52
2003 Official AMA
National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2003
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) The maximum takeoff weight of a model is 55 pounds,
except models flown under Experimental Aircraft rules.
5) I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my
name and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
(This does not apply to models while being flown
indoors.)
6) 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.
7) 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. (A model aircraft is
defined as an aircraft with or without engine, not able to
carry a human being.)
8) I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to, nor
during, participation in any model operations.
9) Children under 6 years old are only allowed on the
flight line as a pilot or while under flight instruction.
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) 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 personnel involved with
flying the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the flight
line. Intentional flying behind the flight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission. (Only properly licensed
Amateurs are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur
Band frequencies.)
