23
–AIRCRAFT–
1996 OFFICIAL AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE
Effective January 1, 1996
Model Flying
MUST
be in accordance with this Code in order for
AMA Liability Protection to apply.
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 higher than approximately 400 feet
within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator.
I will give right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-
scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer shall be utilized 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) At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all flying takes place with the other
side for spectators. Only those persons essential to the flight
operations are to be permitted on the flying side of the line; all
others must be on the spectator side. Flying over the spectator
side of the line is prohibited, unless beyond the control of the
pilot(s). In any case, the maximum permissible takeoff weight of
the models is 55 pounds.
5) At air shows or model flying demonstrations a single straight
line must be established, one side of which is for flying, with the
other side for spectators. Only those persons accredited by the
contest director or other appropriate official as necessary for the
flight operations or as having duties or functions relating to the
conduct of the show or demonstration are to be permitted on the
flying side of the line. The only exceptions which may be
permitted to the single straight line requirements, under special
circumstances involving consideration of site conditions and
model size, weight, speed, and power, must be jointly approved
by the AMA President and the Executive Director.
6) Under all circumstances, if my model weighs over 20 pounds, I
will fly it in accordance with paragraph 5 of this section of the AMA
Safety Code.
7) I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name and
address or AMA number, on or in the model.
Note:
This does
not apply to models flown indoors.
8) I will not operate models with metal-bladed propellers or with
gaseous boosts, in which gases other than air enter their
internal combustion engine(s); nor will I operate models with
extremely hazardous fuels such as those containing
tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
9) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that
explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind) including,
but not limited to, rockets, explosive bombs dropped from
models, smoke bombs, all explosive gases (such as hydrogen-
filled balloons), ground mounted devices launching a projectile.
The only exceptions permitted are rockets flown in accordance
with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code or those
permanently attached (as per JATO use); also those items
authorized for Air Show Team use as defined by AST Advisory
Committee (document available from AMA HQ). In any case,
models using rocket motors as a primary means of propulsion
are limited to a maximum weight of 3.3 pounds and a G series
motor.
Note:
A model aircraft is defined as an aircraft with or
without engine, not able to carry a human being.
10) I will not operate any turbo jet engine (axial or centrifugal
flow) unless I have obtained a special waiver for such specific
operations from the AMA President and Executive Director and I
will abide by any restriction(s) imposed for such operation by
them. (
Note:
This does not apply to ducted fan models using
piston engines or electric motors.)
11) I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to, nor during,
participation in any model operations.
RADIO CONTROL
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
range 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 radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(Only properly licensed Amateurs are authorized to operate
equipment on Amateur Band Frequencies.)
5) I will not knowingly operate an R/C system within 3 miles of a
pre-existing model club flying site without a frequency sharing
agreement with that club.
6) I will not fly my model aircraft in any racing competition which
allows models over 20 pounds unless that competition event is
AMA sanctioned. (For the purposes of this paragraph,
competition is defined as any situation where a winner
is determined.)
Separate Code(s) available from AMA Headquarters for
boats, cars
and rockets.
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
5151 EAST MEMORIAL DRIVE
MUNCIE , INDIANA 47302-9252
