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AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAfT SAfETy CODE
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 limita-
tions of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recre-
ation 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 projec-
tile 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 autho-
rized 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 compli-
ance 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 success-
fully 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 (RC)
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 ac-
cordance 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-Recom-
mended 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 Commis-
sion (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are
authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequen-
cies.
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 Interfer-
ence; #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.
please see your local or regional modeling association’s
guidelines for proper, safe operation of your model aircraft.
fAA INfORMATION fOR HORIZON MANUALS
Prior to flying, contact your local or regional modeling organiza-
tions 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.
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