G
Guest
·This is an email sent by Carl Maroney, AMA Safety Code Clarification and Special Services Director for the AMA regarding rule #8 under radio control. It was sent to myself and many other people whom fought against a few of us on our crusade to hold a 3D event in St. Louis. We lost our St. Louis Pro Bro event at 2 fields because most (almost everyone) did not understand that you CAN fly within 25' of another pilot. Although we know that good judgement takes over from there. Some people however only look to rules and not judgement. I'm just happy that we found a new home for the May 1,2 Pro-Bro better then St. Louis!
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AMA Safety Code - Radio Control #8
The understanding of the AMA Safety Committee is that the intent of the rule Radio Control #8 is to provide space between model aircraft and individuals not engaged in flying activities. Please note that the rule uses the term "pilots" and "helpers" (plural form). This suggests that these individuals, presumably located in regularly assigned flight stations, would not be in violation during normal club field operations. The exception noted involves flying model aircraft under the rules found in the official AMA Competition Regulations event rules.
The concerns expressed in your communication do, in fact, suggest that the present wording of the rule leaves the overall intent somewhat unclear. If the original intent was to prevent flying within 25 feet of anyone other than the pilot of the model and his/her helper, then the plural noun form should not have been used. Under those circumstances, the rule should perhaps contain the phrase, "except for the pilot and helper of the model involved." If the intent was to allow flying with multiple models, therefore involving more than one pilot and helper, then perhaps the wording should have used something like the following.
"After launch, no powered model may be flown closer than 25' to any individual other than the pilot(s) and helper(s) located in assigned flight stations. When necessary, an exception can be made for flying under official AMA Competition Regulations event rules."
Please be advised that the Safety Committee will address the issue of the intent of this rule by obtaining a clarification from the AMA Executive Council. This will, however, require some additional time for review.
Carl P. Maroney
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AMA Safety Code - Radio Control #8
The understanding of the AMA Safety Committee is that the intent of the rule Radio Control #8 is to provide space between model aircraft and individuals not engaged in flying activities. Please note that the rule uses the term "pilots" and "helpers" (plural form). This suggests that these individuals, presumably located in regularly assigned flight stations, would not be in violation during normal club field operations. The exception noted involves flying model aircraft under the rules found in the official AMA Competition Regulations event rules.
The concerns expressed in your communication do, in fact, suggest that the present wording of the rule leaves the overall intent somewhat unclear. If the original intent was to prevent flying within 25 feet of anyone other than the pilot of the model and his/her helper, then the plural noun form should not have been used. Under those circumstances, the rule should perhaps contain the phrase, "except for the pilot and helper of the model involved." If the intent was to allow flying with multiple models, therefore involving more than one pilot and helper, then perhaps the wording should have used something like the following.
"After launch, no powered model may be flown closer than 25' to any individual other than the pilot(s) and helper(s) located in assigned flight stations. When necessary, an exception can be made for flying under official AMA Competition Regulations event rules."
Please be advised that the Safety Committee will address the issue of the intent of this rule by obtaining a clarification from the AMA Executive Council. This will, however, require some additional time for review.
Carl P. Maroney
