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AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT
SAFETY CODE
Effective January 1, 2012
A. GENERAL:
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained
fl ight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is
intended exclusively for sport, recreation and/or competition. All model
fl ights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any
additional rules specifi c to the fl ying site.
1. Model aircraft will not be fl own:
(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 fl y 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 traffi c 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 identifi ed with the name and address or AMA
number of the owner on the inside or affi xed to the outside of the model
aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft fl own 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 infl uence 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 fl ight.
• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may be
used provided they remain attached to the model during fl ight. Model
rockets may be fl own in accordance with the National Model Rocketry
Safety Code but may not be launched from model aircraft.
• Offi cially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to
use devices and practices as defi ned 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 fl own 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 specifi c
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 (RC)
1. All pilots shall avoid fl ying 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 fi rst fl ight
of a new or repaired model aircraft.
3. At all fl ying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which
all fl ying takes place (AMA Document #706-Recommended Field Layout):
(a) Only personnel associated with fl ying 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 fl ying 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 fl ying site without a frequency-management agreement.
(AMA Documents #922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Frequency
Management Agreement)
6. With the exception of events fl own under offi cial AMA Competition
Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be
fl own outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot
and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the fl ight line.
7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model
aircraft in fl ight while it is still under power, except to divert it from
striking an individual. This does not apply to model aircraft fl own indoors.
8. RC night fl ying 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 fl ight, 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.
Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines for
proper, safe operation of your model aircraft.
FAA INFORMATION
Prior to fl ying, 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.
