Competitions and event safety management

HPAC/ACVL has mandated that certain minimum safety guidelines must be adhered to for all HPAC/ACVL-sanctioned competitions and other events:

  1. All competitors must have valid HPAC/ACVL membership.
  2. All competitions must have a Meet Director and a Safety Director. At least one of these people must stay on the ground at all times to monitor overall weather conditions and co-ordinate any necessary emergency operations.
  3. Several pilots must be designated to announce in-air conditions during the competition. It is recommended that a cross-section of pilot experience be used when selecting these pilots.  Note that this does not negate any other pilots from broadcasting in-air conditions.
  4. Each competitor must list a contact to alert in case of an accident. This is usually done at registration and generally should match the emergency contact on file with HPAC or another person accompanying the competitor at the meet.
  5. Meet Directors must ensure that the take-off area is safe for competitors by keeping them separated from spectators and other members of the public. The actual take-off must be kept clear of non-essential personnel as well as unattended equipment.
  6. No smoking is allowed at HPAC/ACVL-insured sites.
  7. No drugs or alcohol is allowed at HPAC/ACVL-insured sites.
  8. A safety briefing is mandatory before the first task of a competition. At this briefing, information such as an introduction of the Safety Director, the Safety Freqency and no-go areas must be announced.  Other information such as cellphone numbers and local emergency contacts must also be made available.
  9. A clear method of alerting pilots of a stopped or cancelled task is necessary. This method (as well as who has the authority to make such a call) must be announced at the safety briefing.
  10. At the end of every task, pilots must sign in to document their safe return.  The specifics of the preferred method(s) will be announced at the safety briefing.
  11. The Meet Director and Safety Director must have a plan in place for search and rescue operations in the event a pilot does not check in at the end of the day. The specifics must be announced at the safety briefing.
  12. Ultimately, each pilot is responsible for their own individual decision-making and safety.