ORIGINAL: littlecrankshaf
ORIGINAL: RCFlyerDan
AMA Safety Code 2c-
2.
Model aircraft pilots will:
(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above ground level within three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying the airport operator.
Our Club is with in 3 miles of an Controlled Airport with a Control Zone that goes from the ground up out to 4 Nautical miles and to an altitude of 2500 feet.
Technically, our r/c field is in controlled airspace from the ground up. We have an approximate altitude restriction of 400 feet, as recommended by the AMA. Some think that the 400 feet is so that the pilot stays out of controlled airspace, but they don't realize they are already in controlled airspace the minute they taxi the plane from the pits. It has created a lot of distention in the Club. Some interpret AMA Safety Code that once the Airport Manager has been notified, you can fly above 400 feet, as long as there isn't a more restrictive Club rule.
Others read it as you can NOT go above 400 feet with the Airport Manager Notified in writing, even if there isn't a Club Restriction.
Like I have said, I have been in this Club for 9 years, and it has always been an issue. When a new President and Officers come to power, the rule fluctuates on the interpretation.
PLEASE BE Respectful on the Forum, since this is a touchy subject. Dan
Not sure where to start, but kicking lying dogs can bite you... the rule as written is clear and further clouding it with ''technicalities'' within the club is a road that may well lead to very unfavorable situation for the club. AMA has made the rule and by the the very virtue of being an AMA member you have already agreed to such. So redundant club rules can have unintended ramifications.
As for as agreements go with an airport...you are essentially asking them to absolve your club of liabilities in regards to higher altitude RC flight, all the while putting them in the hot seat...doesn't take much of a genius to figure a likely outcome.
The model field has operated there for a long time...Why muck it up now?
CrankShaft! I appreciate your imput, but try to fly at a hostile Club environment. Please remember that the AMA is nothing more then an Insurance Company, and if you don't abide by their rules, you are simply not insured. In my humble opinion, I am not sure the AMA would be there as an Insurance company, if and when the time comes that you need them.
As for Full Scale, if you don't fly full scale and understand that no matter what happens, 85% of the time it is pilot error. NOTAM's simply notify that full scale pilot of another impending disaster on their flight for that day. It all comes down to see and avoid, but with a NOTAM, at least we each know of each other's presence. Yes, it does then transfer a responsibility to the PIC.