§ 12-65. Flying regulations for model aircraft

All persons flying model aircraft in any city park shall comply with the regulations set forth herein.

(a) Model aircraft may not be flown higher than four hundred (400) feet above ground level.

(b) Model aircraft may only be flown over areas to the west of paved trail as shown on the Fairview Park Master Plan.

(c) Model aircraft may not be flown over any residences, schools, or parking areas.

(d) Model aircraft may only take off and land in the designated take off and landing areas shown on the Fairview Park Master Plan which cannot be changed without city council approval.

(e) Pilots shall take all actions necessary to safely avoid model aircraft striking each other or any other object or person or landing on houses, in backyards of houses, on school property, and to avoid interference with the flight path of any aircraft.

(f) Model aircraft shall not be flown over the paved trail that runs along the east side of the launch/land site.

(g) Model aircraft shall not be landed on the grass area of the park.

(h) Before flying model aircraft at the park, each pilot must comply with the following:

(1) Pilots must have in their possession the permit required by this article.

(2) Pilots must have liability insurance in the amount of at least five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00) to cover their activities of flying a model aircraft, and they must have proof of such insurance with them at all times while flying the model aircraft at the park.

(3) Pilots shall only use frequencies that are not already being used as demonstrated by the frequency board. Pilots shall only use radio-controlled frequencies allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.

(4) No person shall turn on a transmitter until an unused frequency is obtained.

(5) Pilots shall, before every model aircraft flight, check battery voltage of the batteries in the model aircraft and the radio control device for the model aircraft, and make sure that the batteries have sufficient power for the duration of the flight.

(6) Pilots shall pre-flight check all new airplanes before they are flown.

(7) Pilots shall inspect their model aircraft to ensure that they are in safe flying condition.

(i) If a model aircraft lands on private property, no person shall go onto that property to retrieve the model aircraft unless that person first obtains permission from the resident or occupant to retrieve the model aircraft. If permission to retrieve a model aircraft is refused, then the pilot shall contact the Costa Mesa Police Department and request assistance in obtaining the return of the model aircraft.

(j) Pilots shall not engage in combat flying at the park.

(k) Pilots shall be responsible for any property damage or personal injury caused by the flying of their model aircrafts. In the event such injury or damage occurs, the pilot of the model aircraft shall provide, upon request, his or her name, address, telephone number and insurance information to anyone who is injured or whose property is damaged, including the city.

(Ord. No. 07-1, § 1, 1-16-07 )