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2002 Official AMA National Model
Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2002
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 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, with
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 that may be
permitted to the single straight-line requirements, under special
circumstances involving consideration of site 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.
Note:
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 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. A model aircraft is defined as an aircraft with or without
engine, not able to carry a human being.
10) 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
experienced 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 frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(Only properly licensed Amateurs are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.)
5) Separation of less than three miles between flying sites is
only acceptable if testing has been accomplished to determine
that no interference potential exists or a frequency sharing
arrangement between the clubs and/or individuals involved
is developed. Written confirmation of either of these two
alternatives, signed by a club officer of both clubs, or
individual AMA members from both clubs shall be provided
to AMA Headquarters.
6) For Combat, distance between flight line and spectator line
will be 500 feet per cubic inch of engine displacement.
(ex: .40 engine = 200 feet)
