E-flite Super Airliner DF ARF User Manual

Super Airliner ARF

Assembly Manual

Table of Contents

Introduction .......................................................3

Required Radio Equipment ..................................3

Specifications ....................................................4

Outrunner Motor Setup .......................................4

Optional Accessories ..........................................4

Required Tools and Adhesives ..............................4

Contents of Kit/Parts Layout .................................5

Warning ...........................................................5

Before Starting Assembly.....................................5

Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries ........................6

Using the Manual ...............................................6

Limited Warranty Period ......................................6

Safety Precautions ..............................................6

Questions, Assistance, and Repairs ......................6

Questions or Assistance ......................................6

Limited Warranty & Limits of Liability ....................7

Inspection or Repairs ..........................................8

Warranty Inspection and Repairs .........................8

Non-Warranty Repairs ........................................8

Aileron Servo Installation ....................................9

Motor Installation .............................................13

Landing Gear Installation ..................................18

Elevator Servo Installation .................................23

Rudder Installation ............................................26

Final Assembly .................................................29

Center of Gravity / Battery Installation ...............31

Control Throws .................................................32

Flying the Super Airliner ....................................33

2006 Official AMA

National Model Aircraft Safety Code ......34

2

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the Super Airliner from
E-flite bringing you, the modeler, the jet experience without
the hassle of glow powered ducted fans or the cost of
turbine engines. We selected a twin airliner design for the
enlarged wing area, and multiple engines for more power
in flight. The model is molded from EPS foam for durability
and ease of repair should the need arise. All of our Airliners

have weighed in at 3
Thunder Power 2100 mAh 11.1V Li-Po batteries. We use the
BEC function of both speed controllers to save weight and
ensure trouble-free radio operation.

The Super Airliner is designed for use from hard surface
runways or very smooth grass fields. It was not designed
for rough grass fields and has not been tested for such
operations. The tires are small and work very well from hard
surface runways. Please take note of the flight control surface
throws in the back of the manual. These are correct and
you will need this amount of throw to fly this model. Trying
anything less will diminish your chances of success. Ducted
fan aircraft do not have the prop blast feature associated
with propeller driven aircraft over the flight controls. For this
reason, you need more control throw than you would need
on a propeller-driven model.

1

/

pounds, ready for flight, using two

4

Flight times of 8 minutes or longer are the normal procedure
with the Airliner using the equipment specified in this manual.
We hope you enjoy your experience with this new offering
from E-flite. So start building and set the date for your first
takeoff with E-flite Air!

Required Radio Equipment

Radio System

You will need a minimum 4-channel transmitter, crystal, one
standard BB servo, and four sub-micro servos. If you are
using an existing transmitter, just purchase the other required
equipment separately.

Purchase Separately

JSP30600 RS600 6-Channel Receiver w/o Crystal
JRPXFR** FM Receiver Crystal
JSP20060 ST47BB Servo
JSP98110 6" Servo Extension (2)
JSP98030 12" Servo Extension (3)
JSP98020 6" Y-Harness (3)
EFLRS75 S75 Sub-Micro Servo (4)

3

Specifications

Required Tools and Adhesives

Wingspan: 55 in (1400mm)
Length: 57 in (1450mm)
Wing Area: 505 sq in (32.5 sq dm)
Weight w/o Battery: 2.6 lb (1.2 kg)
Weight w/Battery: 3.25 lb (1.5 kg)

Outrunner Motor Setup

EFLM1320DF2 BL400 DF Outrunner 3500Kv (twin pack)

OR

EFLM1320DF BL400 DF Outrunner 3500Kv (2)

EFLA311B 20-Amp Brushless ESC (2)
THP21003SPL 2100mAh 3-Cell 11.1V Li-Po, 16GA (2)
EFLC3005 Celectra 1-3 Cell Li-Po DC Charger
DUB439 Heat Shrinkwrap, 1/4" (6mm)

Optional Accessories

EFLA110 Power Meter

Tools

Small Phillips Screwdriver
(EFLA257 - included with EFLA250)
Hex Wrench: 1.5mm
(EFLA251 - included with EFLA250)

Flat blade screwdriver
Model clamps Small round file
Drill Ruler
Pencil Side cutters
Soldering iron Solder
Hobby knife Rubber bands
Drill bit: 1/16" (1.5mm), 5/64" (2mm)

Adhesives

Thin CA 6-Minute Epoxy (HAN8000)
Medium CA 30-Minute Epoxy (HAN8002)
Threadlock

4

Contents of Kit/Parts Layout

Warning

Large Replacement Parts:

EFL7001 Wing w/Ailerons
EFL7002 Fuselage w/Hatch & Pushrods
EFL7003 Vertical Fin & Rudder
EFL7004 Main Landing Gear w/Wheels
EFL7005 Nose Gear w/Wheels
EFL7006 Engine Nacelle
EFL7007 Ducted Fan Unit
EFL7008 Decal Sheet

An RC aircraft is not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious
bodily harm and damage to property. Fly only in open
areas, preferably at AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics)
approved flying sites, following all instructions included with
your radio.

