1. Purpose: This advisory outlines safety standards for opera-
tions of model aircraft. We encourage voluntary compliance
with these standards.
2. Background: Attention has been drawn to the increase in
model aircraft operation. There is a need for added caution
when operating radio controlled models in order to avoid cre-
ating a noise nuisance or a potential hazard to full-scale air-
craft and persons and/or property on the surface.
3. Operating Standards: Modelers generally are concerned with
safety and exercise good judgment when flying model air-
craft. However, in the interest of safer skies, we encourage
operators of radio controlled models to comply with the fol-
lowing standards:
a. Exercise vigilance in locating full-scale aircraft (get
help if possible) so as not to create a collision hazard.
b. Select an operating site at sufficient distance from
populated areas so you do not create a noise problem or
a potential hazard.
c. Do not fly higher than 400 feet above the surface.
d. Always operate more than three miles from the bound-
ary of an airport unless you are given permission to be
closer by the appropriate air traffic control facility in
the case of an airport for which a control zone has been
designated or by the airport manager in the case of
other airports.
e. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance in complying with
these guidelines at the airport traffic control tower or
air route traffic control center nearest the site of your
proposed operation.
Director, Air Traffic Service Federal Aviation Administration,
Washington, D.C.
1. Check all hardware (linkages, screws, nuts, bolts) prior to
each day’s flight. Be sure that binding does not occur and that
everything is properly secured.
2. Be sure that all surfaces are moving in the proper manner.
3. Perform a range check before each day’s flying session. The
range check should be as follows:
• Install the antenna on your PCM10X transmitter. Do not
extend the transmitter antenna at this time. Turn the
transmitter “on.”
• Turn the model “on.”
• Slowly walk away from the model while moving the con
trol surfaces. The aircraft should function properly at a dis
tance of 60 feet.
4. Check to be sure that all servo plugs and switch harness plugs
are secured in the receiver. Also, make certain that the switch
moves completely in both directions.
70
10X MANUAL Airplane
Federal Aviation Administration
12
Daily Flight Checks
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