EN
15
AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2014
A. GENERAL
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained
fl ight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is
intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition.
All model fl ights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code
and any additional rules specifi c to the fl ying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be fl own:
(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 man carrying aircraft
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when
appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D.)
(c) Not fl y higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level
within three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying the airport
operator.
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffi c patterns at any airport,
heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use
agreement.
(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless
in compliance with the AMA Large Model Aircraft program.
(AMA Document 520-A.)
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identifi ed with the name and address or AMA
number of the owner on the inside or affi xed to the outside of
the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft fl own
indoors).
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous
boosts except for helicopters operated under the provisions of
AMA Document #555.
(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the infl uence of alcohol
or while using any drug which could adversely affect the pilot’s
ability to safely control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which
explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or
drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property.
Exceptions:
• Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and
are securely attached to the model aircraft during fl ight.
• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size
may be used provided they remain attached to the model
during fl ight. Model rockets may be fl own in accordance
with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not
be launched from model aircraft.
•
Offi cially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are
authorized touse devices and practices as defi ned within
the Team AMA Program Document (AMA Document #718).
(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with
the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A).
3. Model aircraft will not be fl own in AMA sanctioned events, air shows
or model demonstrations unless:
(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully
demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the
specifi c event.
(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
1. All pilots shall avoid fl ying directly over unprotected people, vessels,
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
fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
3. At all fl ying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which
all fl ying takes place (AMA Document #706.)
(a) Only personnel associated with fl ying the model aircraft are
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.
(d) Intentional fl ying behind the safety line is prohibited.
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 operate within three (3) miles of any pre-
existing fl ying site without a frequency-management agreement
(AMA Documents #922 and #923.)
6. With the exception of events fl own under offi cial AMA Competition
Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may
be fl own outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for
the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the fl ight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model
aircraft in fl ight while it is still under power, except to divert it from
striking an individual.
8. RC night fl ying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a
clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times. Hand-
held illumi-nation systems are inadequate for night fl ying operations.
9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a)
Maintain control during the entire fl ight, maintaining visual
contactwithout 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.
Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines
for proper, safe operation of your model aircraft.