Keep loose items that can get entangled in the propeller
away from the prop, including loose clothing, or other
objects such as pencils and screwdrivers. Especially keep
your hands away from the propeller.

Before Starting Assembly

Before beginning the assembly of your Airliner, remove
each part from its bag for inspection. Closely inspect the
fuselage, wing panels, rudder and stabilizer for damage.
If you find any damaged or missing parts, contact the place
of purchase.

5

Note on Lithium Polymer Batteries

Safety Precautions

Lithium Polymer batteries are significantly
more volatile than alkaline or Ni-Cd/
Ni-MH batteries used in RC applications.
All manufacturer’s instructions and warnings
must be followed closely. Mishandling of Li-Po
batteries can result in fire. Always follow the
manufacturer’s instructions when disposing of
Lithium Polymer batteries.

Using the Manual

This manual is divided into sections to help make
assembly easier to understand, and to provide breaks
between each major section. In addition, check boxes
have been placed next to each step to keep track of each

step completed. Steps with a single circle () are performed
once, while steps with two circles ( ) indicate that the

step will require repeating, such as for a right or left wing
panel, two servos, etc.

Remember to take your time and follow the directions.

Limited Warranty Period

Horizon Hobby, Inc. guarantees this product to be free from
defects in both material and workmanship at the date of
purchase.

This is a sophisticated hobby product and not a toy. It must
be operated with caution and common sense and requires
some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this product
in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or
damage to the product or other property. This product is not
intended for use by children without direct adult supervision.

The product manual contains instructions for safety, operation
and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the
instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly,
setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage
or injury.

Questions, Assistance, and Repairs

Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot
provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly, setup
or use of the product has been started, you must contact
Horizon Hobby, Inc. directly. This will enable Horizon to
better answer your questions and service you in the event
that you may need any assistance.

Questions or Assistance

For questions or assistance, please direct your email to
[e-mail], or call 877.504.0233
toll free to speak to a service technician.

6

Limited Warranty & Limits of Liability

Pursuant to this Limited Warranty, Horizon Hobby, Inc. will,
at its option, (i) repair or (ii) replace, any product determined
by Horizon Hobby, Inc. to be defective. In the event of a
defect, these are your exclusive remedies.

This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage
due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence,
commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the
product. This warranty does not cover damage due to
improper installation, operation, maintenance, or attempted
repair by anyone other than an authorized Horizon Hobby,
Inc. service center. This warranty is limited to the original
purchaser and is not transferable. In no case shall Horizon
Hobby’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased
product and will not cover consequential, incidental or
collateral damage. Horizon Hobby, Inc. reserves the right to
inspect any and all equipment involved in a warranty claim.
Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion
of Horizon Hobby, Inc. Further, Horizon Hobby reserves the
right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER
THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE
CONSUMER. HORIZON HOBBY, INC. SHALL NOT BE
LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES.

As Horizon Hobby, Inc. has no control over use, setup,
final assembly, modification or misuse, no liability shall be
assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury.
By the act of use, setup or assembly, the user accepts all
resulting liability.

If you as the purchaser or user are not prepared to accept
the liability associated with the use of this product, you
are advised to return this product immediately in new and
unused condition to the place of purchase.

7

Inspection or Repairs

Non-Warranty Repairs

If your product needs to be inspected or repaired, please
call for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Pack
the product securely using a shipping carton. Please note
that original boxes may be included, but are not designed to
withstand the rigors of shipping without additional protection.
Ship via a carrier that provides tracking and insurance
for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon Hobby, Inc. is not
responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is accepted
at our facility. Include your complete name, address, phone
number where you can be reached during business days,
RMA number, and a brief summary of the problem. Be sure
your name, address, and RMA number are clearly written on
the shipping carton.

