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Effective January 1, 2013
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 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-See and
Avoid Guidance.)
(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 to use 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 (RC)
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-Recommended Field Layout):
(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-Testing
for RF Interference; #923- Frequency Management
Agreement)
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. This
does not apply to model aircraft fl own indoors.
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.
9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire fl ight, maintaining
visual contact without 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.
Please see your local or regional modeling association’s
guidelines for proper, safe operation of your model
aircraft.
FAA INFORMATION
Prior to fl ying, contact your local or regional modeling
organizations for guidance and familiarize yourself with
the current local rules and FAA regulations governing
model aviation in your location.
More information about model aviation can be found at
www.modelaircraft.org.
The Federal Aviation Administration can be found online
at www.faa.gov.
AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE
