Edition: Model Aviation - 2001/02
Page Numbers: 64

Membership Benefits - 2001/02

Insurance coverage is effective on the date of receipt at AMA Headquarters of a properly completed application and correct dues payment. Membership ends each year on December 31, regardless of the date a membership application is received.

If a magazine is included with the membership, it begins with the first issue available for the year after a correct current application and payment are received; it expires with the issue printed in December (which is dated February of the following year). Membership rates and insurance limits are those in effect at the time of printing. Actual cost of dues and amount of insurance coverage is subject to change. Any such changes will be noted at the time of membership processing so that they may be accepted or not.

2001 OFFICIAL AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE

Effective January 1, 2001 Changes are identified in bold. Model flying MUST be in accordance with this Code in order for AMA Liability Protection to apply.

GENERAL

  1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven to be airworthy by having been previously successfully flight tested.
  1. I will not fly my model higher than approximately 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer shall be utilized to supervise flying to avoid having models fly in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
  1. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the flying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my models in a careless, reckless, and/or dangerous manner.
  1. At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be established in front of which all flying takes place with the other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with flying the aircraft are allowed in front of the flight line. Flying over the spectator side of the line is prohibited, unless beyond the control of the pilot(s). In any case, the maximum permissible takeoff weight of the models with fuel is 55 pounds.
  1. At air shows or model flying demonstrations a single straight line must be established, one side of which is for flying, with the other side for spectators. Only those persons accredited by the contest director or other appropriate official as necessary for flight operations or as having duties or functions relating to the conduct of the show or demonstration are to be permitted on the flying side of the line. The only exceptions which may be permitted to the single straight line requirements, under special circumstances involving consideration of site conditions and model size, weight, speed, and power, must be jointly approved by the AMA President and the Executive Director.
  1. Under all circumstances, if my model weighs over 20 pounds, I will fly it in accordance with paragraph 5 of this section of the AMA Safety Code.
  1. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This does not apply to models while being flown indoors.
  1. I will not operate models with metal-bladed propellers or with gaseous boosts, in which gases other than air enter their internal combustion engine(s); nor will I operate models with extremely hazardous fuels such as those containing tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
  1. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind) including, but not limited to, rockets, explosive bombs dropped from models, smoke bombs, all explosive gases (such as hydrogen-filled balloons), or ground-mounted devices launching a projectile. The only exceptions permitted are rockets flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code or those permanently attached (as per JATO use); also those items authorized for Air Show Team use as defined by AMA. In any case, models using rocket motors are limited to a maximum weight of 3.3 pounds and a G series motor.
  1. I will not operate any turbojet engine (axial or centrifugal flow) unless I have obtained a special waiver for such specific operations from the AMA President and Executive Director and I will abide by any restriction(s) imposed for such operation by them. (Note: This does not apply to ducted fan models and gliders using piston engines or electric motors.)
  1. I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to or during any model operations, nor participate in any model operations while under the influence.

RADIO CONTROL

  1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
  1. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an experienced helper.
  1. I will perform my initial takeoff and landing from the pit or spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly over pit or spectator areas, unless beyond my control.
  1. I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission. Only properly licensed Amateurs are authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.
  1. I will not knowingly operate an RC system which causes interference with other RC systems. I will not operate within 3 miles of a pre-existing model club flying site without a frequency sharing agreement with that club.
  1. Models flown in R/C air combat are limited to a maximum total engine displacement of .36 cubic inches and a maximum dry weight prior to flying of 4 pounds. (Check current Competition Regulations for specifics.)

ORGANIZED RACING EVENT

An R/C racing event, whether or not an AMA Rule Book event, is one in which model aircraft compete in flight over a prescribed course with the objective of finishing the course faster to determine the winner.

  1. In every organized racing event where contestants, callers, and officials are on the course:
  • All officials, callers, and contestants must properly wear helmets which are OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL, or NOSEC approved or comparable standard while on the racecourse.
  • All official calls will be those of the course except for the starter and his/her assistant.
  • The course is defined to mean any area beyond the pilot/staging area where actual flying takes place.
  1. I will not fly my model aircraft in any organized racing event which does not comply with paragraph 1 above or which allows models over 20 pounds unless the competition event is AMA sanctioned.

FREE FLIGHT

  1. I will not launch my model aircraft unless at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking.
  1. I will not fly my model unless the launcher has a clear area of all persons except my mechanic and officials.
  1. I will employ the use of an adequate device in flight to extinguish any fuses on the model after it has completed its function.

CONTROL LINE

  1. I will subject my complete control system (including safety thongs, where applicable) to an inspection and pull test prior to flying. Pull tests will be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations for the applicable model category. Models not fitting a specific category must meet the full requirements for Control Line Precision Aerobatics.
  1. I will assure that my flying area is safely clear of all utility wires or poles.
  1. I will assure that my flying area is safely clear of non-essential participants and spectators before permitting my engine to be started.
  1. I will not fly any model closer than 50 feet to any electrical power line.

Separate code(s) available from AMA Headquarters for boats, cars, and rockets.

ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS 5161 East Memorial Drive Muncie, Indiana 47302-9252

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.