User Manual

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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 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 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 my be permitted to the
single straight line requirements, under special circumstances
involving consideration of side 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. 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 permit-
ted 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 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
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 spe-
cific 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 in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an expe-
rienced 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 frequen-
cies currently allowed by the Federal Communications
Commission. (Only properly licensed amateurs are autho-
rized 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.
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 NOCASE
approved or comparable standard while on the race course;
2. All officials will be off the course except the starter and
his/her 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.
AMA Safety Code 2001 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code Effective January 1, 2001