158 M ODEL AVIATION
M e m b e r s h i p B e n e f i t s
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2001 OFFICIAL AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT
SAFETY CODE
Effective January 1, 2001
Changes are identified in bold.
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 to be airworthy by having been
previously, successfully flight tested.
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 with the other side 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, with the other side for spectators.
Only those persons accredited by the contest director or other appropriate
official as necessary for flight operations or as 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 weighs 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. Note: 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), 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). In
any case, models using rocket motors as a primary means of propulsion are
limited to a maximum weight of 3.3 pounds and a G series motor. Note: A
model aircraft is defined as an aircraft with or without 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. (Note: 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 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. (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) For Combat, distance between flight line and spectator line will be 500
feet per cubic inch of engine displacement. (Example: .40 engine = 200 feet.)
ORGANIZED RC RACING EVENT
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.
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 will be off the course except for the starter and their
assistant.
3. “On the course” is defined to mean 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 allows models over 20 pounds
unless that competition event is AMA sanctioned.
FREE FLIGHT
1) I will not launch my model aircraft unless at least 100 feet downwind of
spectators and automobile parking.
2) I will not fly my model unless the launch area is clear of all persons except
my mechanic and officials.
3) I will employ the use of an adequate device in flight to extinguish any fuses
on the model after it has completed its function.
CONTROL LINE
1) I will subject my complete control system (including safety thong, where
applicable) to an inspection and pull test prior to flying. Pull test will be in
accordance with the current Competition Regulations for applicable
model category. Models not fitting a specific category as detailed, shall
use those pull test requirements for Control Line Precision Aerobatics.
2) I will assure that my flying area is safely clear of all utility wires or poles.
3) I will assure that my flying area is safely clear of all non-essential participants
and spectators before permitting my engine to be started.
4) I will not fly a model closer than 50 feet to any electrical power line.
Separate Code(s) available from AMA Headquarters for boats, cars, and rockets.
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, 5161 EAST MEMORIAL DRIVE, MUNCIE, INDIANA 47302-9252
Edition: Model Aviation - 2001/04
Page Numbers: 158