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Twin Otter ARF Assembly Manual
Academy of Model Aeronautics
National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2010
GENERAL
A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-
carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the
atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations
established in this code and is intended to be used
exclusively for sport, recreation, and/or competition.
1. I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a careless
or reckless manner, and will abide by this Safety Code
and any additional rules specific to flying sites.
2. I will yield the right-of-way to man-carrying aircraft
and will see and avoid all aircraft, utilizing a spotter
when appropriate. (See AMA Document #540-D on
See and Avoid Guidance.)
3. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than
approximately 400 feet above ground level, when
within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator.
4. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft,
including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown
under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
5. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events,
air shows, or model demonstrations unless I have
previously proven that my aircraft, control system, and
piloting skills are adequate by successfully executing
all maneuvers intended or anticipated in the specific
event. If I am not a proficient pilot, I will not fly in these
events unless assisted by an experienced pilot.
6. I will not fly my model aircraft unless it is identified
with my name and address, or AMA number, inside or
affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. This does
not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.
7. I will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade
propellers.
8. I will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic
devices which explode or burn, or any device, which
propels a projectile of any kind. Exceptions include
Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing
smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft
during flight. Rocket motors up to a G-series size may
be used, provided they remain firmly attached to the
model aircraft during flight. Model rockets may be
flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry
Safety Code; however, they may not be launched
from model aircraft. Officially designated AMA Air
Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and
practices as defined within the Team AMA Program
Document.
9. I will not operate my model aircraft while under the
influence of alcohol or while using any drug which
could adversely affect my ability to safely control the
model.
10. 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.
RADIO CONTROL
1. All pilots shall avoid flying models over unprotected
people.
2. I will complete a successful radio equipment
ground-range check in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations before the first flight
of a new or repaired aircraft.
3. At all flying sites a safety line or lines must be
established, in front of which all flying takes place.
Only personnel associated with flying the model
aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line. In
the case of air shows or demonstrations a straight
safety line must be established. An area away from
the safety line must be maintained for spectators.
Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited.
(See AMA Document #706 for Recommended Field
Layout.)
4. I will operate my model aircraft using only 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. I will not knowingly operate my model aircraft within
three (3) miles of any preexisting flying site without
a frequency-management agreement. (See AMA
Document #922 for Testing for RF Interference. See
AMA Document #923 for Frequency Management
Agreement.)
6. With the exception of events flown under official
AMA Competition Regulations rules, excluding takeoff
and landing, no powered model may be flown
outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except
for the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the
flight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under
power, except to divert it from striking an individual.
This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.
8. Radio-controlled night flying requires a lighting
system that provides the pilot with a clear view of the
model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
9. The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft
shall control it during the entire flight, maintaining
visual contact without enhancement other than by
corrective lenses that are prescribed for the pilot.
First-Person View (FPV) flying may only be conducted
in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA
Document #550.
