Great Planes Edge 540 1.60-43cc Performance Series ARF - GPMA1414 - Manual (Page 48)

48
IMAA SAFETy CODE (
excerpts
)
Since the Edge 540 1.60 ARF qualifies as a “giant scale”
model and is therefore eligible to fly in IMAA events,
we’ve printed excerpts from the IMAA Safety Code.
what is giant-Scale? The concept of large or giant-
scale is generally considered to apply to radio controlled
model aircraft with minimum wingspans of 80 inches for
monoplanes and 60 inches for multi-wing aircraft. Quarter-
scale or larger replicas of person-carrying aircraft with proper
documentation (minimum 3-view drawing) which do not fit
the size requirements will also be permitted.
Section 1.0: Safety Standard
1.1) Adherence to Code: The purpose of this Safety Code is
to provide a structure whereby all participants, including
spectators, will be aware of the inherent dangers in the
operation of radio controlled aircraft. This code is meant
to serve as a minimum guideline to all participants. It
is understood that the ultimate responsibility for the
safety of any aircraft lies with the owner(s), pilot(s) and
spectator(s) involved in any event. It is the responsibility
of all participants to exercise caution when operating, or
observing the operation of all radio controlled aircraft.
The pilot/owner of an aircraft will not be dissuaded from
taking whatever steps they deem necessary, in addition
to this code, to insure that their aircraft is safe.
1.2) The most current AMA Safety Code in effect is to
be observed.
Section 3.0: Safety Review
3.4) Flight Testing: All aircraft are to have been flight tested and
flight trimmed with a minimum of six (6) flights before the
model is allowed to fly at an IMAA Sanctioned event.
3.5) Proof of Flight: The completing and signing of the
Declaration section of the Safety Review form (see
Section 3.2) by the pilot (or owner) shall document, as
fact, that the noted aircraft has been successfully flight
tested and proven airworthy prior to the IMAA event.
Section 4.0: Spotter/helper
4.1) Spotter/Helper Definition: An assistant to aid the pilot
during start-up, and taxing onto the runway. The spotter/
helper will assist the pilot in completing a safe flight.
4.2) Each pilot is required to have a spotter/helper at all IMAA
sanctioned events. The event Safety Committee should
be prepared to assist those pilots who do not have a
spotter/helper to make sure that every registered pilot
has the opportunity to fly at a sanctioned event.
Section 5.0: Emergency Engine
Shut Off (kill Switch
5.1) 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
spotter/helper. This switch is to be operated manually
and without the use of the Radio System.
5.2) Engines with battery powered ignition systems must
have a switch to turn off the power from the battery pack
to disable the engine from firing. This will also prevent
accidental starting of the engine. This switch shall be
readily available to both pilot and spotter/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 completely
close the carburetor throat 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 certified.
6.2) FCC Technician or higher-class license required for 6
meter band operation only.
The following recommendations are included in the
Safety Code not to police such items, but rather to offer
basic suggestions for enhanced safety. It is expected that
IMAA members will avail themselves of technological
advances as such become available, to promote the
safety of all aircraft and participants.
• 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 ounces of torque. For flight
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 stabilizer half is strongly
recommended. Use of dual servos is also recommended
on larger aircraft.
• On board batteries should be, at a minimum, 1000 mAh up
to 20 lbs., 1200 mAh to 30 lbs., 1800 mAh to 40 lbs., and
2000 mAh over 40 lbs. flying weight. The number and size
of 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
flying time before recharging.