ATTACHMENT 1

Level I – RECREATION - UAS FLIGHT SAFETY TRAINING

Currently, small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) may be operated for hobby and 

recreational purposes under specific safety guidelines as established by Congress. 

Small UAS flown for recreational purposes are typically known as model aircraft.

Under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, recreational UAS must be operated in 

accordance with several requirements, including a community-based set of safety 

guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based 

organization such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Operators not 

operating within the safety program of a community-based organization should 

follow the FAA’s guidance here.

What is recreational use of sUAS?

The recreational use of sUAS is the operation of an unmanned aircraft for personal 

interests and enjoyment. For example, using a sUAS to take photographs for your 

own personal use would be considered recreational; using the same device to take 

photographs or videos for compensation or sale to another individual would be 

considered a commercial operation. You should check with the FAA for further 

determination as to what constitutes commercial or other non-hobby, nonrecreational sUAS operations.

What are the safety guidelines for sUAS recreational users?

 Follow community-based safety guidelines, as developed by organizations 

such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).

 Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles 

when possible.

 Keep your sUAS in eyesight at all times, and use an observer to assist if 

needed.
 Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, 

and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.

 Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and 

remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.

 Contact the airport or control tower before flying within five miles of an 

airport.

 Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced 

visibility.

 Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

 Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent 

and proficient in the operation of the sUAS.

 Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property such as power 

stations, water treatment facilities, correctional facilities, heavily traveled 

roadways, government facilities, etc.

 Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private 

property.

 Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is 

an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission (see AMA’s 

privacy policy).

Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code

Effective January 1, 2014

A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of 

sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is

intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education 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 human-carrying aircraft.

(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used when appropriate. (AMA 

Document #540-D.)

(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 Airplane 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 that could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model.

(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or 

any device which propels a projectile 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 authorized 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 compliance 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 successfully 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 accordance 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.)

(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 Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by 

the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.

5. RC model aircraft will not knowingly operate within three (3) miles of any preexisting flying site without a frequency-management agreement. (AMA

Documents #922 and #923.)

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 flightline.

7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch an outdoor model 

aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an

individual.

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. Hand-held illumination systems are 

inadequate for night flying operations.

9. The pilot of an 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.

(c) Fly using the assistance of autopilot or stabilization system only in accordance 

with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #560.
C. FREE FLIGHT

1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking when 

the model aircraft is launched.

2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except mechanics, officials, and other 

fliers.

3. An effective device will be used to extinguish any fuse on the model aircraft after 

the fuse has completed its function.

D. CONTROL LINE

1. The complete control system (including the safety thong where applicable) must 

have an inspection and pull test prior to flying.

2. The pull test will be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations for 

the applicable model aircraft category.

3. Model aircraft not fitting a specific category shall use those pull-test requirements 

as indicated for Control Line Precision Aerobatics.

4. The flying area must be clear of all utility wires or poles and a model aircraft will 

not be flown closer than 50 feet to any above-ground electric utility lines.

5. The flying area must be clear of all nonessential participants and spectators 

before the engine is started.
Level II – COMMERCIAL - UAS FLIGHT SAFETY TRAINING

Following safety training standards and guidelines as established by the Unmanned 

Safety Institute, The Rescue Training Inc Level II UAS Operator training consists 

of the following topics.

This workshop focuses on eight specific flight safety modules.

Area one: Unmanned Aircraft Systems

1. Small unmanned aircraft system loading and performance

2. Basic unmanned aircraft systems

3. Dealing with common UAS Emergencies

Area two: Operations Planning

1. Field site survey and preparation

2. Safety zones and sterile area concept

3. Energy planning

Area three: Weather

1. Official sources of weather and effects of weather on performance

2. Field weather measurements

Area four: Airspace

1. Rules and Regulations

2. Airspace classification, control authority, and operating requirements

3. Procedures for safely operating near airports

Area five: Crew Resource Management

1. Human factors and Crew resource management

2. Physiological effects of drugs and alcohol

3. Six core Crew Resource Management concepts

4. The crew concept

Area six: Hazard Identification and Mitigation

1. Four hazard domains

2. Risk mitigation strategies

Area seven: Aeronautical Decision Making

1. Decision processes

2. Limitations and external pressures

Area eight: Safety Management Systems

1. Safety Procedures and Policy

2. Assessing risks

3. Safety Assurance practices

4. Safety promotion
Level III – ADVANCED - UAS FLIGHT SAFETY TRAINING

Following safety training standards and guidelines as established by the Unmanned 

Safety Institute, The Rescue Training Inc Level III Advanced UAS Operator

training consists of the following topics.

