13
SAFETY GUIDE
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has established an Offi cial Safety
Code. Model fl ying
MUST
be in accordance with this Code in order for AMA Liability
Protection to apply. All questions relating to the AMA Safety Code, liability insurance
program, and other offi cial AMA information can be attained from the AMA:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, Indiana 47302
(765) 287-1256 – Business
(765) 289-4248 – Fax
(800) 435-9262 – Membership Services
http://www.modelaircraft.org
http://www.modelaircraft.org/fi les/Memanual.PDF
The AMA’s Offi cial 2009 Safety Code includes the following regarding the use of
model aircraft:
2009 OFFICIAL ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS NATIONAL MODEL
AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE
Effective January 1, 2006
GENERAL
1. A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-carrying device capable of
sustained flight in the atmosphere. It shall not exceed limitations established
in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for recreational or
competition activity.
2. The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds,
except for those fl own under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
3. I will abide by this Safety Code and all rules established for the fl ying site I use.
I will not willfully fl y my model aircraft in a reckless and/or dangerous manner.
4. I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model
demonstrations until it has been proven airworthy.
5. I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet above ground
level, when within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will yield the right-of-way and avoid fl ying in the proximity of full-scale
aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate.
6. I will not fl y my model aircraft unless it is identifi ed with my name and address, or
AMA number, inside or affi xed to the outside of the model aircraft. This does not
apply to model aircraft fl own indoors.
7. I will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous
boosts (other than air), nor will I operate model aircraft with fuels containing
tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
