2008 Official
National
Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective
GENERAL
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.
RADIO CONTROL
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 frequencymanagement
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 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 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.
PARK FLYER SAFE
OPERATING RECOMMENDATIONS
- Inspect your model
before every flight to make certain it is airworthy.
- Be aware of any
other radio frequency user who may present an interference problem.
- Always be courteous
and respectful of other users of your selected flight area.
- Choose an area clear
of obstacles and large enough to safely accommodate your flying activity.
- Make certain this
area is clear of friends and spectators prior to launching your aircraft.
- Be aware of other
activities in the vicinity of your flight path that could cause potential
conflict.
- Carefully plan your
flight path prior to launch.
- Abide by all
established
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