Ama national model aircraft safety code, Federal aviation administration – E-flite Carbon-Z Splendor BNF Basic User Manual

Page 14

AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code

Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines for proper, safe

operation of your model aircraft.

Effective January 1, 2011
A. GENERAL
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight
in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended
exclusively for sport, recreation and/or competition. All model flights must be
conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific
to the flying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be flown:

(a) In a careless or reckless manner.

(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.

2. Model aircraft pilots will:

(a) Yield the right of way to all man carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate.
(AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid Guidance.)
(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level within
three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying the airport operator.
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport
or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use agreement.
(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in
compliance with the AMA Large Model Aircraft program. (AMA
Document 520-A)
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address or AMA
number of the owner on the inside or affixed to the outside of the
model
aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors).
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts
except for helicopters operated under the provisions of AMA Document
#555.
(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while
using any drug which could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely
control the model.
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which explode
or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or drops any object
that creates a hazard to persons or property.

Exceptions:

• Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are

securely attached to the model aircraft during flight.

• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may

be used provided they remain attached to the model during flight.

Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National

Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from

model aircraft.

• Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to

use devices and practices as defined within the Team AMA

Program Document (AMA Document #718).

(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with the

AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A).

3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned events, air shows or

model demonstrations unless:

(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully

demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to the

specific event.

(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot.

4. 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.

B. RADIO CONTROL
1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels,

vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property

of others.

2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with

manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the first flight

of a new or repaired model aircraft.

3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which all

flying takes place (AMA Document #706-Recommended Field Layout):

(a) Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at

or in front of the safety line.

(b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must be

established.

(d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is prohibited.

4. RC model aircraft must use the 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.

5. RC model aircraft will not operate within three (3) miles of any pre-existing

flying site without a frequency-management agreement (AMA Documents

#922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Frequency Management

Agreement)
6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA Competition

Regulations, 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 flight line.

7. 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. This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.

8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear

view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.

9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:

(a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact

without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for

the pilot.

(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View (FPV) only

in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #550.

Prior to flying, contact your local or regional modeling organizations for
guidance and familiarize yourself with the current local rules and FAA
regulations governing model aviation in your location.

More information about model aviation can be found at www.modelaircraft.org.
The Federal Aviation Administration can be found online at www.faa.gov.

Federal Aviation Administration