2008 Official Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code Effective January 1, 2006 GENERAL RADIO CONTROL FREE FLIGHT CONTROL LINE
1. A model
aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-carrying device capable of
sustained flight in the atmosphere. It shall not exceed limitations established in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for recreational or competition activity. 2. The
maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55
pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft
Rules. 3. I will
abide by this Safety Code and all rules established for the flying site
I use. I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a reckless and/or dangerous manner. 4. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model demonstrations until it has been proven airworthy. 5. 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. I will yield the right-of-way and avoid flying in the
proximity of full-scale aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate. 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 or with gaseous
boosts (other than air), nor will I operate model aircraft with fuels containing tetranitromethane or hydrazine. 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 AMAAir Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and practices as defined within the Air Show Advisory Committee Document. 9. I will
not operate my model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or
within eight (8) hours of having consumed alcohol. 10. I will
not operate my model aircraft while using any drug which could
adversely affect my ability to safely control my model aircraft. 11.
Children under six (6) years old are only allowed on a flightline or in
a flight area as a pilot or while under flight instruction. 12. 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. 1. All model flying shall be conducted in a manner to avoid over flight of unprotected people. 2. I will
have completed a successful radio equipment ground-range check before
the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft. 3. I will
not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become
a proficient flier, unless I am assisted by an experienced pilot. 4. 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 airshows
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. 5. 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. 6. I will
not knowingly operate my model aircraft within three (3) miles of any
preexisting flying site without a frequency-management agreement. A frequency-management
agreement may be an allocation of frequencies for each site, a day-use
agreement between sites, or testing which determines
that no interference exists. A frequency-management agreement may exist
between two or more AMA chartered clubs, AMA clubs and individual
AMA members, or individual AMA members. Frequency-management
agreements, including an interference test report if the agreement indicates no interference exists, will be signed by all parties and copies provided to AMA Headquarters. 7. With the exception of events flown under official AMA 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 flightline. 8. 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. 9.
Radio-controlled night flying is limited to low-performance model
aircraft (less than 100 mph). The model aircraft must be equipped with a lighting system which clearly defines the aircraft's attitude and direction at all times. 10. 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. No model aircraft
shall be equipped with devices which allow it to be flown to a selected location which is beyond the visual range of the pilot. 1. I will not launch my model aircraft unless I am at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking. 2. I will
not fly my model aircraft unless the launch area is clear of all
individuals except my mechanic, officials, and other fliers. 3. I will use an effective device to extinguish any fuse on the model aircraft after the fuse has completed its function. 1. I will
subject my complete control system (including the safety thong where
applicable) to an inspection and pull test prior to flying. The pull
test will be in accordance with the current for the applicable model aircraft category. Model aircraft not fitting a specific category shall use those pull-test requirements as indicated for Control Line Precision Aerobatics. 2. I will
ensure that my flying area is clear of all utility wires or poles and I
will not fly a model aircraft closer than 50 feet to any above-ground electric utility lines. 3. I will
ensure that my flying area is clear of all nonessential participants
and spectators before permitting my engine to be started.
SPECIALIZED SUPPLEMENTAL SAFETY CODES, STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS RADIO CONTROL COMBAT (#525) GENERAL RADIO CONTROL RACING (#530) GIANT SCALE RADIO CONTROL RACING (#515-A) GAS TURBINE OPERATION (Note: Special waiver required) (#510-A) These special codes and appropriate documents may be obtained either from the AMAWeb site or by contacting AMA Headquarters.