71
Effective January 1, 2011
A. GENERAL:
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft
capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may
not exceed limitations of this code and is intended
exclusively for sport, recreation and/or competition.
All model flights must be conducted in accordance
with this safety code and any additional rules specific
to the flying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be flown:
(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are
prohibited.
2. Model aircraft pilots will:
(a) Yield the right of way to all man carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be
used when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D-See
and Avoid Guidance.)
(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above
ground level within three (3) miles of an airport,
without notifying the airport operator.
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns
at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except
where there is a mixed use agreement.
(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55
pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large
Model Aircraft program. (AMA Document 520-A)
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and
address or AMA number of the owner on the inside
or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. (This
does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors).
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or
with gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated
under the provisions of AMA Document #555.
(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the
influence of alcohol or while using any drug which
could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely
control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic
devices which explode or burn, or any device which
propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a
hazard to persons or property.
Exceptions:
• Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing
smoke and are securely attached to the model
aircraft during flight.
• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a
G-series size may be used provided they remain
attached to the model during flight. Model rockets
may be flown in accordance with the National Model
Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from
model aircraft.
• Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST)
are authorized to use devices and practices as
defined within the Team AMA Program Document
(AMA Document #718).
(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in
compliance with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA
Document #510-A).
3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned
events, air shows or model demonstrations unless:
(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have
successfully demonstrated all maneuvers intended or
anticipated prior to the specific event.
(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an
experienced pilot.
4. When and where required by rule, helmets must
be properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA,
DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or comply
with comparable standards.
B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)
1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected
people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall avoid
endangerment of life and property of others.
2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check
in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
will be completed before the first flight of a new or
repaired model aircraft.
3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be
established in front of which all flying takes place
(AMA Document #706-Recommended Field Layout):
(a) Only personnel associated with flying the model
aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line.
(b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety
line must be established.
(c) An area away from the safety line must be
maintained for spectators.
(d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is
prohibited.
4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals
properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to
operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.
5. RC model aircraft will not operate within three
(3) miles of any pre-existing flying site without a
frequency-management agreement (AMA Documents
#922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Frequency
Management Agreement)
6. With the exception of events flown under official
AMA Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and
landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors
closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the
pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the flight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other
person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is
still under power, except to divert it from striking an
individual. This does not apply to model aircraft flown
indoors.
8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing
the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and
orientation at all times.
9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire flight,
maintaining visual contact without enhancement other
than by corrective lenses prescribed for the pilot.
(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-
Person View (FPV) only in accordance with the
procedures outlined in AMA Document #550.
Please see your local or regional modeling
association’s guidelines for proper, safe operation of
your model aircraft.
faa inforMation for
horiZon ManUals
Prior to flying, contact your local or regional modeling
organizations for guidance and familiarize yourself
with the current local rules and FAA regulations
governing model aviation in your location.
More information about model aviation can be found
at www.modelaircraft.org.
The Federal Aviation Administration can be found
online at www.faa.gov.
aMa national Model airCraft safety Code