Warranty Inspection and Repairs

To receive warranty service, you must include your original
sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date. Providing
warranty conditions have been met, your product will be
repaired or replaced free of charge. Repair or replacement
decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.

Should your repair not be covered by warranty and the
expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost, you will
be provided with an estimate advising you of your options.
You will be billed for any return freight for non-warranty
repairs. Please advise us of your preferred method of
payment. Horizon Hobby accepts money orders and cashiers
checks, as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express,
and Discover cards. If you choose to pay by credit card,
please include your credit card number and expiration date.
Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90 days will be
considered abandoned and will be disposed of accordingly.

Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should
be shipped to the following address (freight prepaid):

Horizon Service Center

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

All other products requiring inspection or repair should be
shipped to the following address (freight prepaid):

Horizon Product Support

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

8

Aileron Servo Installation

Required Parts

• Wing • 4

• Pushrod connector assembly (2)

• Wiring decal • 6" Y-harness

• 12" servo extension

• Servo (2)

Required Tools and Adhesives

• Drill • Threadlock or thin CA

• 6-minute epoxy • Side cutters

• Drill bit: 5/64" (2mm)

• Hex wrench: 1.5mm

• Hobby knife

1

/

" (114mm) linkage w/clevis

2

 1. Plug a 6" Y-harness into the receiver. Plug the

two aileron servos into the Y-harness. Turn on the
radio system and center the trim and stick at the
transmitter, ensure sub trims are at zero. Check
the aileron servo operation. Reposition the servo
arms if necessary so they are perpendicular to the
servo as shown.

9

  2. Enlarge the outer hole in the servo arm using

a 5/64" (2mm) drill.

  3. Slide the pushrod connector into the hole.

Secure the connector using a 2mm nut.

Hint: Use threadlock or a drop of thin CA on
the nut to prevent it from loosening during flight.

  4. Mix a small drop of 6-minute epoxy and

apply it onto the servo pocket. Press the servo into
the pocket and allow the epoxy to cure before
continuing to the next step.

10

  5. Attach a 12" (305mm) extension to the servo

lead. Use a hobby knife to cut an opening at the
center of the wing. Pass the extension through the
hole and to the center of the wing.

  6. Apply the wiring decal over the servo wiring

from the engine pod over the servo.

  7. Slide the 4

1

/

" (114mm) pushrod through

2

the pushrod connector. Snap the clevis onto the
aileron servo horn.

11

  8. Plug the servo extension into the Y-harness

and turn on the radio system. Center the aileron.
Use a 3mm setscrew to secure the pushrod wire in
the pushrod connector.

  9. Use side cutters to remove the excess pushrod

wire so it will not interfere with the wing while the
servo is moving.

Hint: Use thread lock or a drop of thin CA
on the set screw to prevent it from loosening
in flight.

12

 10. Repeat Steps 2 though 9 for the remaining

aileron servo.

Motor Installation

Required Parts

• Wing • Motor (2)

• Brushless speed control (2)

• 2mm x 6mm screw (4)

• Red wire, 25" (680mm) (2)

• Black wire, 25" (680mm) (2)

• Foam motor nacelle (right and left) (2)

• Wiring decal

• Heat shrink tubing: 1/4" (6mm)

Required Tools and Adhesives

• Phillips screwdriver • Flat blade screwdriver

• Soldering iron • Solder

• 30-minute epoxy • Rubber bands

• Hobby knife • Small round file

• Model clamps

  1. Route the motor wires through the pre-drilled

holes in the fan housing.

13

  2. Position the motor in the fan housing. Use

two 2mm x 6mm screws to secure the motor
to the fan housing.

  3. Slide the fan onto the motor shaft. Tighten the

screw in the front of the fan using a flat blade
screwdriver. Make sure to position the fan so it
will spin freely when the motor is in operation.

Note: You may need to enlarge the mount holes
slightly to allow movement of the motor so the
fan will spin freely when turned by hand. Use a
small round file for this operation if needed.

14

  4. Solder the appropriate connectors onto the

motor wires. Solder the 25" (680mm) wire for
the battery onto the speed control and protect
with heat shrink tubing.

  5. Route the lead and battery wires from the

speed control through the opening made in the
aileron servo installation. Place the speed control
into the opening in the wing.

15

  6. Solder a connector to the battery wires that

matched your battery connector. Plug the speed
control into the receiver. Plug the motor wires into
the speed control. Use the radio system to check
the operation of the motor. If the motor operates
in the wrong direction follow the instructions to
correct the problem.

