The AMA does not even require that the pilot boxes exist.

However... if it is a club safety rule that the boxes be used...then read the littl note in the safety code that says... Club safety rules by default become part of the safety code at that club's field. (If the club thinks its needed the AMA wants it obeyed.)

I can tell you that a Pilot's box with safety barriers has saved people at a local club from being hit by models at least 5 times in the last 12 months... There is good reason to use them.

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Ther is a DEFINITE rule that the pilots be on one side of a straight line... and the airplanes in flight be on the other side f that line. (and now a 25 ft separation rule exists ... gotta be 25 ft away except as needed to launch or retrieve a model.)