General Notes; Federal Aviation Administration; Operating Standards; Information Provided By - Spektrum DX5e User Manual

General Notes

Radio controlled models are a great source of pleasure.
Unfortunately, they can also pose a potential hazard if not
operated and maintained properly.
It is imperative to install your radio control system correctly.
Additionally, your level of piloting competency must be
high enough to ensure that you are able to control your
aircraft under all conditions. If you are a newcomer to radio
controlled flying, please seek help from an experienced pilot
or your local hobby store.
Safety Do's and Don'ts for Pilots
• Ensure that your batteries have been properly charged
prior to your initial flight.
• Keep track of the time the system is turned on so you
will know how long you can safely operate your system.
• Perform a ground range check prior to the initial flight
of the day. See the "Daily Flight Checks Section" for
information.
• Check all control surfaces prior to each takeoff.
• Do not fly your model near spectators, parking areas or
any other area that could result in injury to people or
damage of property.
• Do not fly during adverse weather conditions. Poor
visibility can cause disorientation and loss of
control of your aircraft. Strong winds can cause similar
problems.
• Do not point the transmitter antenna directly toward the
model. The radiation pattern from the tip of the antenna
is inherently low.
• Do not take chances. If at any time during flight you
observe any erratic or abnormal operation, land
immediately and do not resume flight until the cause of
the problem has been ascertained and corrected. Safety
can never be taken lightly.
14

Federal Aviation Administration

Purpose
This advisory outlines safety standards for operations of
model aircraft. We encourage voluntary compliance
with these standards.
Background
Attention has been drawn to the increase in model aircraft
operation. There is a need for added caution when operating
free flight and radio controlled craft in order to avoid
creating a noise nuisance or a potential hazard to full-scale
aircraft and persons and/or property on the surface.

Operating Standards

Modelers generally are concerned with safety and exercise
good judgment when flying model aircraft. However, in
the interest of safer skies, we encourage operators of
radio controlled and free flight models to comply with the
following standards:
a. Exercise vigilance in locating full-scale aircraft (get help
if possible) so as not to create a collision hazard.
b. Select an operating site at sufficient distance from
populated areas so you do not create a noise problem or
a potential hazard.
c. Do not fly higher than 400 feet above the surface.
d. Always operate more than three miles from the
boundary of an airport unless you are given permission
to be closer by the appropriate air traffic control facility
in the case of an airport for which a control zone has
been designated or by the airport manager in the case of
other airports.
e. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance in complying with
these guidelines at the airport traffic control tower or
air route traffic control center nearest the site of your
proposed operation.

Information Provided By

Director, Air Traffic Service Federal Aviation Administration,
Washington, D.C.
SPEKTRUM DX5e • RADIO USER'S GUIDE