Page 9 - MFW Dec 2024

MFNZ Prime Person
Behram Bajan

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Prime Person for in the loop and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Model Flying New Zealand (MFNZ). In this role, I am
committed to supporting our vibrant community, ensuring During our conversation I would like to know about :
we adhere to the rules, and fostering a safe and enjoyable • Safety and Risk Management: Could you please
environment for all members. provide details on the club's safety and risk
management plan? This is essential for ensuring the
Safety is at the heart of what we do, and I’d like to take this safety of all participants.
opportunity to emphasise a few key practices that help us • Crowd Control Plan: If the event will have an
maintain high standards in our activities. audience, what measures will be in place for crowd
control?
The Importance of Following the Rules • Pilot Qualifications: What procedures will be
Our adherence to the rules isn’t just about compliance; it’s followed to verify the qualifications and membership
about ensuring everyone’s safety and maintaining the status of the pilots before they are allowed to fly?
integrity of our sport. By following established guidelines, • Pilot Register: It would be helpful to maintain a
we create a culture of responsibility and professionalism register of all pilots flying at the event, including their
that reflects positively on our community and safeguards MFNZ numbers.
the future of model flying in New Zealand. • Safety Briefing: A club safety briefing should be
conducted before any flights commence on the day.
Identifying and Managing Risks This briefing should clearly outline the airspace in use,
Flying model aircraft comes with inherent risks, and as as well as any local club rules and regulations. I
enthusiasts, it’s vital that we remain vigilant. A proactive recommend attaching the briefing document to the top
approach to identifying potential hazards and managing of the pilot register. Any latecomers who miss the
risks ensures that incidents are minimized. Whether verbal briefing should be required to read it as part of
you’re flying a small electric model or a large-scale the sign-in process.
aircraft, situational awareness and sound judgment are
your best allies. Please note it is the responsibility of the club to make sure
all the Pilots are following the correct wings process
Preflight Checks and Logging Large Models (range check etc...)
Performing thorough preflight checks is a cornerstone of
safe operations. Inspect your aircraft, radio systems, and I’m here to help and guide where needed. If you have
surroundings before every flight. This simple step can questions, concerns, or need support, don’t hesitate to
prevent avoidable mishaps. reach out. By working together and adhering to these best
practices, we can ensure the continued growth and
For those operating large models, please remember that success of model flying in New Zealand.
logging flights is a condition of our 102 certification. This
record not only ensures compliance but also provides Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to
valuable data to enhance the safety of our operations. making our community the best it can be.
Let’s make preflight checks and accurate logging an
uncompromising habit. Safe flying!

Reporting Behram Bajan
Should an incident or accident occur, it is crucial to report it Prime Person, MFNZ
at the first opportunity via the MFNZ website. Timely
reporting enables us report incidents to CAA where
required in a timely manner, analyse events, share
lessons learned, and improve our risk management
processes. Remember, reporting isn’t about assigning
blame—it’s about building a safer and more resilient flying
community. We will be embarking on a “Just culture”
program in MFNZ shortly I will update you on the details
once available.

Club Events: Open Days and Fun Fly Days
Open days and fun fly days are wonderful opportunities to
showcase our passion and attract new members to the
hobby. To help MFNZ provide the necessary support and
oversight, please ensure you inform me of any upcoming
events. A quick email or phone call is all it takes to keep me
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