EN
15
Effective January 1, 2014
A. GENERAL
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the
atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively
for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All model flights must be
conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific to
the flying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be flown:
(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.
2. M odel 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 fly 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 traffic 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 identified with the name and address or AMA number of
the owner on the inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. (This
does not apply to model aircraft flown 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 influence 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 flight.
• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be used
provided they remain attached to the model during flight. Model rockets
may be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety
Code but 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
(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 flown 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 specific 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 flying 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 first flight of a
new or repaired model aircraft.
3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which all flying
takes place (AMA Document #706.)
(a) Only personnel associated with flying 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 flying 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
flying site without a frequency-management agreement (AMA Documents #922
and #923.)
6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition Regulations,
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.
8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear view of
the model’s attitude and orientation at all times. Hand-held illumination systems
are inadequate for night flying operations.
9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire flight, 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.
(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.
AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
