Model aircraft usage: Follow the rules Published April 8, 2015 By 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- Model aircraft enthusiasts are reminded that there are rules to follow while using the aircraft on Kadena Air Base. Model aircraft used on Kadena are limited to electric powered helicopters and quad-copters, and electric-powered fixed wing aircraft with a wingspan 3 feet or less. All aircraft must be constructed primarily of foam and plastic, and use of gas-powered model aircraft is not authorized. There are only two authorized locations to fly the aircraft on base. The primary location is the grass fields surrounding the Risner Fitness Center's track and the Four Diamonds softball fields, between Douglas and Adams avenues (north to south) and Schreiber and McKennon avenues (east to west). The aircraft may not be flown, however, during organized sporting events, fitness assessments or unit physical training. Operators must keep visual line of sight of their aircraft, cannot fly higher than 70 feet above ground level or higher than the tallest obstacle on the field (the ballpark lights), and must avoid flying over housing areas and roadways in the area. The other location where flights can be conducted is in base housing, but there are additional restrictions. Only helicopters and quad-copters can be flown in on-base housing areas, operators cannot fly higher than 50 feet, and must not disturb other residents. Model aircraft may not be flown if wind speeds have exceeded 15 knots. Current wind speeds are available at www.shogunweather.com, under the Local Area Observations link. The aircraft cannot be flown if the base increases its Force Protection Condition to Bravo or higher. Operators also must use only authorized frequencies as outlined by USFJ Policy Letter 700-10. Operators cannot mount, attach or use any camera, video or audio recording devices on model aircraft, and must disable those functions if they are a standard feature on the aircraft. Base residents can report unauthorized model aircraft usage to the Base Defense Operations Center at DSN: 634-2475 or 634-2476.