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RANGE CHECK YOUR RADIO
Check the operation of the radio before each time you fly. First,
make sure no one else is on your frequency (channel). With
the transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and
transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet
away from the model and still have control. Have someone
help you. Have them stand by your model and, while you work
the controls, tell you what the models various control surfaces
are doing.
Repeat this test with the engine running at various speeds with
an assistant holding the model. If the control surfaces are not
always acting correctly, do not fly! Find and correct the
problem first.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Note:
Failure to follow these safety precautions may result in
severe injury to yourself and others.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat,
sparks or flames, as fuel is very flammable. Do not smoke
near the engine or fuel; and remember that the engine exhaust
gives off a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Therefore do
not run the engine in a closed room or garage.
Get help from an experienced pilot when learning to operate
engines.
Check the engine bolts occasionally and retighten.
Use safety glasses when starting or running engines.
Do not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or sand, as
the propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from
the rotation of the propeller as you start and run the engine.
Keep items such as these away from the prop: loose clothing,
shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long hair or loose objects (pencils,
screwdrivers) that may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets into
the prop.
Use a “safety stick” device or electric starter; follow
instructions supplied with the starter or stick. Make certain the
glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not pop off
or otherwise get into the running propeller.
Make all engine adjustments from
behind
the rotating
propeller.
IMPORTANT: Never reach around a rotating
propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or after operation.
Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel will not leak
onto a hot engine.
To stop the engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off the fuel
line or follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Do
not use hands, fingers or any body part to try to stop the
engine.
Do not throw anything into the propeller of a
running engine.
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
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 within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will give right of way to, and avoid flying in the
proximity of, full scale aircraft. Where necessary an observer
shall be used 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.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
9. 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.
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 (FCC).
The moment of truth has finally arrived. You’ve put a lot of
effort into building your model and it looks great! Protect your
investment by following a few simple tips:
1. If possible, have an experienced modeler look over your
work before you head out to your flying field. It’s easier to fix
problems in the workshop instead of the flight line.
FLYING YOUR AIRVISTA
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)
