Ok, here's what I find interesting. The AMA document reference says
AMA coverage applies anytime, anywhere – it is not limited to model flying at contests or on
the club field. It even applies to flying at public demonstrations and air shows. Failure to
comply with the safety code may endanger insurance coverage.
So when I read that I see that the AMA insurance may not cover you if you are not following the safety code. Ok, so let's read the new 2006 safety code and make sure we are complying with it. I see this line in the safety code that worries me
4. At all flying sites a line must be established, in front of which all flying takes place. Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the line. In the case of airshows demonstrations straight line must be established. An area away from the line must be maintained for spectators. Intentional flying behind the line is prohibited.
So there is a loophole that could be used for the insurance carrier to not pay in the event of a claim. Will they use the loophole?? Who knows? What I am trying to point out here is don't expect to go anywhere and fly and expect the AMA insurance coverage to cover you. Your best bet is to fly at a club and then you won't have to worry about being covered.
The other problem I have with flying "anywhere" is causing interference with radios at a club. The range with which a radio can safely control the airplane is approximately a mile to a mile and a half. But the distance with which you can cause interference is somewhere along the lines of 3-4 miles. So if you are that distance from a club you could cause problems with their planes. Or if you are flying your plane and you get interference from a flying club and your plane causes damage we are back to the same loopholes listed above in the AMA safety code. This is what is in the safety code about that :
6. I will not knowingly operate my model aircraft within three (3) miles of any preexisting flying site without a frequency-management agreement. A frequency-management agreement may be an allocation of frequencies for each site, a day-use agreement between sites, or testing which determines that no interference exists. A frequency-management agreement may exist between two or more AMA chartered clubs, AMA clubs and individual AMA members, or individual AMA members. Frequency-management agreements, including an interference test report if the agreement indicates no interference exists, will be signed by all parties and copies provided to AMA Headquarters.
Once again, all I am trying to point out is there could be loopholes if you must make a claim. I encourage those that want to fly at places other than a club need to take a few steps of precaution to ensure everything is cool when they fly there.
Ken