Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code
A.
GENERAL:
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable
code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or
(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 human-carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when
appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D.)
within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator.
heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use
agreement.
in compliance with the AMA Large Model Airplane program.
(AMA Document 520-A.)
of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous
boosts except for helicopters operated under the provisions of
AMA Document #555.
ability to safely control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that
explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or
drops any object that creates hazard to persons or property.
Exceptions:
Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are
Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be
Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from model
aircraft.
Program Document. (AMA Document #718.)
(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance
with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A.)
or model demonstrations unless:
(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully
demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the
(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)
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
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.
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 knowingly operate within three (3) miles of
agreement. (AMA Documents #922 and #923.)
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch an outdoor
from striking an individual.
clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times. Hand-
9. The pilot of an RC model aircraft shall:
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.
(c) Fly using the assistance of autopilot or stabilization system only in
accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #560.
C. FREE FLIGHT
1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile
parking when the model aircraft is launched.
aircraft after the fuse has completed its function.
D. CONTROL LINE
1. The complete control system (including the safety thong where
2. The pull test will be in accordance with the current Competition
Regulations for the applicable model aircraft category.
requirements as indicated for Control Line Precision Aerobatics.
electric utility lines.
spectators before the engine is started.
If you are not an AMA member, please consider joining. Founded
in 1936 and open to anyone interested in model aviation, the AMA
is the governing body for model aviation in the United States and
sanctions over 2,000 competitions annually. Membership in the
AMA provides liability insurance coverage, protects modelers’
sites nationwide.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302-9252
Toll Free (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 741-0057
www.modelaircraft.org
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