Transcript
Remote Control Flight Leadership Initiative’s National Flying Hobby Safety Code Flying remote control model aircraft can be extremely dangerous to both the pilot and bystanders. Pilots must consider the safety of themselves and others at all times. Safety begins with the proper care and maintenance of the aircraft, all on-board electronics and the transmitter. Never fly a damaged, worn or questionable model. A careful evaluation of a flying site must also be undertaken each time it’s visited. Are there bystanders who could be injured? Are there obstructions or power lines that pose a hazard? Could a crash damage property or start a fire? Safety is paramount to the model aircraft hobby and it must be the first and foremost consideration for all aircraft hobbyists. When in doubt, don’t fly! A. GENERAL: Model Aircraft Defined.-The term ``model aircraft'' means an unmanned aircraft that is--
(1) capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. (2) flown within visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft; and (3) flown for hobby or recreational purposes intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with a national safety code and any additional rules specific to the flying site. 1. Model aircraft flown at Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) chartered flying sites or other community organized sites must comply with the “Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model Aircraft Safety Code” and any local regulations. 2. Model aircraft will not be flown: a. In a careless or reckless manner. b. At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited. 3. Model aircraft pilots will: a. Yield the right of way to all human-carrying aircraft. b. See and avoid all other aircraft. c. Use a spotter if more than one aircraft is flying in the immediate vicinity. d. Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level within three (3) miles of an airport. e. Notify the airport operator and air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation when the flying site is within 5 miles of an airport. 1/2014
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f. Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a mixed use agreement. g. Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Airplane program. (AMA Document 520-A.) h. Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and address of the owner on the inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft. i. Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated under the provisions of AMA Document #555. j. Not operate model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or while using any prescription or non-prescription drug that could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely control the model. k. Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices that explode or burn, or any device which propels a projectile or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons or property. l. Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A.) m. Avoid flying directly over unprotected people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and property of others. n. Perform a successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance with the radio manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft. o. Not fly at night unless a lighting system providing the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation is visible at all times. Hand-held illumination systems shall not be substituted for an on-board lighting system. p. Maintain control during the entire flight, maintaining visual contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the pilot. q. Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View (FPV) only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #550 r. Fly using the assistance of autopilot or stabilization system only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA Document #560. B. FLYING DEMONSTRATIONS OR EVENTS. All volunteers must be current members of RCFLI. FlyTime and Ambassador volunteers should follow the RCFLI National Flying Hobby Safety Code to the greatest extent that the circumstances of the demonstration will permit. In addition to RCFLI’s safety code, FlyTime volunteers should also adhere to the following RCFLI guidelines: 1. When flying for a demonstration or for volunteer purposes, inform the group about your flight line or sectioned off area where you will be flying. Make sure everyone is clear on your flight line or perimeter, then ask them to help by informing others who may be just coming into the area about what we are doing and where the flight line or perimeter is. 1/2014
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2. Use as many spotters as you can and have them spaced apart down the line or around the area of your demonstration. When at all possible use “Caution Tape” or some other type of physical boundary to represent your flight line. A physical aid will go a long way as these people are generally not in the hobby and will benefit from any extra reminder you can provide.
3. When flying in a populated area or if your demo crowd is at all encroaching on the flight line you must take your height into consideration. Allow room if there is a failure in order to allow the momentum to not carry the aircraft over the flight line during a fall. For example, if flying at a height of 100ft, do not expect to be able to stay in a 25ft x 25ft box or circle. A box at least 50ft x 50ft or larger would be better. Additionally, avoid flying too close to the edge of the box to allow for a buffer zone.
4. When flying outside of an AMA chartered field and within 5 miles of an airport, contact the airport control tower and advise them of your location as well as your highest potential altitude and a rough estimate of how long the demonstration or event will last.
5. When flying in low light conditions on-board lighting systems are recommended. Pilots should also consider enlarging the size of the safety zone.
6. Always yield to full scale aircraft and in most cases land or come to a low altitude as quick and safely as possible. Full scale aircraft do not always follow the rules. Do not expect them to be above 500ft or more at all times. Instruct your spotters to look and listen for full scale aircraft and to report to you any they see.
7. Take extra time to conduct a model and part inspection prior to the demonstration or event. Replace props, motors, ball links and batteries as necessary and never fly a damaged, worn or questionable model for a demonstration or event.
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