The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is a national organization representing
modelers in the United States.
Please refer to the National Model Aircraft safety code from AMA Member Manual for
details: http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/memanual.pdf
Partially reprinted rules that are especially pertinent for Radio Controlled flight:
RADIO CONTROL
1. All pilots shall avoid flying models over unprotected people.
2. I will complete a successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations before the first flight of a new or repaired aircraft.
3. 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 air shows 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 (see AMA Document #706 for Recommended Field
Layout).
4. 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.
5. I will not knowingly operate my model aircraft within three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying
site without a frequency-management agreement. (See AMA Document #922 for Testing for
RF Interference. See AMA Document#923 for Frequency Management Agreement.)
6.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 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. Radio-controlled night flying requires a lighting system that provides the pilot with a clear
view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.
9.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. First-Person View (FPV) flying may only be conducted in accordance
with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #550.
These special codes and appropriate documents may be obtained either from the
AMA Web site at www.modelaircraft.org or by contacting AMA.
Academy of Model Aeronautics 5161 East Memorial Drive Muncie, IN 47302
Tel.: (765) 287-1256
Fax: (765) 289-4248
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
