Spotters required by AMA?
01-27-2008, 04:48 PM
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Spotters required by AMA?
A question came up at the field today about spotters. AMA rules used to say a spooter was required for turbine operations which was common practice.
A recent look at the latest AMA documents (specfically Document 510-A) makes no mention of a requirement at all.
Before the opinion war starts, I think we can all agree it is a good idea but the question is....is a spotter required by AMA rules. (Not referring to any specific club/field rules, just AMA in general)
I can't find it maybe somebody else may know where it is written or can verify the requirement was specifically removed.
BC
A recent look at the latest AMA documents (specfically Document 510-A) makes no mention of a requirement at all.
Before the opinion war starts, I think we can all agree it is a good idea but the question is....is a spotter required by AMA rules. (Not referring to any specific club/field rules, just AMA in general)
I can't find it maybe somebody else may know where it is written or can verify the requirement was specifically removed.
BC
01-27-2008, 05:00 PM
#2
RE: Spotters required by AMA?
Not a requirement except at jetrally's during actual "jet rally" hours. IE, typically not required the thursday before, and the sunday afternoon. However, Common Sense applies, and most jet guys are going to have one anyway (occasional bug in the eye, etc, just makes sense).
But not required, think about the one jet guy in some far away land flying at an ama field that has 3 pilots. He's still covered if he wants to fly on a Tuesday afternoon, and so are you.
But not required, think about the one jet guy in some far away land flying at an ama field that has 3 pilots. He's still covered if he wants to fly on a Tuesday afternoon, and so are you.
01-27-2008, 05:24 PM
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RE: Spotters required by AMA?
Thanks Sean,
But it doesn't look like it is required by AMA at events either except for someone to handle a fire extinguisher during startup. (AMA 510-O)
Might be hidden in some other document but I haven't found it yet.
BC
But it doesn't look like it is required by AMA at events either except for someone to handle a fire extinguisher during startup. (AMA 510-O)
Might be hidden in some other document but I haven't found it yet.
BC
01-27-2008, 05:38 PM
#4
RE: Spotters required by AMA?
How close are you to an airport?
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/105.pdf
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/105.pdf
5. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level, when within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying
the airport operator. I will yield the right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate.
the airport operator. I will yield the right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate.
01-27-2008, 05:47 PM
#5
RE: Spotters required by AMA?
The only time AMA requires a spotter is as Gb refers for full scale traffic. Certain SIGs require it for events but I don't think the AMA ever required it for any other reason, ie.. just because it's a turbine.
01-27-2008, 06:57 PM
#7
RE: Spotters required by AMA?
I just had a great time flying by myself this afternoon. I don't believe it is required by AMA to have a "spotter" except as mentioned above. I agree that they are helpfull though when present.
01-27-2008, 07:36 PM
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RE: Spotters required by AMA?
Thanks guys,
Gary, good point finding that one about being within an airport. Not an issue here thankfully.
Just looked through my old AMA stuff trying to find it. All I could find was JPO references when we had to fill out all those essay questions years ago.
I just thought it strange how we all seemed to think here that a spotter was required all this time. We just did it as a matter of safety anyway. At least we were on the safety side in our mis-information.
At least the OFs can't say anything if you are by yourself....except the start part....but then again that is for contests/rallies only as I read it.
Happy solo flying when there ano no spotters to be enlisted!
BC
Gary, good point finding that one about being within an airport. Not an issue here thankfully.
Just looked through my old AMA stuff trying to find it. All I could find was JPO references when we had to fill out all those essay questions years ago.
I just thought it strange how we all seemed to think here that a spotter was required all this time. We just did it as a matter of safety anyway. At least we were on the safety side in our mis-information.
At least the OFs can't say anything if you are by yourself....except the start part....but then again that is for contests/rallies only as I read it.
Happy solo flying when there ano no spotters to be enlisted!
BC
08-23-2016, 05:18 AM
#11
Not a requirement except at jetrally's during actual "jet rally" hours. IE, typically not required the thursday before, and the sunday afternoon. However, Common Sense applies, and most jet guys are going to have one anyway (occasional bug in the eye, etc, just makes sense).
But not required, think about the one jet guy in some far away land flying at an ama field that has 3 pilots. He's still covered if he wants to fly on a Tuesday afternoon, and so are you.
But not required, think about the one jet guy in some far away land flying at an ama field that has 3 pilots. He's still covered if he wants to fly on a Tuesday afternoon, and so are you.
08-23-2016, 02:02 PM
#14
LOL its not the police side of the job thats doing it to me its years and years dealing with the FAA. I learned this back in my FAA part 135 days. The best ones are when I tell an aircraft owner that a mandatory service bulletin on his plane is really not mandatory to the FAA and its at your option 
