Phoenix
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Appendix A: Safety
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 competition or in the
presence of spectators until it has been proven to be air-
worthy 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 air-
port 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 hav-
ing 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) If my model weighs over 20 pounds, I will only fly it in
accordance with paragraph 5 of this section of the AMA
Safety Code.
5) At air shows or model flying demonstrations a single
straight line must be established, one side of which is for
flying, with the other side for spectators. Only those per-
sons essential to the flight operations are to be permitted
on the flying side of the line; all others must be on the
spectator side. Flying over the spectator side of the line is
prohibited, unless beyond the control of the pilot(s). The
only exceptions which may be permitted to the single
straight line requirement, under special circumstances
involving consideration of site conditions and model size,
weight, speed and power, must be jointly approved by
the AMA President and the Executive Director. In any
case, the maximum permissible takeoff weight of models
is 55 pounds.
6) I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my
name and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
Note: this does not apply to models flown indoors.
7) 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 oper-
ate models with extremely hazardous fuels such as those
containing tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
8) 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 mount-
ed devices launching a projectile. The only exceptions
permitted are rockets flown in accordance with the Safety
Code of the National Association of Rocketry 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. Note: A model aircraft is
defined as an aircraft with or without engine, not able to
carry a human being.
9) I will not fly any model using turbojet power (axial or
centrifugal flow) unless I have obtained a special waiver
for such specific flights from the AMA President and Exec-
utive Director and I will abide by any restrictions
imposed on such flights by them. (Note: this does not
apply to ducted fan models using piston engines or elec-
tric motors.)
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 spec-
tators until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3) I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from
the pit or spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly
over pit or spectator areas, unless beyond my control.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control fre-
quencies currently allowed by the Federal Communica-
tions Commission. (Only properly licensed Amateurs are
authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band fre-
quencies.) Further, any transmitters that I use at a sanc-
tioned event must have a certified R/CMA-AMA gold stick-
er affixed indicating that it was manufactured or modified
for operation at 20 kHz frequency separation (except 27
MHz and 53 MHz).
FREE FLIGHT
1) I will not launch my model aircraft unless at least 100
feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking.
2) I will not fly my model unless the launch area is clear of
all persons except my mechanic and officials.
3) I will employ the use of an adequate device in flight to
extinguish any fuses on the model after it has completed
its function.
CONTROL LINE
1) I will subject my complete control system (including
safety thong, where applicable) to an inspection and pull
test prior to flying.
2) I will assure that my flying area is safely clear of all util-
ity wires or poles.
3) I will assure that my flying area is safely clear of all
non- essential participants and spectators before permit-
ting my engine to be started.
OFFICIAL AMA SAFETY CODE
JANUARY 1, 1992
