Ama national model aircraft safety code – Spektrum SPM7800 DX7S User Manual

Page 26

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SPEKTRUM DX7s • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL

EN

AMA NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE

Effective January 1, 2011

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 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 man carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used

when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid
Guidance.)

(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 Aircraft
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 which could adversely affect
the pilot’s ability to safely control the model.

(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices

which explode or burn, or any device which propels a pro-
jectile 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-Recommended Field
Layout):

(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 operate within three (3) miles of any

pre-existing flying site without a frequency-management agreement
(AMA Documents #922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Fre-
quency Management Agreement)

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 flight line.

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

aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from
striking an individual. This does not apply to model aircraft flown
indoors.

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.

9. The pilot of a 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.

Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines
for proper, safe operation of your model aircraft.

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