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GENERAL
1) I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events,
air shows, or model fl ying demonstrations until it has
been proven to be airworthy by having been previously,
successfully fl ight tested.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid fl ying
in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary,
an observer shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid
having models fl y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for
the fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately
fl y my models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous
manner.
5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my
name and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
Note: This does not apply to models while being fl own
indoors.
7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any
device that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of
any kind).
RADIO CONTROL
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment
ground check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired
model.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualifi ed fl ier, unless assisted
by an experienced helper.
3) At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place with
the other side for spectators. Only personnel involved
with fl ying the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of
the fl ight line. Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is
prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission.
5) I will not knowingly operate my model within
three miles of any pre-existing fl ying site except in
accordance with the frequency sharing agreement
listed [in the complete AMA Safety Code].
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of
the model other than the landing gear, intentionally
touch the ground, except while landing.
Since the Giant P-47D ARF qualifi es as a “giant scale’
model and is therefore eligible to fl y in IMAA events,
we’ve printed excerpts from the IMAA Safety Code
which follows.
IMAA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)
Defi nition:
For the purpose of the following IMAA Safety Code, the
term Giant Scale shall refer to radio controlled model
aircraft, either scale or non-scale, which have a wingspan
of 80 inches [2032mm] or more for monoplanes and
60 inches [1524mm] or more for multi-winged model
aircraft and have a ramp weight (fueled and ready to fl y)
of 55lbs. [24.75kg.] or less.
Section 1.0: SAFETY STANDARD
1.1 Adherence to Code: This safety code is to be strictly
followed.
1.2 The most current AMA Safety Code in effect is to
be observed. However, the competition sections of the
code may be disregarded.
Section 3.0 Safety Check
3.4 Flight Testing: All Giant Scale R/C aircraft are
to have been fl ight tested and fl ight trimmed with a
minimum of six fl ights before the model is allowed to
fl y at an IMAA Sanctioned event.
3.5 Proof of Flight: The completing and signing of
the Declaration section of the Safety Inspection form
by the pilot (or owner) shall document as fact that
each aircraft has been successfully fl ight-tested and
proven airworthy prior to an IMAA event.
Section 5.0: Emergency Engine Shut Off
(kill switch)
5.1 All magneto spark ignition engines must have a coil
grounding switch on the aircraft to stop the engine. This
will also prevent accidental starting of the engine. This
switch shall be readily available to both pilot and helper.
This switch is to be operated manually and without the
use of the radio system.
5.2 Engine with battery power ignition systems must
have a switch to turn off the power from the battery pack
to disable the engine from fi ring. This will also prevent
accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall be
readily available to both pilot and helper. This switch
shall be operated manually and without the use of the
radio system.
5.3 There must also be a means to stop the engine from
the transmitter. The most common method is to close the
carburetor throat completely using throttle trim. However,
other methods are acceptable. This requirement applies
to all glow/gas ignition engines regardless of size.
Section 6.0: RADIO REQUIREMENTS
6.1 All transmitters must be FCC type certifi ed.
6.2 FCC Technician or high-class license required for 6
meter band operation only.
Additional IMAA General Recommendations
The following recommendations are included in the
Safety Code not to police such items, but rather to offer
basic suggestions for enhanced safety.
Servos need to be of a rating capable to handle the
loads that the control surfaces impose upon the servos.
Standard servos are not recommended for control
surfaces. Servos should be rated heavy-duty. For fl ight-
critical control functions a minimum of 45 inch/ounces of
torque should be considered. This should be considered
a minimum for smaller aircraft and higher torque servos
are strongly encouraged for larger aircraft. The use of
one servo for each aileron and one for each elevator
half is strongly recommended. Use of dual servos is
also recommended for larger aircraft.
On-board batteries shall be 1000 mAh up to 20 lbs.,
1200 mAh to 30 lbs., 1800 mAh to 40 lbs. and 2000
mAh over 40 lbs. fl ying weight. The number and size
of the servos, size and loads on control surfaces, and
added features should be considered as an increase
to these minimums. Batteries should be able to sustain
power to the onboard radio components for a minimum
of one hour total fl ying time before recharging.
Both redundant and fail-safe battery systems are
recommended.
There is no minimum engine displacement limit, as
it is the position of this body that an underpowered