Note: Use caution around the motor while
testing the direction of the motor.

  7. Test fit the foam motor nacelle over the fan.

Trim the foam using a hobby knife as necessary to
route the motor wires back to the wire channel.

16

  8. Test fit the remaining foam nacelle to the

fan. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the foam fan
nacelles to the fan and to the structure supporting
the fan. Use rubber bands and clamps to hold
the foam nacelles in position until the epoxy fully
cures.

  9. Tuck the wires neatly into the wire channels.

Trim the foam if necessary to fit the connection
between the servo and servo extension. Cover the
wires using the wiring decal.

 10. Repeat Steps 1 through 9 to install the

second motor.

17

 11. Run the motors at full throttle and look for any

rubbing of the fan blades to the outer shroud.
If any rubbing occurs, you can remove the fan
rotor assembly and work the area with a rotary
tool and a fine drum sander until all the black
area is removed. Remove very little, maintaining
the circumference of the shroud. Reinstall the fan
rotor assembly and run again. There should be
no rubbing at all during operation.

Landing Gear Installation

Required Parts

• Wing • Fuselage

• Servo • 12" servo extension

• Main gear assembly (2)

• Nose gear assembly

• 2mm x 8mm sheet metal screw

• 1/2" x 3/8" x 3/8" (13mm x 9.5mm x 9.5mm) servo
mounting block (2)

Required Tools and Adhesives

• 1.5mm hex wrench • File

• 6-minute epoxy • Pencil

• Threadlock • Hobby knife

• Medium CA

18

  1. Loosen the setscrew in the main landing

gear assembly. Slide the gear onto the landing
gear wire. Position the gear parallel to the wing
centerline and tighten the setscrew enough to
leave a mark on the landing gear strut. Remove
the gear and file a flat spot on the landing gear
strut to prevent the wire from rotating on the wire.

  2. Apply a small amount of threadlock onto

the setscrew. Tighten the setscrew onto the
landing gear wire.

 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 for the remaining main

landing gear assembly.

19

 4. Plug the steering servo into the rudder channel

of the receiver. Center the trims and sub trim
on the radio and position the servo arm on the
steering servo perpendicular to the servo. Enlarge
the outer hole of the servo arm using a 1/16"
(1.5mm) drill bit. Attach the “Z” bend of the
steering pushrod into the hole.

 5. Position the servo so the wheels are parallel to

the plywood mounting plate. Use a pencil to mark
the location of the servo onto the plate.

20

 6. Use medium CA to glue the two 1/2" x 3/8" x

3/8" (13mm x 9.5mm x 9.5mm) servo mounting
blocks onto the mounting plate.

Note: The mounting blocks must be on the
mounting plate. If the block is not on the
plate, simply reposition the servo and mark
the position for the blocks so they are both
completely on the mounting plate.

 7. Use the hardware provided with the servo to

attach it to the mounting blocks.

21

 8. Turn the radio on and double-check that the

wheels are parallel to the mounting plate. If not,
simply loosen the screw and setscrew so the
wheels can be repositioned.

 9. Attach a 12" servo extension to the steering

servo. Slide the mounting plate into the fuselage.
Use a 2mm x 8mm sheet metal screw to secure
the plate into the fuselage.

22

Elevator Servo Installation

Required Parts

• Fuselage • Pushrod connector assembly (2)

• Servo • Y-harness

• Receiver • Hook and loop

Required Tools and Adhesives

• Drill • Drill bit: 5/64" (2mm)

• Threadlock • Medium CA

• 1.5mm hex wrench

 1. Use hook and loop to attach the receiver inside

the fuselage. Plug a 6" Y-harness into the rudder
channel of the receiver. Plug the steering servo
into one lead from the Y-harness.

Note: At this time there will be a 6" Y-harness
plugged into the rudder, throttle and aileron
channels of the receiver.

23

 2. Install the grommets and brass eyelets into the

elevator servo. Mount the elevator servo into the
fuse, and then plug the servo into the receiver.

 3. Disconnect the clevises from the elevator horn

and pull the pushrod wires partially out of
the pushrod tubes. Use side cutters to trim the
pushrod tubes roughly 1/4" (6mm) ahead of
the pushrod support tube.

24

 4. Drill the outer hole in a servo arm using a 5/64"

(2mm) drill bit. Attach the pushrod connector to
the servo arm using a 2mm nut and threadlock.

 5. Turn the radio system on and attach the servo

arm to the elevator servo, center the elevator trim,
and ensure the sub trim is zero.

