AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)
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.
4. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name and
address or AMA number, on or in the model.
5. 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.
CHECK LIST
❍
1.
Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue
such as the wing saddle area, etc.
❍
2.
Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❍
3.
Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuselage. Simply stuffing them into
place with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❍
4.
Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.
❍
5.
Balance your model
laterally as explained in the
instructions.
❍
6.
Use thread locking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the screws that hold the wheel
collars to the axles, screws that hold the carburetor arm
(if applicable), screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
❍
7.
Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❍
8.
Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❍
9.
Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, etc.).
❍
10.
Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❍
11.
Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❍
12.
Secure connections between servo wires or servo
extensions, and the connection between your battery
pack and the on/off switch with vinyl tape, heat shrink
tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.
❍
13.
Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❍
14.
Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler with
high temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or
J.B. Weld.
❍
15.
Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are not kinked.
❍
16.
Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❍
17.
Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❍
18.
Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❍
19.
Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❍
20.
If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❍
21.
Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
GETTING READY TO FLY
You have put a lot of effort into assembling 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 on the flight line. It is also highly
recommended to obtain help from an experienced modeler to
act as a flight instructor. It is possible to teach yourself to fly a
radio controlled model, but you will have a much more pleasant
experience and incur a lot less damage to your first model with
the help of a qualified flight instructor.
2. Become familiar with starting your engine, and break it in
before your first flight. Be sure the engine will stop when the trim
lever is pulled all the way back.
3. Assemble a simple flight kit which should include a starting
battery and a glow-plug clip (or ni-starter), “chicken stick” for
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first flight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is flown. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to
make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many
are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate,
refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to
check the items off as they are completed.
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