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Academy of Model Aeronautics
National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2011
A. GENERAL
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable
of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed
limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for
sport, recreation and/or competition. All model flights must
be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any
additional rules specific to the flying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be flown:
(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.
2. Model aircraft pilots will:
(a) Yield the right of way to all man-carrying aircraft.
b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when
appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid Guidance.)
(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground
level within three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying the
airport operator.
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any
airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed
use agreement.
(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds
unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Aircraft
program. (AMA Document 520-A)
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or
AMA number of the owner on the inside or affixed to the outside
of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft
flown indoors).
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with
gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated under the
provisions of AMA Document #555.
(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of
alcohol or while using any drug which could adversely affect the
pilot's ability to safely control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which
explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or
drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property.
Exceptions:
• F ree Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are
securely attached to the model aircraft during flight.
Hangar 9 33% Pawnee 80cc ARF
• R ocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may
be used provided they remain attached to the model during flight.
Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National
Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from model
aircraft.
• O fficially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized
to use devices and practices as defined within the Team AMA
Program Document (AMA Document #718).
(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance
with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A).
3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned events, air
shows or model demonstrations unless:
(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully
demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the
specific event.
(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot.
4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly
worn and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or
NOCSAE approved or comply with comparable standards.
B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)
1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people,
vessels, vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of
life and property of others.
2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance
with manufacturer's recommendations will be completed before
the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of
which all flying takes place (AMA Document #706-Recommended
Field Layout):
(a) Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are
allowed at or in front of the safety line.
(b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must
be established.
(c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for
spectators.
(d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited.
4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are
authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.
5. RC model aircraft will not operate within three (3) miles of
any pre-existing flying site without a frequency-management
agreement (AMA Documents #922- Testing for RF Interference;
#923- Frequency Management Agreement)
6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA
Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no
powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any
individual, except for the pilot and the pilot's helper(s) located at
the flight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a
model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to
divert it from striking an individual. This does not apply to model
aircraft flown indoors.
8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with
a clear view of the model's attitude and orientation at all times.
9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual
contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses
prescribed for the pilot.
(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View
(FPV) only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA
Document #550.
C. FREE FLIGHT
1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile
parking when the model aircraft is launched.
2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except mechanics,
officials, and other fliers.
3. An effective device will be used to extinguish any fuse on the
model aircraft after the fuse has completed its function.
D. CONTROL LINE
1. The complete control system (including the safety thong where
applicable) must have an inspection and pull test prior to flying.
2. The pull test will be in accordance with the current Competition
Regulations for the applicable model aircraft category.
3. Model aircraft not fitting a specific category shall use those
pull-test requirements as indicated for Control Line Precision
Aerobatics.
4. The flying area must be clear of all utility wires or poles and a
model aircraft will not be flown closer than 50 feet to any above-
ground electric utility lines.
5. The flying area must be clear of all nonessential participants and
spectators before the engine is started.
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