15
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.
5)
I will not knowingly operate my model within three
miles of any pre-existing flying site except in accordance
with the frequency sharing agreement listed [in the
complete AMA Safety Code].
CHECk LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first
flight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook
certain checks and procedures that should be performed
before the model is flown. To help avoid this, a check list
is provided to make sure these important areas are not
overlooked. Many are covered in the instruction manual,
so where appropriate, refer to the manual for complete
instructions. Be sure to check the items off as they are
completed (that’s why it’s called a
check list!
).
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
2. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the solder
joint inside the receiver.
3. Balance your model
laterally
as explained in
the instructions.
4. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the tow hook.
5. Make sure all hinges are
securely glued in place.
6. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, control horn screws, etc.).
7. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
8. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the clevises
and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with the
screws included with your radio.
9. Make sure any servo leads do not interfere with other
systems (servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
10. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with
your radio system state differently, the
initial charge on
new transmitter and receiver batteries should be done
for 15 hours
using the slow-charger that came with
the radio system. This will “condition” the batteries
so that the next charge may be done using the fast-
charger of your choice. If the initial charge is done with
a fast-charger the batteries may not reach their full
capacity and you may be flying with batteries that are
only partially charged.
GROUND CHECk AND RANGE CHECk
Always ground check the operational range of your radio
before the first flight of the day following the manufacturer’s
instructions that came with your radio. If the control surfaces
do not respond correctly,
do not fly! Find and correct the
problem first. Look for loose servo connections or broken
wires, corroded wires on old servo connectors, poor solder
joints in your battery pack or a defective cell, or a damaged
receiver crystal from a previous crash.
AMA SAFETY CODE (EXCERpTS)
Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy
of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety
Code refer to
Model Aviation
magazine, the AMA web site or
the Code that came with your AMA license.
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 aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet [122m] within 3 miles [4.8km] 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.
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.
7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
RADIO CONTROL
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
