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AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code EffectiveJanuary 1, 2001Model flying must be in accordance with this code in order forAMA Liability Protection to apply.General1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows,or model flying demonstrations until it has been proven airworthyby having been successfully flight tested previously.2. I will not fly my model higher than approximately 400 feetwithin 3 miles of an airport without notifying the airportoperator. I will give right-of-way and avoid flying in theproximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observershall be utilized to supervise flying to avoid having modelsfly in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for theflying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately flymy models in a careless, reckless, and/or dangerous manner.4. At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must beestablished, in front of which all flying takes place and theother side designated for spectators. Only personnelinvolved with flying the aircraft are allowed in front ofthe flight line. Flying over the spectator side of the line isprohibited, unless beyond the control of the pilot(s). In anycase, the maximum permissible takeoff weight of the modelswith fuel is 55 pounds.5. At air shows or model flying demonstrations, a singlestraight line must be established, one side of which is forflying and the other side designated for spectators. Onlythose persons accredited by the contest director or otherappropriate officials as necessary for flight operations orhaving duties or functions relating to the conduct of theshow or demonstration are to be permitted on the flyingside of the line. The only exceptions which may be permittedto the single straight line requirements, under specialcircumstances involving consideration of site conditionsand model size, weight, speed, and power, must be jointlyapproved by the AMA President and the Executive Director.6. Under all circumstances, if my model weights over 20pounds, I will fly it in accordance with paragraph 5 of thissection of the AMA Safety Code.7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my nameand address or AMA number on or in the model. (This doesnot apply to models while being flown indoors.)8. I will not operate models with metal-bladed propellers orwith gaseous boosts, in which gases other than air entertheir internal combustion engine(s); nor will I operate modelswith extremely hazardous fuels, such as those containingtetranitromethane or hydrazine.9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any devicethat explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind)including, but not limited to, rockets, explosive bombsdropped from models, smoke bombs, all explosive gases(such as hydrogen-filled balloons), or ground-mounteddevices launching a projectile. The only exceptions permittedare rockets flown in accordance with the National ModelRocketry Safety Code or those permanently attached (as perJATO use); also those items authorized for Air Show Teamuse as defined by AST Advisory Committee (documentavailable from AMA HQ). Models using rocket motors as aprimary means of propulsion are limited to a maximumweight of 3.3 pounds and a G series motor. (A model aircraftis defined as an aircraft with or without an engine, not ableto carry a human being.)10. I will not operate any turbo jet engine (axial or centrifugalflow) unless I have obtained a special waiver for suchspecific operations from the AMA President and ExecutiveDirector, and I will abide by any restriction(s) imposed forsuch operation by them. (This does not apply to ducted fanmodels using piston engines or electric motors.)11. I will not consume alcoholic beverages prior to nor duringparticipation in any model operations.Radio Control1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment groundrange check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.2. I will not fly my model aircraft near spectators until I becomea qualified flier, unless assisted by an experienced helper.3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pitor spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly over pit orspectator areas, unless beyond by control.4. I will operate my model using only radio control frequenciescurrently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.(Only properly licensed amateurs are authorized to operateequipment on Amateur Band frequencies.)5. I will not knowingly operate an R/C system within 3 milesof a pre-existing model club flying site without a frequencysharingagreement with that club.6. Models flown in air-to-air combat are limited to maximumtotal engine displacement of .30 cubic inches and a maximumdry weight prior to flying of 4 pounds.7. An RC racing event, whether or not an AMA Rule Bookevent, is one in which model aircraft compete in flight overa prescribed course with the objective of finishing thecourse faster to determine the winner.AMA National Model Aircraft Safety CodeOrganized RC Racing EventA. In every organized racing event in which contestants,callers,and officials are on the course:1. All officials, callers and contestants must properlywear helmets which are OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL, orNOCSAE approved or comparable standard while onthe race course.2. All officials must be off the course except for thestarter and his/her assistant.3. “On the course” is defined as any area beyond thepilot/staging area where actual flying takes place. B. Iwill not fly my model aircraft in any organized racingevent which does not comply with paragraph A aboveor which allowsmodels over 20 pounds unless thatcompetition event is AMA sanctioned.Note: Refer to AMA Headquarters for Free Flight,Control Line, boat, car, and rocket safety codes.Academy of Model Aeronautics5161 East Memorial DriveMuncie, Indiana 47302-925251