http://www.rcgroups.com/forums en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:02:50 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.rcgroups.com/forums http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1144170&goto=newpost Wed, 18 Nov 2009 02:26:23 GMT Does anyone know of any plans for a swap meet? Perhaps maybe at a different location close by? I and it appears many other people were very disappointed when the swap meet was canceled last year. Does anyone know of any plans for a swap meet? Perhaps maybe at a different location close by? I and it appears many other people were very disappointed when the swap meet was canceled last year. ]]> AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) rhokita http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1144170 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1142829&goto=newpost Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:31:59 GMT Who like to compete in prize contests MUST BELONG to the AMA.
Casual fliers are not affected.

What made the AMA popular? RC planes , cars & boats..........Nothing else.

Rich

Oh yes. Larger model crashes that required thousands of dollars & lawyers. ]]> AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) cyclops2 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1142829 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1142356&goto=newpost Sat, 14 Nov 2009 22:57:19 GMT This is not a join/no join-love/hate thread and might be taken as an opinion thread as it is a somewhat pro-AMA,but if I may a few thoughts. I have left it as a discussion and you are free to add any thoughts in any direction you want. So as not to hijack the other two current running AMA threads,... This is not a join/no join-love/hate thread and might be taken as an opinion thread as it is a somewhat pro-AMA,but if I may a few thoughts. I have left it as a discussion and you are free to add any thoughts in any direction you want. So as not to hijack the other two current running AMA threads, I started this one for wide open discussion. There seems to be a lack of knowledge concerning who/what/where in the US as far as the actual regulating of model aircraft operations.

Number one right out of the gate: Flying models is NOT a right, it is a privelage granted much the same as operating a motor vehicle. This applies for your front yard, your local school or your club field. If it flys, the FAA has the ultimate say and power of enforcement over it. The Feds have rather graciuosly decided to regulate model aircraft by not regulating them under authority of 14 CFR Part 91-Docket No. FAA-2006-25714,
Unmanned Aircraft Operations in the National Airspace System, Advisory Circular AC 91-57 dated 9 June 1981.

New rules are under consideration at this time and some are reflected in the Unmanned Small Aircraft Rule Proposals. As it sits right now (at the best of my knowledge) there are restrictions on turbine powered aircraft and the 400 foot altitude rule is being petitioned for change to accomodate soaring and free flight operations.

I think a lot of people miss the scope of what the AMA does in it's entirety.
Because of the exsisitance of an organization such as the AMA and it's role as a liason, the Feds have pretty much let the model community police thierselves in adherance to the FAA regulations. I am aware that there was another organiztion that has disbanded and they would be included here if still in operation.

This self regulation is almost unheard of within the realm of agencies of the government where over zealous officials can sometimes go too far too fast.
The alternative of having the AMA or similar organization if one arises, be our "community based" regulatory and safety entity is much more appealing to me that having to deal with a government agency directly.


Please read this excerpt from the FAA Small Unmmanned Aircraft Rule Making Committee, which by the way the AMA was invited to participate in.

2.2 Accepted Model Aircraft Standards and Procedures
Accepted Model Aircraft Standards and Procedures may be established and administered by
a community-based association. An accepted set of standards shall be based upon accepted
and recognized safety principles and will include but not be limited to the following:
(1) Prescribed safety program entailing oversight, assessment, risk mitigation, and
accident/incident reporting.
(2) General safety guidelines and operating principles.
(3) Operating guidelines specific to the location and to the type, size, performance, and
propulsion of the various Model Aircraft.
(4) Comprehensive programming addressing Model Aircraft having non standard
weight, or identified as having unusual propulsion types or extraordinary flight
characteristics.
(5) Programming to facilitate Model Aircraft events, competition, national and
international record attempts, gatherings, and Model Aircraft demonstrations and
exhibitions.
(6) Educational programming that assures participants are provided relevant safety
information and validates the learning process.
(7) Educational programming that addresses essential piloting issues including:
• Recognition and avoidance of manned aircraft
• Safe operation near spectators and other non participants

A note by AMA on this: Community based organizations, such as the AMA, that
have credibility within the Model Aircraft community and that have an
established safety record and have demonstrated the ability to influence
participant compliance shall be afforded the opportunity to establish a set
of safety standards that are more comprehensive than the requirements
and limitations given for non participating modelers, and use these
standards as an alternative means of compliance with any regulations
which may results from these recommendations. Since such standards are
more comprehensive, operations under such standards shall allow for a
broad spectrum of operations and greater latitude in the AMA operations. ]]> AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) Leadchucker http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1142356 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1140663&goto=newpost Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:34:38 GMT Hey i made some post before to find plans and websites but this time i'm asking if any or you know a book that is worth buying?
I know aerodynamics and the basic stuff but i want a book that explains me how to design and build a good flying(or ships and other things in general) model

Is there anything that i could get which would give me all the knowledge needed? ]]> AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) Dunham http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1140663 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1138446&goto=newpost Sat, 07 Nov 2009 12:25:42 GMT For those that don't visit the AMA forum, here is a list of the Common Myths about the AMA that are seen on the RC forums are listed below that we have put together.

