with you, ask them before hand to take care of any "Distractions" that may happen.
If you’re alone, just tell them that you will answer all of there questions AFTER You Land. Have them stand behind you at all times, and keep your model in front of you!
Other Flyers: Getting together with your friends for a day of flying is one of the best times you can have in the R/C World, but it can also cause problems if you’re not careful. You do need to follow a few rules from the AMA Safety Guide however....
CHECK YOUR TX FREQUENCY'S
To make sure no one else is using your frequency when you are flying.
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground-range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a proficient flier, unless I am assisted by an experienced pilot.
3. At all flying sites a straight or curved flightline must be established, in front of which all flying takes place. Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the flightline.
4. No powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilots and helpers located at the flightline.
5. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual.
6.If there are several planes in the air at the same time, use a spotter to keep track of the other aircraft, and to warn you about aircraft flying too close to you or your ParkJet.
7. Call out your Intentions (Landing, Taking-Off) so your friends can fly out of the way.
That wasn't so bad now was it :)
One LAST Golden Rule: KNOW WHO TO CALL IN EVENT OF A FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY, AND HAVE THE MEANS TO CONTACT THEM!!
Special thanks to FlysLikeABeagle and Grejen for these suggestions