178 MODEL AVIATION
AMA Programs for Members
PROMOTING THE HOBBY
Flying Site Help: A comprehensive package of support materials is available free of charge. An excellent video is also available and
may be borrowed by chartered clubs. In addition, qualified AMA staffers may visit clubs and local government agencies for meetings
regarding site ac qui si tion. Write to the Marketing Department at AMA Headquarters.
Intro-Pilot Program: An intro-pilot program is available to all chartered clubs. Qualified pilots from chartered clubs (limited to three
per club) may participate. Instructors can train non-AMA members to fly airplanes during a time period of 30 consecutive days, and
students are covered by the liability provisions of the AMA insurance policy. Full details are available from the Membership Department at
AMA Headquarters.
Adopt-A-School: The Academy encourages clubs to adopt schools in their localities. Instructional material will be provided by AMA.
Many suppliers also provide elementary kits at discounted prices. Commemorative pins and patches are available, upon request, for club
members who participate in the program. For further information contact the Marketing Department.
Mall Shows: The AMA Headquarters staff will ship free handout materials to chartered clubs and award a commemorative pin to
participants. Clubs need to notify AMA Headquarters 30 days prior to their planned show to allow time for shipping. For further information
contact the Marketing Department.
Air Show Team (AST) Program: AMA encourages highly skilled fliers who enjoy performing before audiences to inquire about the AST
program. The Academy assists clubs with support and liaison with manufacturers and other suppliers. Teams must meet certain performance
standards and annual reporting stipulations. Guidelines for forming a team are available upon request from the Marketing Department.
SUPPORTING EDUCATION
Scholarships: Several scholarships are awarded annually to young AMA members entering a college or university. Annual awards
total approximately $20,000. Interested applicants may obtain details by writing to AMA Headquarters.
Educator Support: A classroom package is available to educators who write to AMA Headquarters on school letterhead. This
package contains suggestions for classroom activities, lists sources of materials, and identifies other companies and associations which
provide documentation and guidance. The use of model aviation techniques by teachers can enhance learning opportunities for students in
mathematics and various sciences.
Frank V. Ehling National Model Aviation Museum and Renaud Research Library: Located at AMA
Headquarters, the museum and library promote interest and understanding in model aviation through the imaginative use of the museum and
its beautiful exhibits, extensive library, and ever-expanding collection. The museum store provides opportunities for visitors to take home
souvenirs of their visit, model aviation literature and video, and educational items for young and old alike. Admission is free for AMA
members. For non-members the prices are $2 for adults and $1 for ages 6-17. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST. Call (765) 289-4236.
RECOGNIZING INDIVIDUALS
Leader Member: A program designed to recognize leaders in the modeling community. Three classifications exist: Administrative,
Industry, and Scientific. Members recognized in this program help to administer Academy activities as well as maintain and vote on the
AMA bylaws. Information and applications are available from the Membership Department at AMA Headquarters.
Leader Club Program: In an effort to recognize the leadership of the finest and most dedicated AMA Chartered Clubs, the Academy
offers the Leader Club Awards. These awards can be earned by any AMA Chartered Club that demonstrates the highest standards of
community service, involvement and modeling activity. For further information on qualification, please contact the Membership Department.
Contest Director: Contest Directors are responsible for organizing and running flying events through the AMA sanctioning program.
Information and applications are available from the Competitions/Technical Department at AMA Headquarters. Call (765) 287-1256.
Appreciation Awards: Clubs may purchase appreciation awards for flying site providers and others who assist chartered clubs in
their endeavors. The AMA certificate is nicely designed and arranged for signature by a club officer. A walnut-mounted plaque, with up to
30 words inscribed by calligraphy and decorated with a gold seal and red, white, and blue ribbon, is only $25 postpaid. For further
information contact the Marketing Department.
PARTICIPATING IN WORLD - CLASS AEROMODELING COMPETITION
World Championships: Any AMA member has the opportunity to represent the U.S.A. and AMA in an international aeromodeling
competition event. Trials for selecting members of world championship teams are held annually. Details are published in Model Aviation
magazine. They are also obtainable through the Competitions/Technical Department at AMA Headquarters. All international events are
authorized by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.
ADDITIONAL BENEFIT PLANS FOR MEMBERS
Overview: The Academy of Model Aeronautics has entered into working arrangements with private companies that have agreed to
provide various types of insurance plans to AMA members. These plans are based on the ability to offer advantageous pricing schedules to
the large “pool” of membership contacts.
AVAILABLE BENEFITS
Group Term Life Insurance: The insurance company has policies with death benefits of up to $200,000 (in $10,000 increments)
available to AMA Members and their spouses, and up to $2,500 for each of their children. Call 1(800) 323-2106 for more information.
Vision Care Plan: AMA is pleased to announce a new vision care benefit program through OUTLOOK Vision Services. A nationwide
network of over 3700 eye care professionals can save you and your family hundreds of dollars on all their eyewear needs. OUTLOOK
Vision Services offers up to 50% savings on frames, designer frames, lenses of all kinds, options of all kinds, and contact lenses. AMA
members may purchase the OUTLOOK program for $6.95 (annual membership) for the entire family, a 60% savings off the regular annual
price of $18.00. The plan is simple to use; present your membership card and pay the discounted price at time of purchase - no forms or
papers to file. To receive your membership card, forward check or money order for $6.95 to: Outlook Vision Services, 40 N. Center St.,
Suite 104, Mesa, AZ 85201, 1-800-342-7188.
May 2001 179
M e m b e r s h i p B e n e f i t s
Insurance coverage is effective on the date of receipt at AMA Headquarters of
a properly completed application and correct dues payment. Membership ends
each year on December 31, regardless of the date a membership application is
received. Applications received after October 1 will be valid for the remainder of
that year and all of the following year. If a magazine is included with the
membership, it begins with the first issue available for the year after a correct
current application and payment are received; it expires with the issue printed in
December (which is dated February of the following year). Membership rates and
insurance limits are those in effect at time of printing. Actual cost of dues and
amount of insurance coverage is subject to change. Any such changes will be
noted at the time of membership processing so that they may be accepted or not.
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