Note: 100% of all AMA forum members do not agree to the below (but when can you get everyone to agree to everything?).

Frank


1. Myth: The AMA controls club memberships.
Fact: Each individual club (all 2378 of them) can limit their membership how they see fit. The AMA does not have a say on how each club is ran and when they will or won't accept new members. The AMA will leave a club to do their own business unless there are safety violations, non-compliance with civil rights laws, or operating a club inconsistent with its bylaws.

2. Myth: The AMA is an insurance company.
Fact: Insurance is a benefit of belonging to the AMA. It doesn't exist to sell insurance.

3. Myth: The AMA sanctions local flying fields and clubs.
Fact: The AMA sanctions events, not flying fields or clubs (clubs are Chartered).

4. Myth: The AMA issues a license to fly a model airplane.
Fact: The AMA is an organization; they issue a membership card, not a license.

5. Myth: The AMA can fine or arrest you for flying unsafely or illegally (e.x. flying in Dodger Stadium)
Fact: The AMA is not a law enforcement agency. It is an organization to help promote the hobby.

6. Myth: AMA Membership & liability protection is only good for RC airplanes.
Fact: AMA's Liability Protection applies to accidents arising from the operation of model aircraft, rockets, cars, and boats.

7. Myth: You must be flying at an AMA chartered club's field for the insurance to be in effect.
Fact: Your AMA Insurance covers you no matter where you are flying as long as you have permission to be flying there and are flying in accordance with the Safety Code.

8. Myth: If you are a student pilot without AMA, you can fly with an instructor and still be covered by AMA's Liability Insurance.
Fact: True. As long as the instructor is an Introductory Pilot Instructor and has submitted the proper paperwork, the student will be covered for a full 60 days by AMA Liability Insurance.

9. Myth: We cannot fly our models higher than 400' AGL.
Fact: The FAA advises a voluntary limit of 400 feet above surface level IAW AC91-57. The AMA has chosen to adhere to this limit only when within 3miles of an airport.

10. Myth: You can maiden your small electric plane at an AMA Sanctioned event.
Fact: Maiden flights or after major repairs are performed on a model are not allowed
during the sanctioned event due to safety concerns. FCFs or maiden flights must be performed before hours or after hours of the event. The CD for each event will determine how "major" a repair is to the aircraft.

11. Myth: Your radio equipment must be on a valid frequency and have FCC Certification.
Fact: This is true. Radio manufacturers must validate their equipment IAW FCC guidelines to ensure the output frequency is within tolerances.

12. Myth: The AMA prohibits tail touching on the ground of aircraft (as in 3D) while in flight.
Fact: There was once a rule in place like that at one time. It has since been deleted.

13. Myth: Model Aviation loses money for the AMA.
Fact: The AMA uses dollars per each member's annual dues for Model Aviation. Add to that the advertising fees MA charges it's advertises puts the AMA in the black each year.

14. Myth: The EC hires people to monitor RCU's AMA forum to contradict negative posts against the AMA in general as well as its members that do not agree with their latest policies.
Fact: There is no evidence to support this myth. ]]> AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) Murocflyer http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1138446 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1134315&goto=newpost Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:41:59 GMT I found the article "Crashing is NOT an Option" by Don Apostolico in this month (November 2009) to be a great article full of useful information. Although expressly for the Giant Scale modeler, much of the information is pertinent to all model aviation enthusiasts. Lately, I think R/Cers in particular, seem to have a somewhat cavalier approach to flying, especially with the predominance of ARFS and RTF types of models. There is little sweat equity involved in these airplanes; so, the attitude seems: "If I crash this one, I'll just go out and buy another!" He points some very good points! In particular His Keys to model longevity are very good:

Carefully choose the correct Equipment
Set the equipment up properly.
Learn to fly with proficiency.
Regularly maintain the aircraft.

He also points out people who may be considered experts could be teaching bad habits to the new folks entering the hobby thereby perpetuating miss information and information gleaned form the Internet forums can also be totally incorrect, yet unchallenged by people who don’t know what they don’t know!

It’s my understanding this is the first of two articles on this topic! Thank you AMA, Model Aviation and Mr. Apostolico for this great information! ]]> AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) Mode One http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1134315