Qualified Helper at public shows?

[Simon Wright]

At Weston park this year it was a requirement that the pilots helper should be a B cert and on the same mode.

I assume the (reasonable) logic being that the helper could snatch the tx if anything untoward happened to the pilot.

Does the same procedure (LMA Prof & same mode) apply at LMA public displays.

[Chris Lane]

Hi Simon, this requirement comes from the BMFA handbook. Chris

[Simon Wright]

Yep, found it in the BMFA handbook.

It doesn't mention same mode but I suppose that is common sense really, although the tx snatch may not work if you use a neckstrap or tray?

[robbieskipton]

Personally i do not agree with this..it rises a few question towards insurance.
For example..

If the model is over 44lbs, the certification is for that person ( The pilot), not pilot and helper. therefore, if the pilot is unwell when flying.... and passes out, and the model goes out of control in the helpers hands and crashes in to the crowd ( God Forbid)... Who is to blame.. The pilot for flying in an unfit manner, or the helpers for not paying due care and attention...?

My DAD ( Rob Snr) Has no A OR B certification, however he can control the plane to point away from the crowd safely, ( Unfortunatly he cant land, and says " its the last 2 inchs thats the big problem") so does that make his a good helper, or a bad helper... But again 2 of my models are over 44lbs, so can he really take control if i fall bad when flying?

If you further look in to this, its like saying, a person (be it helper) could then fly your over 44lb model at the shows as long as your standing next to them ( Been the main holder of the certification)

Problems,Problems, Problems in my opinion

[Stuart Palmer]

Hi Robbie

I took some legal advice from the Wife on this last night.
It boils down to the definition of "helper", the helper is there to help - does that include flying the model? If the second person or helper is required to take over as pilot in an unfortunate situation then the term helper should really be defined as Co-Pilot.

To me the role of the helper should be defined. For me I would consider the option of two dedicated co-pilots on the flight line, one for each mode who are certified, whose sole job is to relieve the pilot if required, naturally these can be rotated throughout the days flying. Helpers will have the role of working purely with the aircraft on the ground.

If an unqualified helper took over a model from an incapacitated pilot and that model caused distress, injury or death to a spectator then it is very simple to argue that both the pilot and the helper were negligent (law of tort). The club or association would be found jointly liable. I don't know how insurance payouts function with proven negligence.

I not trying to muddy the water, most certainly not, I just wanted to provide some legal input for you.

All the best.

[R F David Morris]

As a further comment on this issue.
In the BMFA handbook it "suggests" a requirement for a Helper.
However at most events common sense prevails. The helper, apart from restraining the model whilst the engine is running behind the Flight line, acts as an extra pair of Eyes for the pilot, thus trying to avoid conflicting flight paths.
Surely the best thing is to use Common sense, educate, not legislate

[stuart cotgrove]

perhaps we should ban full size single seaters from flying, planes like Spitfires etc as there is no one on board to take over should the pilot spill his gin and tonic...