Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in competition or in the
presence of spectators 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 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.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
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 flyer, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit,
spectator and parking areas and I will not thereafter perform
maneuvers, flights of any sort or landing approaches over a
pit, spectator or parking area.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
Though the Yard Stik is a “Park Flyer,” the best place to fly
any model is at an AMA chartered club field. Club fields are
set up for R/C flying, making your outing safer and more
enjoyable. We recommend that you join the AMA and a local
club so you can have a safe place to fly and have insurance
to cover you in case of a flying accident. The AMA address
and telephone number are in the front of this manual.
If there is no club or R/C flying field in your area, find a
suitable site that is clear of trees, telephone poles, buildings,
towers, busy streets and other obstacles. Since you are not
flying at a sanctioned AMA site, be aware that there may be
others like yourself who could be flying nearby. If both of your
models happen to be on the same frequency, interference
will likely cause one or both of the models to crash. An
acceptable minimum distance between flying models is five
miles, so keep this in mind when searching for a flying site.
In addition to obstacles, it is important to be aware of people
who may wander into the area once you begin flying. At AMA
club flying sites it is a severe rule infraction to fly over others
and this is a good practice if flying elsewhere. R/C models
tend to attract onlookers who may pose two main problems;
First is the danger of actually crashing your model into a
person, causing injury. Second is the distraction by those
who ask you questions while you are trying to concentrate on
flying. To minimize or avoid this problem, have an assistant
standing by who can spot people who wander into your flying
site (so you can avoid flying over them) and who can perform
“crowd control” if people start to gather.
IMPORTANT: If you are an inexperienced modeler we strongly
urge you to seek the assistance of a competent, experienced
R/C pilot to check your model for airworthiness AND to teach
you how to fly. No matter how stable or “forgiving” the Yard Stik
is, attempting to learn to fly on your own is dangerous and may
result in destruction of your model or even injury to yourself and
others. Therefore, find an instructor and fly only under his or her
guidance and supervision until you have acquired the skills
necessary for safe and fully controlled operation of your model.
The Yard Stik may be hand launched or it can R.O.G. (rise
off ground). It is best to hand launch the Yard Stik for the first
flight and if flying over rough fields outdoors. The model
should be tossed directly into the wind in a controlled
manner with the wings level and the fuselage in a level or
slightly nose-high attitude. Apply full power, then launch the
model. Allow the Yard Stik to settle into a gentle climb as you
turn it away from the pits or spectators.
Adjust the trims to get the model to fly straight and level.
When at a comfortable altitude reduce power and see how
the model handles. This will be a reference as to how it will
land if the battery quits.
It is best to allow the model to build up speed before
performing tight turns or other aerobatic maneuvers. Continue
to fly around until you are ready to land or until there is not
enough power to keep the model airborne. Just the same as
taking off, always land into the wind. Choose your landing spot
and then make the landing flair by gently applying full up
elevator when the Yard Stik is about 6" to 1' off the ground.
Retrieve the model and make a post-flight inspection,
looking for loose connections or fasteners. Allow the battery
and motor to cool before recharging.
Best of luck and happy flying!
FLYING
FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY
Radio Control
General
AMA SAFETY CODE (
EXCERPTS
)
15
