Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/01
Page Numbers: 141

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.

REVISED – 2003 OFFICIAL AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE

Effective January 1, 2003

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. The maximum takeoff weight of a model with fuel is 55 pounds, except models flown under Experimental Aircraft rules, Document 549*.
  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 consume alcoholic beverages prior to, nor during, participation in any model operations.
  1. Children under 6 years old are only allowed on the flight line as a pilot or while under flight instruction.

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. 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 at or in the front of the flight line. Intentional flying behind the flight line is prohibited.
  1. I will operate my models 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. Flying sites separated by three miles or more are considered safe from site-to-site interference, even when both sites use the same frequencies. Any circumstances under three miles separation require a frequency management arrangement which may be either an allocation of specific frequencies for each site or testing to determine that freedom from interference exists. Allocation plans or interference test reports shall be signed by the parties involved and provided to AMA Headquarters. Documents of agreement and reports may exist between (1) two or more AMA Chartered Clubs, (2) AMA clubs and individual AMA members not associated with AMA Clubs, or (3) two or more individual AMA members, Document 551*.
  1. For Combat, distance between combat engagement line and spectator line will be 500 feet per cubic inch of engine displacement. (Example: .40 engine = 200 feet); electric motors will be based on equivalent combustion engine size. Additional safety requirements will be per the RC Combat section of the current Competition Regulations.
  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.
  1. With the exception of events flown under AMA Competition rules, after launch, except for pilots or helpers being used, no powered model may be flown closer than 25 feet to any person.
  1. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a powered model in flight.

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 with contestants, callers and officials 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.
  1. All officials will be off the course except for the starter and their assistant.
  1. "On the course" is defined to mean any area beyond the pit/staging area where actual flying takes place.

B. I will not fly my model aircraft in any organized racing event which does not comply with paragraph A above or which allows models over 20 pounds unless the competition event is AMA sanctioned.

C. Distance from the pylon to the nearest spectator (line) will be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations under the RC Pylon Racing section for the specific event pending two or three pylon course layout.

  1. R/C Night Flying is limited to low-performance models (less than 100 mph). The models must be equipped with a lighting system that clearly defines the aircraft's attitude at all times.

FREE FLIGHT

  1. I will not launch my model aircraft unless at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and automobile parking.
  1. I will assure that my flying area is safely clear of all utility wires or poles.
  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 test will be in accordance with the current Competition Regulations for applicable model category. Models not fitting a specific category as detailed shall use those pull test requirements for Control Line Precision Aerobatics.
  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.

GAS TURBINE

  1. I will not operate any turbine engine (axial or centrifugal flow) unless I have obtained a special waiver for such specific operations.
  1. I will fly my model in compliance with all requirements specified in AMA Safety Regulations for Model Aircraft Gas Turbines, Document Number 513*, at all times.

GIANT SCALE RACING

  1. I will fly my model in compliance with all requirements specified in AMA Required Safety Standards for Giant Scale Racing, Document Number 535*, at all times.

* Document numbers refer to the AMA website document number.

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.