109
Effective January 1, 2014
A.
GENERAL
: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying
aircraft capable of sustained fl ight in the atmosphere. It
may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended
exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or
competition. All model fl ights must be conducted in
accordance with this safety code and any additional rules
specifi c to the fl ying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be fl own:
(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities
are prohibited.
2. Model aircraft pilots will:
(a) Yield the right of way to all human-carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be
used when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D.)
(c) Not fl y 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 traffi c 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
Airplane program. (AMA Document 520-A.)
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identifi ed with the name and
address or AMA number of the owner on the inside or
affi xed to the outside of the model aircraft. (This does
not apply to model aircraft fl own 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 infl uence
of alcohol or while using any drug that could adversely
affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic
devices that 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 fl ight.
• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a
G-series size may be used provided they remain
attached to the model during fl ight. Model rockets
may be fl own in accordance with the National Model
Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from
model aircraft.
• Offi cially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are
authorized to use devices and practices as defi ned
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 fl own 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 specifi c 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 (RC)
1. All pilots shall avoid fl ying 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 fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired
model aircraft.
3. At all fl ying sites a safety line(s) must be established in
front of which all fl ying takes place. (AMA Document #706.)
(a) Only personnel associated with fl ying 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 fl ying 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 knowingly operate within
three (3) miles of any pre-existing fl ying site without a
frequency-management agreement. (AMA Documents
#922 and #923.)
6. With the exception of events fl own under offi cial AMA
Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing,
no powered model may be fl own outdoors closer than 25
feet to any individual, except for the pilot and the pilot’s
helper(s) located at the fl ightline.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch
an outdoor model aircraft in fl ight while it is still under
power, except to divert it from striking an individual.
8. RC night fl ying 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 fl ying operations.
9. The pilot of an RC model aircraft shall:
(a) Maintain control during the entire fl ight, 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.
C. FREE FLIGHT
1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and
automobile parking when the model aircraft is launched.
2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except
mechanics, offi cials, and other fl iers.
3. An effective device will be used to extinguish any
fuse on the model aircraft after the fuse has
completed its function.
D. CONTROL LINE
1. The complete control system (including the safety thong
where applicable) must have an inspection and pull test
prior to fl ying.
2. The pull test will be in accordance with the current
Competition Regulations for the applicable model
aircraft category.
3. Model aircraft not fi tting a specifi c category shall use
those pull-test requirements as indicated for Control Line
Precision Aerobatics.
4. The fl ying area must be clear of all utility wires or poles
and a model aircraft will not be fl own closer than 50 feet
to any above-ground electric utility lines.
5. The fl ying area must be clear of all nonessential
participants and spectators before the engine is started.
FAA INFORMATION
Prior to fl ying, contact your local or regional modeling
organizations for guidance and familiarize yourself with the
current local rules and FAA regulations governing model
aviation in your location.
More information about model aviation can be found at www.
modelaircraft.org.
The Federal Aviation Administration can be found online
at www.faa.gov.
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE
