Edition: Model Aviation - 2001/03
Page Numbers: 142

Membership Benefits

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. Applications received after October 1 will be valid for the remainder of that year and all of the following year.

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 time of printing. Actual cost of dues and amount of insurance coverage are 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 the AST Advisory Committee (document available from AMA HQ). In any case, models using rocket motors as a primary means of propulsion are limited to a maximum weight of 3.3 pounds and a G series motor. Note: A model aircraft is defined as an aircraft, with or without engine, not able to carry a human being.
  1. I will not operate any turbojet or turbine (or air or centrifugal flow) engine(s) 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 using piston engines or electric motors.)
  1. I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to, during, or while participating in any model operations.

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 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 turn after takeoff away 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 R/C system within 3 miles of a pre-existing model club flying site without a frequency sharing agreement with that club.
  1. Models flown in air-to-air combat are limited to a maximum total engine displacement of .30 cu. in. and a maximum weight prior to flying of 4 lbs.

ORGANIZED RC RACING EVENT

  1. An RC 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.
  • A. In every organized racing event in which contestants, callers, and officials are on the course:
  1. All officials, callers, and contestants must properly wear helmets which are OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL, or NOCSAE approved or comparable standard while on the race course.
  2. All officials will be off the course except for the starter and his/her assistant.
  3. "On the course" is defined to mean any area beyond the pilot/staging area where actual flying takes place.
  • B. In any organized racing event in which contestants, callers, and officials are not on the course, the AMA President and Executive Director shall determine whether AMA-sanctioned safety rules used conform with paragraph A above or which allow models over 20 pounds unless such competition 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 launch area is clear 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 thong, where applicable) to an inspection and pull test prior to flying. Pull test will be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations for the applicable model category. Models not fitting a specific category, as detailed, shall also use those pull test 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 all non-essential participants and spectators before permitting my engine to be started.
  1. I will not fly a 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.