18
AMA SAFETY CODE (
EXCERPTS
)
Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy
of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety
Code refer to
Model Aviation
magazine, the AMA web site or
the Code that came with your AMA license.
General
1) I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model fl ying demonstrations until it has been
proven to be airworthy by having been previously,
successfully fl ight tested.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid fl ying
in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary,
an observer shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid
having models fl y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fl y my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note:
This does not apply to models while being fl own indoors.
7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
Radio Control
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualifi ed fl ier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.
3) At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place with the
other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with
fl ying the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the fl ight
line. Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
5)
I will not knowingly operate my model within three miles
of any pre-existing fl ying site except in accordance with
the frequency sharing agreement listed
[in the complete
AMA Safety Code].
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch
a powered model in fl ight;
nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch
the ground, except while landing
.
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before
the model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided
to make sure these important areas are not overlooked.
Many are covered in the instruction manual, so where
appropriate, refer to the manual for complete instructions.
Be sure to check the items off as they are completed.
❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided
in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffi ng them into place
with foam rubber is not suffi cient.
❏
3. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
4. Balance your model
laterally
as explained in the instructions.
❏
5. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the set screws.
❏
6. Make sure all hinges are
securely
glued in place.
❏
7. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
❏
8. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
9. Secure the connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions with tape, heat shrink
tubing, or special clips suitable for that purpose.
❏
10. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
11. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
12. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
13. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
14. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
15. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
❏
16. Check for water and empty out before fl ight.
❏
17. Make sure all screws and set screws are tight.
