Through many threads, hours of bickering, occasional name calling, and tons of finger energy expended. AMA has clarified paintball, and AMA's position on this event. I would like to personally thank Carl Maroney, and the rest of the crew at AMA for taking such care in this matter. In addition, thanks to people like UDET, Littlecrankshaf, hossfly, KidEpoxy, agexpert, and yes... STLpilot, because without all the the attention that we gave this topic we would still be in the same place!
AMA's Clarification on Paintball activities (ground to air) ---
We have completed an extensive review of minutes from both the Safety Committee and the Executive Council meetings. Several individual phone calls and email exchanges have taken place culminating in a recent telephone conference call involving key principals. Participating in that call were the AMA president, the Safety and Insurance Committee chairs, the AMA Special Services Director, the Academy’s insurance broker, and the AMA’s general legal council.
We have concluded that, at this time, there is no AMA policy and no specific exclusion in the Academy’s liability insurance policy, prohibiting the shooting at airborne model aircraft from the ground using a paintball marker when efforts are made to maintain a reasonable level of safety. To insure this level of safety we strongly recommend following the procedures established by the Corona Radio Control Club pertaining to this activity. Copies of these procedures are available by calling AMA Special Services at (765) 287-1256 x 251 or 252.
We want to be clear that this policy DOES NOT apply to the shooting of any projectile, including but not limited to a paintball, FROM a model aircraft. This act is a violation of the AMA Safety Code, General Section, number 8;
I will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which explode or burn, or any device, which propels a projectile of any kind. Exceptions include Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely attached to the model aircraft during flight. Rocket motors up to a G-series size may be used, provided they remain firmly attached to the model aircraft during flight. Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National Model Rocketry Safety Code; however, they may not be launched from model aircraft. Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are authorized to use devices and practices as defined within the Air Show Advisory Committee Document.
We appreciate your patience in this matter.
Carl P. Maroney
Special Services Director
[email protected]
765.287.1256 X250
AMA HQ
5161 E Memorial Dr
Muncie, IN 47302
Website:
http://www.modelaircraft.org