Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter to start the engine.
Do not use your fingers to flip the propeller. Make certain the
glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not pop
off or otherwise get into the running propeller.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or right after
operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel
will not leak onto a hot engine, causing a fire.
To stop a glow engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off the
fuel line or following the engine manufacturer’s
recommendations. Do not use hands, fingers or any other
body part to try to stop the engine. To stop a gasoline powered
engine an on/off switch should be connected to the engine coil.
Do not throw anything into the propeller of a running engine.
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
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.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
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.
Definition:
For the purpose of the following IMAA Safety Code, the term
Giant Scale shall refer to radio controlled model aircraft,
either scale or non-scale, which have a wingspan of 80
inches or more for monoplanes and 60 inches or more for
multi-winged model aircraft and have a ramp weight (fueled
and ready to fly) of 55 lbs. or less.
Section 1.0: SAFETY STANDARD
1.1 Adherence to Code: This safety code is to be
strictly followed.
1.2 The most current AMA Safety Code in effect is to be
observed. However, the competition sections of the code
may be disregarded.
Section 3.0: Safety Check
3.4 Flight Testing: All Giant Scale R/C aircraft are to have
been flight tested and flight trimmed with a minimum of six
flights before the model is allowed to fly at an IMAA
Sanctioned event.
3.5 Proof of Flight: The completing and signing of the
Declaration section of the Safety Inspection form by the pilot
(or owner) shall document as fact that each aircraft has
been successfully flight-tested and proven airworthy prior to
an IMAA event.
Section 5.0: EMERGENCY ENGINE SHUT OFF (kill switch)
5.1 All magneto spark ignition engines must have a coil
grounding switch on the aircraft to stop the engine. This will
also prevent accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall
be readily available to both pilot and helper. This switch is to be
operated manually and without the use of the radio system.
5.2 Engines with battery power ignition systems must have
a switch to turn off the power from the battery pack to
disable the engine from firing. This will also prevent
accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall be readily
available to both pilot and helper. This switch shall be
operated manually and without the use of the Radio System.
5.3 There must also be a means to stop the engine from the
transmitter. The most common method is to close the
carburetor throat completely using throttle trim, however,
other methods are acceptable. This requirement applies to
all glow/gas ignition engines regardless of size.
IMAA SAFETY CODE (
EXCERPT
)
Radio Control
General
AMA SAFETY CODE (
EXCERPT
)
45
