Effective January 1, 2003
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) The maximum
takeoff weight of a model is 55 pounds, except models flown
under Experimental Aircraft rules, Document Number 549*.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) I will not
consume alcoholic beverages prior to, nor during, participation in any
model operations.
9) Children under
6 years old are only allowed on the flight line as a pilot or
while under flight instruction.
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) 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 at or in the front of the flight line.
Intentional flying
behind the flight line is prohibited.
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) Flying sites
separated by three miles or more are considered safe from
site-to site interference, even when both sites use the same frequencies.
Any
circumstances under three miles separation require a frequency
management arrangement which may be either an allocation of specific
frequencies for each site or testing to determine that freedom from
interference exists. Allocation plans or interference test reports shall
be
signed by the parties involved and provided to AMA Headquarters.
Documents of agreement and reports may exist between (1) two or more
AMA Chartered Clubs, (2) AMA clubs and individual AMA members not
associated with AMA Clubs, or (3) two or more individual AMA members,
Document Number 551*.
6) For Combat,
distance between combat engagement line and spectator line will be
500 feet per cubic inch of engine displacement. (Example: .40 engine =
200 feet.);
electric motors will be based on equivalent combustion engine size.
Additional safety requirements will be per the RC Combat section of the
current Competition Regulations.
7) 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.
8) With the exception
of events flown under AMA Competition rules, after
launch, except for pilots or helpers being used, no powered model may
be
flown closer than 25 feet to any person.
9) Under no circumstances
may a pilot or other person touch a powered
model in flight.
Organized RC Racing Event
10) 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.
C. Distance from
the pylon to the nearest spectator (line) will be in accordance with
the current Competition Regulations under the RC Pylon Racing section
for the
specific event pending two or three pylon course layout.
11) RC Night Flying
is limited to low performance models (less than 100 m.p.h.). The
models must be equipped with a lighting system that clearly defines the
aircraft's
attitude at all times.
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.
GAS TURBINE
1) I will not
operate any turbine engine (axial or centrifugal flow) unless I have
obtained a special waiver for such specific operations.
2) I will fly
my model in compliance with all requirements specified in AMA Safety
Regulations for Model Aircraft Gas Turbines, Document Number 513*, at
all times.
GIANT SCALE RACING
1) I will fly
my model in compliance with all requirements specified in AMA Required
Safety Standards for Giant Scale Racing, Document Number 535*, at all
times.
* Document Numbers refer to the AMA Website Document Number.