 6. Slide the elevator pushrod wires through the

pushrod connector. Center the elevators and
secure the wires using the 3mm setscrew.

25

 7. Use medium CA to glue the pushrod tubes to the

pushrod tube support.

Rudder Installation

Required Parts

• Fuselage • Pushrod connector assembly (2)

• Rudder w/fin • Servo

Required Tools and Adhesives

• Ruler • Drill

• 6-minute epoxy

• Drill bit: 5/64" (2mm)

• 1.5mm hex wrench

26

 1. Position the rudder into the slot on the top of the

fuselage. Measure from the tip of the rudder to
each stabilizer tip to make sure the measurements
are equal. If not, lightly sand the bottom of the
rudder to position it evenly.

 2. Use 6-minue epoxy to glue the rudder into

the fuselage. Allow the epoxy to fully cure
before continuing.

 3. Enlarge the outer hole of the rudder servo arm

using a 5/64" (2mm) drill bit. Attach the pushrod
connector to the servo horn. Install the servo
into the fuselage then attach the servo horn after
centering the rudder servo.

27

 4. Slide the pushrod support onto the pushrod. Use

medium CA to glue the tube in position against
the rear wing bolt plate and the servo tray. With
the pushrod wire pulled partially out of the tube,
trim the pushrod tube around 1/4" (6mm) in front
of the pushrod tube support.

 5. Slide the pushrod wire through the pushrod

connector. Center the rudder and rudder servo.
Secure the wire using a 3mm setscrew.

 6. Use medium CA to glue the pushrod tube to the

pushrod tube support.

 7. Complete the radio installation by routing the

antenna wire to the rear of the fuselage. Do not
cut the antenna as it will greatly reduce the range
of your radio system.

28

Final Assembly

Required Parts

• Fuselage • Wing

• 3mm x 40mm screw (4)

• 3mm washer • Li-Po battery (2)

Required Tools and Adhesives

• Hook and loop strap

• Phillips screwdriver

 1. Remove the cover from the battery opening. Place

the motor batteries into the fuselage. Use a piece
of hook and loop between the two batteries as
well as between the battery and battery tray to
keep them from sliding on the tray. Secure the two
batteries using the hook and loop strap.

29

 2. Attach the wing to the fuselage using four 3mm x

40mm screws and four 3mm washers. Remember
to plug in the aileron and speed controls before
installing the screws.

 3. Plug the speed controls into the batteries. Each

battery will plug into its own individual speed
control. Once the batteries have been plugged in,
install the hatch back onto the fuselage.

30

Center of Gravity / Battery Installation

An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is
properly balancing the model.

Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step!

The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) location for your
Airliner is 5

against the fuselage. The Center of Gravity position has been
marked on the bottom of the wing, although the plane will be
balanced inverted.

1

/

" (140mm) back from the leading edge

2

The battery packs can be moved forward or rearward to
achieve the correct balance. Make a mark on the battery tray
so you know the correct position of the batteries when they
are replaced after charging.

31

Control Throws

The amount of control throw should be adjusted as closely as
possible using mechanical means, rather than making large
changes electronically at the radio. By moving the position
of the clevis at the control horn toward the outermost hole,
you will decrease the amount of control throw of the control
surface. Moving it toward the control surface will increase the
amount of throw. Moving the pushrod wire at the servo arm
will have the opposite effect: Moving it closer to center will
decrease throw, and away from center will increase throw.
Work with a combination of the two to achieve the closest or
exact control throws listed.

High Rate Low Rate

Aileron 3/4" up 1/2" up
3/4" down 1/2" down
Aileron Expo 25% 10%

Elevator 1
1

1

/

" up 7/8" up

8

1

/

" down 7/8" down

8

Elevator Expo 25% 15%

Rudder 3/4" right 1/2" right
3/4" left 1/2" left
Rudder Expo 25% 15%

Note: The throws listed are a good starting
point for most flight conditions.

Once the control throws have been set, slide the clevis
retainers onto the clevises to secure their positions.

32

Flying the Super Airliner

With batteries charged and hooked up, check all control
surfaces for correct throws and directions. Verify both
fan units turn in the correct direction as well. Set your
transmitter timer for 8 minutes and start this just before
takeoff. With the model sitting on the runway, move the
throttle trim up until the fans just come to life. This is the
flight idle which you will want to maintain during flight.
This will give the Super Airliner the best glide ratio possible.
If the fan units stop turning, there will be a higher level of
drag; the Airliner can still be flown but with a shorter glide
ratio. There is no need for concern, just good information for
your first jet flight.

