Frequently Asked Questions
This is our Forum for all those little things that don't fall neatly under the other headings here. You can use our Contact US page to ask your questions, and we'll print the answers here.
Q: What do I need
to learn to fly Radio Control Airplanes?
A: Excellent question. And there is a lot to the answer.
First you should find a club like the PF Flyers so you can have
access to the knowledge and experience of those who have already
learned to fly. More than just that, though, a good club has
instructors, buddy boxes, even flight simulators that can save you
hundreds and hundreds if not thousands of dollars by helping you to
bypass the costly "learning curve" many modelers experience.
The club can take you through it step by step and you can become an
accomplished pilot. By doing it this way, you'll have a Hobby
For LIFE! Before long you just may be teaching others to fly!
Q: [FAQ Question]
A: [FAQ Answer]
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2008 Official
National Model Aircraft Safety
Code
Effective January 1, 2006
GENERAL
1.
A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-carrying device
capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It shall not exceed
limitations established in this code and is intended to be used
exclusively for recreational or competition activity.
2. The
maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55
pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft
Rules.
3. I
will abide by this Safety Code and all rules established for the
flying site I use. I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a
reckless and/or dangerous manner.
4. I
will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or
model demonstrations until it has been proven airworthy.
5. I
will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet
above ground level, when within three (3) miles of an airport
without notifying the airport operator. I will yield the
right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale
aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate.
6. I
will not fly my model aircraft unless it is identified with my name
and address, or AMA number, inside or affixed to the outside of the
model aircraft. This does not apply to model aircraft flown indoors.
7. I
will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with
gaseous boosts (other than air), nor will I operate model aircraft
with fuels containing tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
8. I
will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which
explode burn, or propel a projectile of any kind. Exceptions include
Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are
securely attached to the model aircraft during flight. Rocket motors
up to a G-series size may be used, provided they remain firmly
attached to the model aircraft during flight. Model rockets may be
flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code;
however, they may not be launched from model aircraft. Officially
designated AMAAir Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and
practices as defined within the Air Show Advisory Committee
Document.
9. I
will not operate my model aircraft while under the influence of
alcohol or within eight (8) hours of having consumed alcohol.
10. I
will not operate my model aircraft while using any drug which could
adversely affect my ability to safely control my model aircraft.
11.
Children under six (6) years old are only allowed on a flightline or
in a flight area as a pilot or while under flight instruction.
12.
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.
RADIO CONTROL
2. I
will have completed a successful radio equipment ground-range check
before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.
3. I
will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I
become a proficient flier, unless I am assisted by an experienced
pilot.
4. At
all flying sites a line must be established, in front of which all
flying takes place. Only personnel associated with flying the model
aircraft are allowed at or in front of the line. In the case of
airshows demonstrations straight line must be established. An area
away from the line must be maintained for spectators. Intentional
flying behind the line is prohibited.
5. I
will operate my model aircraft using only 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.
6. I
will not knowingly operate my model aircraft within three (3) miles
of any preexisting flying site without a frequency-management
agreement. A frequencymanagement agreement may be an allocation of
frequencies for each site, a day-use agreement between sites, or
testing which determines that no interference exists. A
frequency-management agreement may exist between two or more AMA
chartered clubs, AMA clubs and individual AMA members, or individual
AMA members. Frequency-management agreements, including an
interference test report if the agreement indicates no interference
exists, will be signed by all parties and copies provided to AMA
Headquarters.
7.
With the exception of events flown under official AMA rules, no
powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any
individual, except for the pilot and located at the flightline.
8.
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.
9.
Radio-controlled night flying is limited to low-performance model
aircraft (less than 100 mph). The model aircraft must be equipped
with a lighting system which clearly defines the aircraft's attitude
and direction at all times.
10.
The operator of a radio-controlled model aircraft shall control it
during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without
enhancement other than by corrective lenses that are prescribed for
the pilot. No model aircraft shall be equipped with devices which
allow it to be flown to a selected location which is beyond the
visual range of the pilot.
FREE FLIGHT
1. I
will not launch my model aircraft unless I am at least 100 feet
downwind of spectators and automobile parking.
2. I
will not fly my model aircraft unless the launch area is clear of
all individuals except my mechanic, officials, and other fliers.
3. I
will use an effective device to extinguish any fuse on the model
aircraft after the fuse has completed its function.
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CONTROL LINE
1. I
will subject my complete control system (including the safety thong
where applicable) to an inspection and pull test prior to flying.
The pull test will be in
accordance with the current for the applicable model aircraft
category. Model aircraft not fitting a specific category shall use
those pulltest requirements as indicated for Control Line Precision
Aerobatics.
2. I
will ensure that my flying area is clear of all utility wires or
poles and I will not fly a model aircraft closer than 50 feet to any
above-ground electric utility lines.
3. I
will ensure that my flying area is clear of all nonessential
participants and spectators before permitting my engine to be
started.
Competition Regulations
SPECIALIZED SUPPLEMENTAL SAFETY CODES,
RADIO
CONTROL COMBAT (#525)
GENERAL RADIO CONTROL RACING (#530)
GIANT
SCALE RADIO CONTROL RACING (#515-A)
GAS
TURBINE OPERATION (Note: Special waiver required) (#510-A)
These
special codes and appropriate documents may be obtained either from
the AMA Website or by contacting AMA Headquarters.
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PARK FLYER SAFE OPERATING RECOMMENDATIONS
-
Inspect your model before every flight to make certain it is
airworthy.
- Be
aware of any other radio frequency user who may present an
interference problem.
-
Always be courteous and respectful of other users of your selected
flight area.
-
Choose an area clear of obstacles and large enough to safely
accommodate your flying activity.
- Make
certain this area is clear of friends and spectators prior to
launching your aircraft.
- Be
aware of other activities in the vicinity of your flight path that
could cause potential conflict.
-
Carefully plan your flight path prior to launch.
-
Abide by any and all established AMA National Model Aircraft Safety
Code.