User Manual
EN
16
AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2014
A. GENERAL
A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained fl ight 
in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended 
exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All model fl ights 
must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional 
rules specifi c to the fl ying site.
1.  Model aircraft will not be fl own:
  (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.)
(c) Not fl y 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 traffi c 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 identifi ed with the name and address or AMA   
  number of the owner on the inside or affi xed to the outside of the   
  model aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft fl own 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 infl uence 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 projectile 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 fl ight.
    • Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a G-series size may 
      be used provided they remain attached to the model during fl ight. 
      Model rockets may be fl own in accordance with the National   
      Model Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from 
  model aircraft.
    • Offi cially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to
      use devices and practices as defi ned 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 fl own 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 
 specifi c 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
1.  All pilots shall avoid fl ying 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 fi rst fl ight 
  of a new or repaired model aircraft.
3.  At all fl ying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which all 
  fl ying takes place (AMA Document #706.)
  (a) Only personnel associated with fl ying 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 fl ying 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 
  fl ying site without a frequency-management agreement (AMA Documents 
  #922 and #923.)
6.  With the exception of events fl own under offi cial AMA Competition 
  Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may be  
  fl own outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilot 
  and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the fl ight line.
7.  Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft 
  in fl ight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an  
 individual. 
8.  RC night fl ying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear 
  view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times. Hand-held illumi- 
  nation systems are inadequate for night fl ying operations.
9.  The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:
  (a) Maintain control during the entire fl ight, 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.
  (C) Fly using the assistance of autopilot or stabilization system only in 
    accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #560.
Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines for proper, safe 
operation of your model aircraft.










