## Academy ofModelAeronautics National ModelAircraftSafety Code

Effective January 1, 2014 A. GENERAL: Amodel aircraft is anon-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations ofthis code and is intended exclusivelyfor sport, recreation, education and/orcompetition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specificto the flying site. 1. Model aircraft will not be flown: (a) In acareless or reckless manner. (b) At alocation 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 aspotter must be used when appropriate. (AMA Document#540-D.) (c) Notfly higherthan approximately 400 feet above grgund level within three (3) miles of an airportwithout notifying the airport operator. (d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport orseaplane base exceptwhere there is amixed use agreement. (e) Not exceed atakeoffweight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Airplane program. (AMA Document 520-A.) 

### (D Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address orAMA numberofthe owneron the inside oraffixed to the outside ofthe model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraftflown indoors.) (g) Not operate aircraftwith metal-blade propellers orwith gaseous boosts exceptfor helicopters operated underthe provisions ofAMA Document #555. (h) Not operate model aircraftwhile underthe influence of alcohol orwhile using any drug thatcould adversely affectthe pilot's abilityto safely control the model. (i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or bum, orany device which propels aprojectile ordrops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property. · Exceptions:

• Free Flight fuses ordevices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight.

• Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to aG-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.) U) Not operatee 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, airshows or model demonstrations unless: (a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated priorto the specific event. (b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot. 4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properlyworn 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 orstructures and shall avoid endangem1emt of life and property of others. 2. Asuccessful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations will be completed before the firstflight of anew or repaired model aircraft. 3. At all flying sites asafety line(s) must be established in front ofwhich all flying takes place. (AMA Document#706.) (a) Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front ofthe safety line. (b) At airshows ordemonstrations, astraight safety line must be established. (c) An area awayfrom 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 bythe Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.

, 5. RC model aircraftwill not knowingly operate within three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying site without afrequency-management agreement. (AMA Documents #922 and #923.) · · 6. With the exception of events flown underofficial AMA Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors closerthan 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot and the pilot's helper(s) located at the flightline. 7. Under no circumstances may apilot or other person touch an outdoor model aircraft in flightwhile itis still under power, except to divert itfrom striking an individual. 8. RC nightflying requires alighting system providing the pilot with aclearview ofthe model's attitude and orientation at all times. Hand-held illumination systems are inadequate for nightflying operations. 9. The pilot of an RC model aircraft shall: (a) Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement otherthan by corrective lenses prescribed forthe pilot. (b) Fly using the assistance of acamera or First-Person View (FPV) only in accordance with the procedures outlined inAMA Document#550. (c) Fly using the assistance of autopilot orstabilization system only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #560.
C. FREE FLIGHT

1. Must be at least 100feet downwind ofspectators and automobile parking when the model aircraft is launched. 2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except mechanics, officials, and otherfliers. 3. An effective device will be used to extinguish anyfuse on the model aircraft afterthe fuse has completed its function.
D CONTROL LINE

1. The complete control system (including the safetythong where applicable) must have an inspection and pull test priorto flying. 2. The pull testwill be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations for the applicable model aircraftcategory. 3. Model aircraft notfitting aspecific category shall use those pull-test requirements as indicated for Control Line Precision Aerobatics. 4. The flying area must be clear ofall utilitywires or poles and amodel aircraft will not be flown closerthan 50 feetto any above-ground electric utility lines. 5. The flying area must be clear of all nonessential participants and spectators before the engine is started.