AMA Question

[jcurry]

I am planning, for a science fair project, to buy an airplane and use it for 'autonomous flight'. Now, the AMA has a restriction against autonomous flight in it's Safety Code. Is the AMA an official government body? Are it's restrictions actual laws, or just restrictions for it's members? Must I sign up with the AMA just to fly? Please advise!

[aeajr]

AMA is a private organization.

Info about AMA can be found here.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/whatisama.asp?sid=3D490C78380448B0A15E31DE4FA6F552

[jcurry]

I see. What most concerns me is this part:

AMA is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. AMA sanctions more than a thousand model competitions throughout the country each year, and certifies official model flying records on a national and international level.

Now, I want to know, will I be breaking any laws if I fly a plane autonomously? Anyone have any idea?

[Dave Robelen]

Hi,
It's unlikely that you would be breaking a law. The more direct issue is the probable lack of insurance coverage in the event of an accident. This industry follows the AMA requirements pretty closely. The AMA has considerable influence, and it is difficult to deliberately operate in direct opposition to one of their specific rules. In your case, if an instructor or administrator learned of this restriction, your project might be in jeapordy. This is the sort of thing that might be handled privatly by an individual without publicity, but you would be on your own.
Regards, Dave

[Sierra Flyer]

jcurry,

Dave is right on with what he explained about your situation. Beyond what he mentioned, since the events of 9/11, the Federal government (FBI, CIA, FAA, and others) have been taking a cold scary look at the whole field of radio controlled model aircraft for obvious security reasons. I think an autonomous model scares them more than one controlled by radio, but they have been looking at the whole field. Not good! Not for us!!!

And yet, an autonomous RC model just last year successfully flew across the Atlantic Ocean, and the effort was blessed by the AMA. Go figure!! Just my 2 cents.

Sierra Flyer

[Dave Robelen]

Hi Sierra,
Maynards model was flown from Nova Scotia. He could not have launched in the USA with the blessing of the AMA.
Regards, Dave

[jcurry]

Yes, I did read about the TAM project.
Dave:
I think, in my situation, an accident is highly unlikely. Of course, I will take implement all safeguards and precautions.

Thanks for all the feedback!