Apply power smoothly and steer straight with rudder
control. Apply half to three-quarter up elevator during the
takeoff roll. The airliner will rotate when it is ready. This is
routinely at approximately 100–150 feet. Establish a
climb out at approximately 20–30 degrees, and make
your turn out. It is common to be at 150 feet of altitude as
you cross by on the downwind leg.

Your Super Airliner is capable of the basic aerobatic
maneuvers such as loops, rolls, and inverted flight. Use
full throttle during all maneuvers. The Super Airliner will
cruise around effortlessly at 1/2 to 5/8 throttle for extended
flights. Touch and go’s are easily accomplished at any time

during the flight. You will find you will need to use more stick
throw during basic and aerobatic flight than you will with a
propeller-driven model. This is due to the lack of prop blast
on the flight controls.

An engine out situation with the Airliner is not a bad thing.
The best thing to do is to reduce power and set up for a
landing. This is almost unheard of with an electric power
system, but if a motor or speed control fails, the Super
Airliner can be flown back to a landing on one engine.
We have flown it on one motor and made turns both into
and away from the dead engine. This is possible, just not
enjoyable flying.

Landing is accomplished by setting up on the downwind
leg and reducing power to 1/4. Fly through the base leg
turn and onto final, reducing power a click at a time to
establish a glide slope. With the fan units idling, you may
reduce power to idle and float the Super Airliner in for a
smooth touchdown whenever you feel comfortable. The
Super Airliner glides very well in calm weather and is very
controllable to touchdown. The shock absorbing landing
gear makes every landing look like it was done by a pro. We
hope you enjoy the Super Airliner in the air as much as we
do. Welcome to the world of Jet Flight.

33

2006 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code

GENERAL

1) I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events,
air shows or model flying demonstrations until it
has been proven to be airworthy by having been
previously, successfully flight tested.

2) I will not fly my model higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying
the airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid
flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where
necessary, an observer shall be utilized to supervise
flying to avoid having models fly in the proximity of
full-scale aircraft.

3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules
for the flying site I use, and I will not willfully or
deliberately fly my models in a careless, reckless and/
or dangerous manner.

4) The maximum takeoff weight of a model is 55
pounds, except models flown under Experimental
Aircraft rules.

5) I will not fly my model unless it is identified with

my name and address or AMA number on or in the
model. (This does not apply to models while being
flown indoors.)

6) I will not operate models with metal-bladed

propellers or with gaseous boosts, in which gases
other than air enter their internal combustion
engine(s); nor will I operate models with extremely
hazardous fuels such as those containing
tetranitromethane or hydrazine.

RADIO CONTROL

1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment

ground range check before the first flight of a new or
repaired model.

2) I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence

of spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless
assisted by an experienced helper.

3) At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must

be established in front of which all flying takes place
with the other side for spectators. Only personnel
involved with flying the aircraft are allowed at or in
front of the flight line. Intentional flying behind the flight
line is prohibited.

34

2006 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code

4) I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission. (Only properly licensed
Amateurs are authorized to operate equipment on
Amateur Band frequencies.)

5) Flying sites separated by three miles or more
are considered safe from site-to-site interference,
even when both sites use the same frequencies. Any
circumstances under three miles separation require a
frequency management arrangement, which may be
either an allocation of specific frequencies for each site
or testing to determine that freedom from interference
exists. Allocation plans or interference test reports shall
be signed by the parties involved and provided to
AMA Headquarters.

Documents of agreement and reports may exist
between (1) two or more AMA Chartered Clubs,
(2) AMA clubs and individual AMA members not
associated with AMA Clubs, or (3) two or more
individual AMA members.

6) For Combat, distance between combat engagement

line and spectator line will be 500 feet per cubic inch
of engine displacement. (Example: .40 engine = 200
feet.); electric motors will be based on equivalent
combustion engine size. Additional safety requirements
will be per the RC Combat section of the current
Competition Regulations.

7) At air shows or model flying demonstrations, a

single straight line must be established, one side of
which is for flying, with the other side for spectators.

8) With the exception of events flown under AMA

Competition rules, after launch, except for pilots or
helpers being used, no powered model may be flown
closer than 25 feet to any person.

9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person

touch a powered model in flight.

35

8790

© 2006 Horizon Hobby, Inc.

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822

[phone]

www.horizonhobby.com

www.E-fliteRC.com