EN
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.
(c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for spectators.
(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
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