The Model Flying New Zealand Wings Program

This information is drawn directly from the MFNZ website.

Aim
To provide certification at either a basic or advanced proficiency level for Radio Control model pilots enabling them to operate unsupervised. The certification asserts that the holder has a solid understanding of operating model aircraft across a range of domains including ground handling, flight operations, New Zealand airspace law and health & safety.

Pilots achieving the required level are entitled to hold the MFNZ Wings qualification, endorsed to one or
more of 11 disciplines, plus 4 specialist endorsements. The MFNZ wings qualification meets the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule 101.205 for flying within 4km of an aerodrome.

MFNZ also provides a specific observer qualification that is available to anyone, including non MFNZmembers. This qualification is available via an online training and certification portal.

 

Method
MFNZ encourages all clubs to ensure that members follow this proficiency scheme and to ensure that all Radio Control pilots obtain their Wings.

Many club flying sites, rallies and contests are on or near aerodromes and this qualification is mandatory to fly at those sites. The qualification provides ready proof of the holders skill level.

Within 4km of an aerodrome all pilots must either hold a Wings qualification or operate under direct supervision of a Wings qualification holder or an approved Instructor. Away from aerodromes trainees should not be considered safe to fly on their own until they have reached the Wings standard.

Members are encouraged to gain Wings qualifications at the earliest time.

Clubs should keep records of all the members holding Wings qualification certification and must forward to the MFNZ membership administrator the name(s) of members attaining certification in the various disciplines.

 

Recurrency
Model Flying New Zealand has adopted a recurrency period for the Wings qualification.

 

• Any member will re-sit Wings every 5 years

• A club committee may require a club member to re-sit Wings at any time they are concerned about their ability to safely meet the Wings standard.

This will ensure that all members remain competent and safe when flying and ensure that any changes in
Civil Aviation or MFNZ rules or procedures are being adopted.

 

Instructors and Examiners

Instructors
The role of the instructor is to carry out instruction in model aircraft flying and associated safety procedures.

Instructors will be proficient Wings certified holders with at least the same discipline qualification that is
being instructed. Instructors will be appointed by club(s). Clubs will assess their membership and select
instructors to meet the above criteria.

 

Clubs will forward the name and MFNZ number of each appointed instructor to the MFNZ membership administrator for recording in the Associations database and the issue of an instructors endorsement to the instructors membership card.

Instructors should be:

• Experienced proficient flyers that exhibit well-disciplined flying and operate in a safety conscious manner and are committed to training students to Wings standard.

• Be willing to spend considerable time training without letting their own skills suffer.

• Have empathy with the student and be able to guide the student through the learning process.

• Able to demonstrate a high level of knowledge in all discipline of flight, including; aerodynamics,airmanship, airspace law and meteorology.

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The MFNZ Members Manual for students is available on the MFNZ web site. This MFNZ Members Manual is
structured to guide students through training to Wings standard and also acts as a prompt to instructors
and has a check list for the student to keep as a record of training progress.

Examiners
The role of the examiner is to carry out proficiency testing in accordance with the MFNZ proficiency scheme. The tests and Examiners checklists are to be conducted and completed by a club appointed examiner whose status has been registered with the membership administrator.

Examiners will be at least Basic Wings qualification holders. It is not required for the Examiner to be proficient in the skill being tested but they should be familiar with the requirements of the qualification being tested and may conduct dummy tests with a qualification holder to understand the manoeuvres fully.

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Clubs will assess their membership and select their examiners to meet the above criteria. Clubs should keep a register of Approved examiners and forward to MFNZ on an annual basis.

To ensure a common standard among Examiners, Area Representatives will conduct Examiner workshops whereby methods and ideas can be exchanged. The membership secretary will issue an Examiners endorsement to the examiners membership card.