Hobbies And Interests
AMA and Local Clubs
The easiest way to navigate model airplane rules is to join both a local flying club and the Academy for Model Aeronautics (AMA). The Academy furnishes the written rules online and provides information about events and field locations. But while they are your first source, a local flying club is probably your best bet for finding experienced fliers who can mentor in terms of both rules and RC flying skills. The most basic of these rules is to fly a model airplane in the area for which it is designated. There are three types of planes: yard, park and approved field. A plane's classification is largely based on its size and power. It is possible to fly a yard plane in one's own backyard, a park plane needs a bigger space, and the most powerful planes should only be flown in approved fields.
Field Regulations
If a model airplane is big enough that it requires an approved field, there are several specific regulations that come into play as outlined by the AMA. To start with, each pilot must fly from a designated pilot station and must stay behind the designated pit line. The pilot needs to use a controller with AMA-approved channel number systems and post the channel he or she is using on the frequency board so that there will be no channel overlapping. If one flier is on the same frequency channel as another, this can send signals to the wrong plane and cause a crash. In addition, those flying power planes should do so to the north of the runway line, while those with gliders should stay to the south. This is to keep the two types of flying patterns from interfering with each other.
Safety Code
While it is important to observe flying field regulations, the safety rules are even more crucial. Each local flying club will have its own specific safety code, but there is a general guideline to be followed. To keep children out of harm's way, they should not be allowed beyond the spectator area unless under close supervision. For similar reasons, taxiing is not permitted in the pit area, and it is strongly recommended that pilots do not fly their models alone. Some rules are clearly stated and specific; for instance, direction of flight is determined by the direction of wind. But others are regulated more by common sense. That there should be no model planes flying during electrical storms or near real aircraft falls into this category. Following common sense and referring to the AMA guidelines are the best way to keep model airplanes, and the people around them, safe.