VRCMS Safety Committee Flying Status Process

This process defines the steps to be followed when seeking flying privileges at Michell Air Park. The maximum number of flyers permitted at Michell Air Park, regardless of status, is FORTY FIVE (45) flyers and includes up to three (3) training positions.

When a position becomes available, the Executive will direct the Safety Committee to review the pending letters and make recommendations. The Safety Committee then ranks all letters of application on file from highest to lowest based on the safety committee member's preferred criteria. This ranking forms the basis for the recommendations for Training or Provisional status, which is then returned to the Executive. The Executive would then approve the recommendation(s) and the flyer is said to have achieved Training and/or Provisional Status.

Training Status

The Training Member must:

• Pay all membership and applicable Field dues & require MAAC.
• Follow the VRCMS Wings Program.
• Train under the direction of the Chief Flying Instructor or one of his delegates. (Instructor/Sponsor)
• Use a Buddy Box system.
• Complete the "A Wings" and field certification test.
• Move to Provisional Status following completed training.

Provisional Status

The Provisional member must:

• Pay all membership and Field dues & require MAAC.

• If required, complete the "A Wings" and field certification test.
• Arrange sponsorship by a Safety Committee member.
• Obtain recurrent training if required.
• Be considered for the Expedited process.
• Demonstrate proficiency to the Safety Committee members over no more than 9 flying sessions* within a 30-day period (A session is considered one full day.) This may be extended, following written notification, up to a 60 day period, at the discretion of the Executive.

The sponsor must provide field rules, general training as to the workings of the flying field, be present at the field when the flyer is there to fly, and is responsible for the actions of their Provisional or Probational flyer. Irresponsible behavior or any violation of field rules may result in immediate termination of privileges for a provisional/probationary flier and may also be grounds for action against the sponsor

Following completion of the assessment period, the Safety Committee will meet to discuss the Provisional member's progress and possible elevation to Probational status. A majority vote of the Safety Committee is required to move the provisional member to Probational status.

Probational Status

If the Provisional member is supported for upgrade to Probational status, the member then:

• If applicable, pay all membership and Field dues & require MAAC.

• Is allowed unlimited flying sessions with sponsorship of any Full Flight Status Member.
• Is subject to ongoing evaluation by Safety Committee Members until the annual assessment or completion of the Expedited process.

Expedited Status

An expedited process to Full Flight Status is now available for both new and existing Provisional and Probational members that 1) demonstrate good flying skills and 2) are known to the Executive/Safety Committee. They must:

• If applicable, pay all membership and Field dues & require MAAC.

• Be allowed unlimited flying sessions with sponsorship of any Full Flight Status Member.

• Must be recommended for expedited Full Flight Status by a majority of the Safety Committee.
• Be approved by the Executive.
• Undergo a two week evaluation by Safety Committee Members.

Full Flight Status

When a Probational or Expedited flyer is upgraded to Full Flight Status they will:

• Receive key to entry gate.
• Have unlimited access to and use of Michell Airpark.
• Be permitted to Sponsor.
• Must maintain established skill level & proficiency.

In or around October of each year, all Full Flight, Probational, Provisional and Training fliers will be run through the evaluation criteria process. If any member fails to meet the minimum criteria, the newly created slots will be the trigger for a review of pending letters of application. Any member who forfeits his spot will trigger the Executive and subsequently the Safety Committee to select a suitable candidate through the process described above.

Failure to renew annual dues by December 31st of the preceding membership year or, if appropriate, any subsequent failure to pay levies (within 30 days) are considered forfeiting of full flying status.