18
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. Do one last look over before you head out to your flying
field. It’s easier to fix problems in the workshop instead of the
flight line.
2. Become familiar with starting your engine, and break it in
before going for your first flight. Be sure the engine will stop
when the trim lever is pulled all the way back.
3. Check your flight box. It should include a starting battery
and glo-plug clip (or ni-starter), “chicken stick” for flipping the
prop, fuel and a means of filling the tank, a couple of small
screwdrivers, #64 rubber bands, spare prop and glo-plug, 6"
adjustable wrench, and a pair of needle nose pliers. In addition
to tools, you should also take along some paper towels and
spray window cleaner to remove fuel residue after each flight.
4. When you load up to go to the flying field be sure that the
batteries have charged for at least 14 hours, and that you have
your fuselage, wing, transmitter, and flight box. And, most
important, you have your AMA license.
5. Range check the radio! See page 17.
USING RUBBER BANDS
The rule of thumb is to use two #64 rubber bands per pound
of model weight. If your model weighs in at 6 pounds, you
need 12 rubber bands. It doesn’t matter too much how many
you run straight across the wing or how many are criss-
crossed, so long as the last two are criss-crossed. This trick
stops the other bands from popping off. Do not use oily rubber
bands for more than a few flying sessions. Check each rubber
FLYING YOUR SKYVISTA
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpt)
