aircraft size limits
02-22-2008 | 03:23 PM
#3
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From: Tucson,
AZ
RE: aircraft size limits
Thanks. That's what I thought. Then why do I see 50% airplanes competing where the manufacturer claims finished weights well in excess of that limit?
02-22-2008 | 05:39 PM
#4
RE: aircraft size limits
You can request a special waiver from AMA to fly large aircraft. It's very common.
Page 3 --- Rule #2
The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/memanual.pdf
Here is the Waiver on the 55lb limit
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/520-A.pdf
Here is the inspector list if you need somebody to look at a big airplane:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/520-B.pdf
Current Issued permits:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/520-C.pdf
Page 3 --- Rule #2
The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds, except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/memanual.pdf
Here is the Waiver on the 55lb limit
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/520-A.pdf
Here is the inspector list if you need somebody to look at a big airplane:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/520-B.pdf
Current Issued permits:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/520-C.pdf
02-22-2008 | 06:43 PM
#7
RE: aircraft size limits
Yup. He needs to have an inspector go over the plane. He needs to fly it and prove that he can handle it and it is safe to fly. There is some process to the whole thing. I don't know all the details. The general idea is that it gets inspected by an official and then it must be flown a certain number of times to "prove" it. Then he gets the waiver/permit.
At that point--it's the same as any other plane in the hands of a covered AMA pilot. Doesn't matter if it's a 5% design or a 65% design. If it's under 55 pounds he can fly it. OR, if it's over 55 pounds he has to get a waiver/permit to fly it-- and it's legal in any IMAC contest or AMA sanctioned field.
I imagine that a local club could have a specific rule regarding weight of planes and DQ a guy for having a plane that was too big. But I doubt that you'd ever see it happen. Almost everybody that I've ever seen or talked too likes 'em big. The bigger the better!! [>:] Can't imagine anyone complaining that a plane was TOO big.
Thats like telling a woman she's got too many shoes. [sm=lol.gif]
At that point--it's the same as any other plane in the hands of a covered AMA pilot. Doesn't matter if it's a 5% design or a 65% design. If it's under 55 pounds he can fly it. OR, if it's over 55 pounds he has to get a waiver/permit to fly it-- and it's legal in any IMAC contest or AMA sanctioned field.
I imagine that a local club could have a specific rule regarding weight of planes and DQ a guy for having a plane that was too big. But I doubt that you'd ever see it happen. Almost everybody that I've ever seen or talked too likes 'em big. The bigger the better!! [>:] Can't imagine anyone complaining that a plane was TOO big.
Thats like telling a woman she's got too many shoes. [sm=lol.gif]
