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AMA Document # 560

Academy of Model Aeronautics

AMA Advanced Flight Systems Committee

amaflightsystems@gmail.com

Radio Controlled Model Aircraft Operation

Utilizing Failsafe, Stabilization and Autopilot Systems

1. DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Please refer to Page 3, section 7 which contains an alphabetical listing of the definitions of the 

terms in italics that are used in this document.

2. GENERAL:

All model aircraft flights utilizing stabilization and autopilot control systems must be conducted 

in accordance with AMA’s current National Model Aircraft Safety Code and any additional rules 

specific to a flying site/location.

3. OPERATIONS – REQUIREMENTS – LIMITATIONS:

a) AMA members flying radio controlled model aircraft equipped with flight stabilization and

autopilot systems must maintain VLOS with the aircraft at all times including programmed 

autopilot waypoint flight.

b) AMA Pilots must be able to instantaneously deactivate programmed flight of autopilot

systems at any time during flight and resume manual control of the model aircraft.

c) AMA Pilots must perform an R/C Test Flight of a model aircraft before activating a newly

installed autopilot or stabilization system and/or after any repairs or replacement of model 

aircraft essential flight systems.

d) Model aircraft exceeding 15lbs and/or 70mph may only use an autopilot for a programmed

“return to launch” (RTL) flight and not for programmed waypoint flying of a predetermined 

course.

e) STABILIZATION & AUTOPILOT SYSTEMS MAY BE USED FOR/TO:

• Stabilization/automatically stabilize aircraft to level flight when control sticks are centered.

• Recovery/activate TRX switch to recover an out of control aircraft to level flight.

• Heading/activate TRX switch to hold a model aircraft’s heading for precision flight path.

• Altitude/activate TRX switch to maintain fixed aircraft altitude while allowing directional control.

• Return GPS/activate TRX switch to return aircraft via GPS to launch point.

• Return FSS/failsafe activated from radio signal loss to return aircraft via GPS to launch point.

• Fixed circle/activate TRX switch to circle aircraft at point of activation at fixed altitude.

• Waypoint/activate TRX switch to initiate an autopilot programmed flight path via waypoints.

• Fencing/autopilot programed to display site unique boundaries on video monitor/goggles.
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4. RANGE – ALTITUDE – WEIGHT – SPEED:

a) One of the requirements in Federal Law (Public Law 112-95 Sec 336 (c) (2) February 14,

2012) for model aircraft to be excluded from FAA regulations is that model aircraft be 

flown within VLOS of the operator.

b) Model aircraft must be flown at or below 400 feet AGL when within 3 miles of an airport as

stated in the AMA Safety Code.

c) Model aircraft utilizing an autopilot for waypoint flying are limited to a maximum weight

(including fuel, batteries, and onboard autopilot systems) of 15lbs and a speed of

70mph.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS & INFORMATION:

a) If your radio system lacks failsafe capability, consider using programmable digital servos or

auxiliary failsafe modules. In the event of a radio signal failure these components will 

activate desired safe servo settings or an autopilot for return to base/launch (RTL).

b) When using an autopilot system the “return to launch” (RTL) feature should be

programmed to return the aircraft to a safe location and safely terminate the flight should 

manual control of the aircraft be lost. When using RTL, pay particular attention to the 

manufacturer’s throttle recommendations to prevent stalling.

c) The use of stabilization systems is recommended when flying FPV to improve flight

stability and video quality.

d) Pilots usually choose to incorporate stabilization and autopilot systems for model aircraft

flying to enhance flight performance, correct bad tendencies of the model aircraft, 

maintain stability in windy weather, establish precision heading holds for 

takeoffs/landings, flight training for novice pilots, create a steady flight platform for 

cameras, and generally just to make an airplane easier and safer to fly.

e) When purchasing stabilization and autopilot systems, always try to select quality equipment

from reputable dealers, ensure for compatibility with other onboard systems, and install 

components according to manufacturers’ instructions.

6. PRIVACY PROTECTION SAFEGUARDS:

The use of imaging technology for aerial surveillance with radio control model aircraft 

having the capability of obtaining high-resolution photographs and/or video, or using any 

types of sensors, for the collection, retention, or dissemination of surveillance data or 

information on individuals, homes, businesses, or property at locations where there is

a reasonable expectation of privacy is strictly prohibited by the AMA unless written 

expressed permission is obtained from the individual property owners or managers.
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7. DEFINITIONS OF TERMS:

AMA Pilot is an AMA member who is capable of manually operating an R/C transmitter to 

control a model aircraft’s flight path within its safe intended flight envelope without losing 

control or having a collision.

Autopilot Systems incorporate programmable flight stabilization with an altitude sensor and 

a GPS receiver for accurate positioning and to navigate/control a radio controlled model

aircraft’s flight path. Advanced systems offer software for entering navigable waypoints. The

flight data waypoints may be saved to autopilot’s/GPS memory for programmed flight.

Essential Flight Systems are any systems or components necessary to maintain 

stable flight within a model aircraft’s flight envelope. (This includes primary R/C systems 

and any stabilization or gyros required to maintain stability and heading in certain

types of model aircraft that would be uncontrollable/unstable without their use).

Failsafe Systems are designed to minimize or prevent damage and safely terminate a

flight when a radio controlled model aircraft loses radio signal. Modern radio systems can 

be programmed to position servos to a desired control setting in the event of radio signal 

failure.

First Person View (FPV) refers to the operation of a radio controlled (R/C) model aircraft 

using an onboard camera’s cockpit view to orient and control the aircraft. (AMA Document 

#550).

Flight Envelope is defined as the range of airspeeds, attitudes and flight maneuvers which 

a model aircraft can safely perform/operate for its intended use.

Non-Essential Flight Systems are any systems or components that are not necessary to 

maintain stable flight within the model aircraft’s intended flight envelope. (This includes

autopilot or stabilization systems that can be activated and deactivated in flight by the pilot 

without affecting manually controlled stable flight).

R/C Test Flight requires an AMA Pilot to manually operate an R/C transmitter to control 

a model aircraft’s flight path and determine if the aircraft is capable of maintaining stable 

flight within its safe intended flight envelope.

Stabilization Systems are designed to maintain intended model aircraft flight attitudes. 

The pilot can install, program and/or activate a system to stabilize yaw, pitch, or roll or any 

one attitude or combination of attitudes. Systems are often based on rate/heading hold 

gyros or inertial motion sensors utilizing multi-axis gyros and accelerometers for

attitude stabilization.

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) is the distance at which the pilot is able to maintain visual

contact with the aircraft and determine its orientation and attitude without enhancements 

other than corrective lenses.