Imaa Safety Code (Excerpts) - GREAT PLANES RV-4 Instruction Manual

9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch
a powered model in flight; nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch
the ground, except while landing.

IMAA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)

Since the RV-4 qualifies as a "giant-scale" model and is
therefore eligible to fly in IMAA events, we've printed
excerpts from the IMAA Safety Code which follows.
What is Giant-Scale?
The concept of large or giant-scale is generally considered
to apply to radio controlled model aircraft with minimum
wingspans of 80 inches for monoplanes and 60 inches for
multi-wing aircraft. Quarter-scale or larger replicas of
person-carrying aircraft
(minimum 3-view drawing) which do not fit the size
requirements will also be permitted.
Section 1.0: SAFETY STANDARD
1.1 Adherence to Code: The purpose of this Safety Code is
to provide a structure whereby all participants, including
spectators, will be aware of the inherent dangers in the
operation of radio controlled aircraft. This code is meant to
serve as a minimum guideline to all participants. It is
understood that the ultimate responsibility for the safety of
any aircraft lies with the owner(s), pilot(s) and spectator(s)
involved in any event. It is the responsibility of all participants
to exercise caution when operating, or observing the
operation of all radio controlled aircraft. The pilot/owner of an
aircraft will not be dissuaded from taking whatever steps
they deem necessary, in addition to this code, to insure that
their aircraft is safe.
1.2 The most current AMA Safety Code in effect is to
be observed.
Section 3.0: SAFETY REVIEW
3.4 Flight Testing: All aircraft are to have been flight tested
and flight trimmed with a minimum of six (6) flights before
the model is allowed to fly at an IMAA Sanctioned event.
3.5 Proof of Flight: The completing and signing of the
Declaration section of the Safety Review form (see
"Section 3.2" ) by the pilot (or owner) shall document, as
fact, that the noted aircraft has been successfully flight
tested and proven airworthy prior to the IMAA event.
Section 4.0: SPOTTER/HELPER
4.1 Spotter/Helper Definition: An assistant to aid the pilot
during start-up, and taxing onto the runway. The
spotter/helper will assist the pilot in completing a safe flight.
with proper documentation
4.2 Each pilot is required to have a spotter/helper at all
IMAA sanctioned events. The event Safety Committee
should be prepared to assist those pilots who do not have a
spotter/helper to make sure that every registered pilot has
the opportunity to fly at a sanctioned event.
Section 5.0: EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF (Kill Switch)
5.1 Magneto spark ignition engines must have a coil-grounding
switch on the aircraft to stop the engine. This will also prevent
accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall be readily
available to both pilot and spotter/helper. This switch is to be
operated manually and without the use of the Radio System.
5.2 Engines with battery powered ignition systems must
have a switch to turn off the power from the battery pack to
disable the engine from firing. This will also prevent
accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall be readily
available to both pilot and spotter/helper. This switch shall be
operated manually and without the use of the Radio System.
5.3 There must also be a means to stop the engine from the
transmitter. The most common method is to completely
close the carburetor throat using throttle trim, however other
methods are acceptable. This requirement applies to all
glow/gas ignition engines regardless of size.
Section 6.0: RADIO REQUIREMENTS
6.1 All transmitters must be FCC type certified.
6.2 FCC Technician or higher-class license required for 6
meter band operation only.
The following recommendations are included in the Safety
Code not to police such items, but rather to offer basic
suggestions for enhanced safety. It is expected that IMAA
members will avail themselves of technological advances as
such become available, to promote the safety of all aircraft
and participants.
Servos need to be of a rating capable to handle the loads that
the control surfaces impose upon the servos. Standard servos
are not recommended for control surfaces. Servos should be
rated heavy-duty ounces of torque. For flight critical control
functions a minimum of 45 inch/ounces of torque should be
considered. This should be considered a minimum for smaller
aircraft and higher torque servos are strongly encouraged for
larger aircraft. The use of one servo for each aileron and one for
each stabilizer half is strongly recommended. Use of dual servos
is also recommended on larger aircraft.
On-board batteries should be, at a minimum, 1000mAh up
to 20 lbs., 1200mAh to 30 lbs., 1800mAh to 40 lbs., and
2000mAh over 40 lbs. flying weight. The number and size of
servos, size and loads on control surfaces, and added
features should be considered as an increase to these
minimums. Batteries should be able to sustain power to the
on-board radio components for a minimum of one hour total
flying time before recharging.
27