37
AMA Safety Code
2001 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code Effective January 1, 2001
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 fly-
ing site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my mod-
els in a careless, reckless, and/or dangerous manner.
4. At all flying sites, a straight or curved line(s) must be estab-
lished in front of which all flying takes place, with the other side
designated 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 and 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 which my be permit-
ted to the single straight line requirements, under special cir-
cumstances involving consideration of side 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 mod-
els, 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 (docu-
ment available from AMA HQ). In any case, models using rocket
motors as primary means of propulsion are limited to a maxi-
mum 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.
10. I will not operate any turbo jet engine (axial or centrifugal
flow) unless I have obtained a special waiver for such specific
operations from the AMA President and Executive Director, and I
will abide by any restriction(s) imposed for such operation by
them. (Note: This does not apply to ducted fan models using
piston engines or electric motors.)
11. 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. I will not knowingly operate an R/C system within 3 miles of a
pre-existing model club-flying site without a frequency sharing
agreement with that club.
6. Models flown in air-to-air combat are limited to maximum
total engine displacement of .30 cubic inches and a maximum
dry weight prior to flying of 4 pounds.
