SAFETY

Before we get to our actual aircraft and then into flying it is most important that we discuss the safety aspects of operating RC model aircraft. AMA, the governing body for our hobby, was established in 1936. We will explain more about this organization and tell you how you can join later on.

Refer to the AMA’s website. On the menu at the top of the home page, click on Membership Services then scroll down and click on 2007 Safety Code (or click here). There is a general portion of the code and a section specifically devoted to Radio Control. It is strongly suggested that you read these two brief sections. It is important to your safe participation in this wonderful hobby.

Take note of the rule that no one should fly at less than a 3-mile distance from another flying field without certain criteria being met (which is explained). The reason this safety rule is so important is that RC systems on the same channel number (frequency) can interfere with one another.

Beyond a 3-mile distance, it has been determined that it is safe to fly. At less than a 3-mile separation, it is possible that you might interfere with another aircraft that is operating on that same channel causing one or both aircraft to crash.

Generally flying field separation is managed by the local fliers and clubs. It takes mutual understanding and cooperation, but the situation can be controlled before it ever becomes a problem. This is one of the many reasons why joining a local model airplane club is so important to your participation and growth in the hobby.

Model aircraft clubs are allowed and even encouraged by AMA to create their own safety rules to handle specific situations in their area. Some clubs may limit the number of aircraft in the air at one time to five. If five are up in the air and you are number six, you must wait your turn to fly. Other local rules might include not flying over a particular building or nearby road for safety purposes. Local safety rules supplement the AMA safety rules.

Also available on the AMA Web site under Membership Services is the AMA Membership Manual. This document describes many things about AMA’s operations, services, and the insurance program it offers to members. Of particular note for beginners is Section 5: Recommended RC Flying Site Specifications; Section 6: RC Site Separation, Flying Site Suggestions, Safety Recommendations; and Section 7: Radio Control Operation. Flying site separation has already been mentioned but the manual provides more details.

The Radio Control Operation section contains many details on RC systems and their operation. It also provides tables of all authorized RC channels by channel number and specific radio frequencies.

If you do not have internet access you may write or call AMA and ask for printed copies of both the Safety Code and Membership Manual.

Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive, Muncie, IN 47302
Phone: (765)-287-1256 • Fax: (765)-289-4248

As a beginner, you must understand RC channel (or frequency) control. As already stated, RC systems operating on the same channel (frequency) can interfere with each other. If two modelers attempt to fly on the same channel at the same, one or both aircraft will likely crash.

An aircraft crash is a great concern not only because of a model’s value but because it might inflict bodily injury or cause property damage. The first rule of safe RC operation is to turn on and operate your RC system only when you are sure no one else is using that same frequency.

Most RC clubs set up what is referred to as a channel or frequency board at each club flying site. In its simplest form, the board lists all 50 RC aircraft channels by individual number. (There are other channels, but this is all that is necessary to know for now).

When you want to fly, first go to this frequency board and see if your channel number is open. If there is no clip on the board at that number you can proceed. Take a clothespin with your name written on it and clip it on your channel number on the board then proceed to the flightline to begin your flight.

If another modeler who happens to be on your channel goes to the board and sees your clothespin, he or she will know that particular channel is in use and he or she must wait until you land, turn off your RC system, and remove your clothespin. It is a simple process but one that must be followed.

There are many variations of this frequency-control process and they function much the same way. It is your responsibility when you go to each new flying field to learn what the local procedure is. You must always follow local safety and frequency-control rules.

Some of the larger club flying sites may employ electronic means to make sure that two people don’t turn on the same channel at the same time. Electronic scanning receivers are available at modest costs. They continually scan all 50 RC channels. If two RC systems on the same channel get turned on, the scanning receiver will sound an audible alarm. When that happens, stop and figure out who the two modelers are before you attempt to launch your aircraft.

We have discussed channel or frequency control at local club flying fields. What do you do if you have a small trainer aircraft that is capable flying in a parking lot or schoolyard? If you are flying in a parking lot you are advised to do so with other modelers. If that is the case, then the more experienced pilots should know of any other local activity so that you don’t end up with two parking lots located at less than the 3-mile minimum separation distance.

If you are in a remote location and don’t find anyone else, then you might ask a local hobby dealer where the locals fly. That might give you the information about a safe place to fly, but you might consider purchasing one of those scanning receivers so that you can electronically determine if anyone near you is operating on your channel.

For the purposes of this article, we will discuss only one of the many high-quality scanners available: the Hobbico 72 MHz Frequency Checker which can be purchased from Tower Hobbies at this website. It is also available at many local hobby dealers. For $50 you will be able to determine that you are not interfering with another modeler. Please keep in mind there are other scanners on the market and you may want to do some research on your own to determine which one is best for you and fits in your price range.

If you select a schoolyard or something similar as a place to fly, common sense should tell you not to fly when children are playing at that field, or when other people are present. Take note if a warning sign is posted indicating that the flying of model aircraft is not permitted and if so, adhere to that warning.

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