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AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Model flying must be in accordance with this code in order for
AMA Liability Protection to apply.
General
1.
I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows,
or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven air-
worthy by having been successfully flight tested previously.
2.
I will not fly my model higher than approximately 400 feet
within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid flying in the
proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer
shall be utilized 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.
4.
At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established, in front of which all flying takes place and the
other side designated for spectators. Only personnel
involved with flying the aircraft are allowed in front of
the flight line. Flying over the spectator side of the line is
prohibited, unless beyond the control of the pilot(s). In any
case, the maximum permissible takeoff weight of the models
with fuel is 55 pounds.
5.
At air shows or model flying demonstrations, a single
straight line must be established, one side of which is for
flying and the other side designated for spectators. Only
those persons accredited by the contest director or other
appropriate officials as necessary for flight operations or
having duties or functions relating to the conduct of the
show or demonstration are to be permitted on the flying
side of the line. The only exceptions which may be permitted
to the single straight line requirements, under special
circumstances involving consideration of site conditions
and model size, weight, speed, and power, must be jointly
approved by the AMA President and the Executive Director.
6.
Under all circumstances, if my model weights over 20
pounds, I will fly it in accordance with paragraph 5 of this
section of the AMA Safety Code.
7.
I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name
and address or AMA number on or in the model. (This does
not apply to models while being flown indoors.)
8.
I will not operate models with metal-bladed propellers or
with gaseous boosts, in which gases other than air enter
their internal combustion engine(s); nor will I operate models
with extremely hazardous fuels, such as those containing
tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
9.
I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind)
including, but not limited to, rockets, explosive bombs
dropped from models, smoke bombs, all explosive gases
(such as hydrogen-filled balloons), or ground-mounted
devices launching a projectile. The only exceptions permitted
are rockets flown in accordance with the National Model
Rocketry Safety Code or those permanently attached (as per
JATO use); also those items authorized for Air Show Team
use as defined by AST Advisory Committee (document
available from AMA HQ). Models using rocket motors as a
42
primary means of propulsion are limited to a maximum
weight of 3.3 pounds and a G series motor. (A model aircraft
is defined as an aircraft with or without an engine, not able
to carry a human being.)
10. I will not operate any turbo jet engine (axial or centrifugal
flow) unless I have obtained a special waiver for such
specific operations from the AMA President and Executive
Director, and I will abide by any restriction(s) imposed for
such operation by them. (This does not apply to ducted fan
models using piston engines or electric motors.)
11. I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to nor during
participation in any model operations.
Radio Control
1.
I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2.
I will not fly my model aircraft near 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 by control.
4.
I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(Only properly licensed amateurs are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.)
5.
I will not knowingly operate an R/C system within 3 miles
of a pre-existing model club flying site without a frequency-
sharing agreement with that club.
6.
Models flown in air-to-air combat are limited to maximum
total engine displacement of .30 cubic inches and a maximum
dry weight prior to flying of 4 pounds.
7.
An RC racing event, whether or not an AMA Rule Book
event, is one in which model aircraft compete in flight over
a prescribed course with the objective of finishing the
course faster to determine the winner.
AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Organized RC Racing Event
A.
In every organized racing event in which contestants,
callers,and officials are on the course:
1.
All officials, callers and contestants must properly
wear helmets which are OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL, or
NOCSAE approved or comparable standard while on
the race course.
2.
All officials must be off the course except for the
starter and his/her assistant.
3.
"On the course" is defined as any area beyond the
pilot/staging area where actual flying takes place. B. I
will not fly my model aircraft in any organized racing
event which does not comply with paragraph A above
or which allowsmodels over 20 pounds unless that
competition event is AMA sanctioned.
Note: Refer to AMA Headquarters for Free Flight, Control Line,
boat, car, and rocket safety codes.
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS,
5161 EAST MEMORIAL DRIVE
MUNCIE, INDIANA 47302-9252
Effective
January 1, 2001
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