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AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
GENERAL
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model flying demonstrations until it has been
proven to be airworthy by having been previously
successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator. I will give right of way to, and avoid flying in
the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary an
observer shall be used to supervise flying to avoid having
models fly in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
flying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
RADIO CONTROL
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit
or spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly over pit or
spectator areas, unless beyond my control.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first
flight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook
certain checks and procedures that should be performed
before the model is flown. To help avoid this, a check list
is provided to make sure these important areas are not
overlooked. Many are covered in the instruction manual,
so where appropriate, refer to the manual for complete
instructions. Be sure to check the items off as they are
completed (that's why it's called a check list! ).
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust
residue such as the firewall and the rest of the
engine compartment and the wing saddle area.
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
4. Don't forget to extend the receiver antenna and
make sure it has a strain relief inside the fuselage to
keep tension off the solder joint inside the receiver.
5. Balance the model laterally as explained in
the instructions.
6. Use thread-locking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws in the wheel collars
and the screw in the screw-lock pushrod connector.
7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, landing gear
strap screws, etc.).
10. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct
direction and that the throws are set up according to
the manual.
11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that the screws that hold the servo
arms to the servos are installed.
12. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
13. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
14. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
15. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
16. The condition of a battery pack can be determined by
cycling it and comparing the actual capacity to the
rated capacity on the label. Cycle the receiver battery
pack (if necessary) and make sure it is fully charged.
17. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
the first flight.
18. Range check the radio when you get to the flying field.
The Rapture 40 is a great-flying model that flies smoothly and
predictably. The Rapture does not, however, possess the self-
recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should
be flown only by experienced R/C pilots, or by intermediate
pilots with the assistance of an experienced pilot.
39
FLYING
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