Upon completion of the Small UAS Safety Workshop, the candidate must participate 

in Unmanned Aircraft (“UA”) specific training and demonstrate proficiency in UAS 

type. 

Area 1: Syllabus and Instruction Administration

1. Clearly defined objectives for each block of training

2. Training plan defining the number and sequence of events

3. Each training event has a completion standard and has identified items that must

be covered in order to be considered complete

4. Training may include a combination of CBT, classroom, simulation, and live fly

however, the program must include the greater of 5 hours or 10 flight training

cycles

5. The training plan has standardized grade sheets for each block of training and is

“signed off” by both the trainee and the instructor

6. The training record is kept for one year after training (digital versions okay)

7. The training operator has an instructor upgrade and qualification program

8. All trainees are required to pass a standardized practical and written test

administered by an impartial party (check airman, chief of training, evaluator, etc.)

9. Trainees participate in operations as part of a team conducting full scale

operations, not just part tasks as individual crew positions

10. Safety program and records of data

Area 2: Vehicle Specification

1. Is capable of waypoint navigation

2. Has stabilization and stability augmented by automation

3. Has a human machine interface other than just a controller

Area 3: Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle Specific Module

1. Systems components and functions

2. Flight controls, aerodynamics and modes of control

3. Telemetry and displays

4. Payloads and use

5. Data link equipment, operational bands, and limitations

6. Mission/operation planning software

7. Performance and limitations

8. UAS flight manual and documents review
Area 4: Pre-flight Procedures Module

1. Certificates, logs and documents

2. Preflight inspection

3. Control station and antenna equipment setup (if applicable)

4. Launch and recovery equipment, operational use, service limits, setup and

teardown

5. Engine/motor starting

6. Before takeoff check

7. Radio/communications with ATC or CTAF

Area 5: Launch and Recovery Procedures Module

1. Normal and crosswind launch and recovery

2. Normal and crosswind approach

3. Confined area operations (if applicable to UAS)

4. Go-around

5. Controlling rate of descent (if applicable to UAS)

Area 6: Hover/Orbit Maneuvers Module

1. GPS fixed position hold

2. Hover

3. Station keeping to maintain a fixed orbit around a point

Area 7: Operational Maneuvers Module

1. Departure climb outs

2. Level off/routine checks

3. Establishing and maintaining alt.

4. Straight and level flight

5. Airspeed change, straight-and-level

6. Clearing turns with aircraft or payload (if applicable)

7. Climbs

8. Systems monitoring during turns

9. Inflight change of waypoints or flight path

10. Descends or arrival profiles

11. Edge of visual range operations

12. In-flight checks of the system

13. Proper checklist usage (if applicable)

Area 8: Navigation Module

1. Use of local area map for orientation

2. Map reading (aeronautical charts)

3. Correlation of aircraft position with map

4. Maneuvering within assigned airspace

5. Using visual landmarks in flight

6. Waypoint placement and selection(if applicable)

7. Switching autopilot modes of control (if applicable)

8. Data link management
9. Use of fail safes or “geo fences” to limit UAS operations (if applicable)

10. Calculation of actual fuel/energy consumption

11. In-flight navigation or flight path planning

12. Calculation/compensation for in flight winds

13. Calculation of estimated time of arrival (eta)

Area 9: Airmanship Module

1. GCS and flight line safety procedures

2. Flight line and air discipline

3. Airmanship, judgment, & decision making and situation awareness

Area 10: Abnormal and Emergency Module

1. Loss of data link

2. Systems and equipment malfunction

3. Aircraft runaway

4. Flight termination

5. Uncontrolled flight into an obstacle

6. Airspace violation

7. Stalls or abnormal flight recovery procedures

Area 11: Crew Interaction Module

1. Collision awareness using a visual observer

2. Crew communication and coordination

3. Briefing and debriefing

4. Recovering from loss of situation awareness

5. Identifying lapses in flight safety

Area 13: Post-Flight Module

1. After landing checks

2. Post landing procedures

3. Engine shutdown checks

4. Equipment tear down (if applicable)

5. Servicing or minor repairs to the systems

6. Completion of flight time logs

7. Completion of maintenance logs

8. Safety procedures for securing UAS components

This course of study and practice comprise the advanced flight safety training 

established by the Unmanned Safety Institute and is widely recognized by the 

world’s leading aviation insurance underwriting organizations and brokers. This 

training, in conjunction with the additional requirements for UAS PIC noted above, 

will ensure the operator conducts flight safety practices of the highest standards as 

certified and endorsed by the Unmanned Safety Institute.