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Beechcraft Bonanza 15e ARF Assembly Manual
Academy of Model Aeronautics
National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2010
GENERAL
A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-
carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the
atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations
established in this code and is intended to be used
exclusively for sport, recreation, and/or competition.
1. I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a careless
or reckless manner, and will abide by this Safety
Code and any additional rules specific to flying sites.
2. I will yield the right-of-way to man-carrying aircraft
and will see and avoid all aircraft, utilizing a spotter
when appropriate. (See AMA Document #540-D on
See and Avoid Guidance.)
3. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than
approximately 400 feet above ground level, when
within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying
the airport operator.
4. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft,
including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown
under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
5. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned
events, air shows, or model demonstrations unless I
have previously proven that my aircraft, control
system, and piloting skills are adequate by
successfully executing all maneuvers intended or
anticipated in the specific event. If I am not a
proficient pilot, I will not fly in these events unless
assisted by an experienced pilot.
6. I will not fly my model aircraft unless it is identified
with my name and address, or AMA number, inside
or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. This
does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.
7. I will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade
propellers.
8. I will not operate model aircraft carrying
pyrotechnic devices which explode or burn, or
any device, which propels a projectile of any kind.
Exceptions include Free Flight fuses or devices that
burn producing smoke and are securely attached to
the model aircraft during flight. Rocket motors up to
a G-series size may be used, provided they remain
firmly attached to the model aircraft during flight.
Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the
National Model Rocketry Safety Code; however,
they may not be launched from model aircraft.
Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are
authorized to use devices and practices as defined
within the Team AMA Program Document.
9. I will not operate my model aircraft while under the
influence of alcohol or while using any drug which
could adversely affect my ability to safely control the
model.
10. 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.
RADIO CONTROL
1. All pilots shall avoid flying models over
unprotected people.
2. I will complete a successful radio equipment
ground-range check in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations before the first
flight of a new or repaired aircraft.
3. At all flying sites a safety line or lines must be
established, in front of which all flying takes place.
Only personnel associated with flying the model
aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line. In
the case of air shows or demonstrations a straight
safety line must be established. An area away from
the safety line must be maintained for spectators.
Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited.
(See AMA Document #706 for Recommended Field
Layout.)
4. I will operate my model aircraft using only
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. I will not knowingly operate my model aircraft
within three (3) miles of any preexisting flying site
without a frequency-management agreement. (See
AMA Document #922 for Testing for RF Interference.
See AMA Document #923 for Frequency
Management Agreement.)
6. With the exception of events flown under official
AMA Competition Regulations rules, excluding
takeoff and landing, no powered model may be flown
outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except
for the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the
flight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other
person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still
under power, except to divert it from striking an
individual. This does not apply to model aircraft flown
indoors.
8. Radio-controlled night flying requires a lighting
system that provides the pilot with a clear view of the
model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
9. The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft
shall control it during the entire flight, maintaining
visual contact without enhancement other than by
corrective lenses that are prescribed for the
pilot. First-Person View (FPV) flying may only be
conducted in accordance with the procedures
outlined in AMA Document #550.
