For 2004, looks like the 3D guys are no longer able to do tail touches. I guess we jet flyers are not the only group AMA is scrutinizing. I reckon Helos are next on the AMA's hit list.

LAST YEAR'S RULES
--- 2003 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code -- Effective January 1, 2003 ---
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a powered model in flight


THIS YEAR'S RULES
--- 2004 Official AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code -- Effective January 1, 2004 ---
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a powered model in flight; nor should any part of the model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch the ground, except while landing.


JR

I take this to mean that it is not legal for the glider guys to catch their models as they aproach for landing? Too bad, I had a lot of fun being the catcher for a good friend of mine several years ago. I was never worried about injury to myself. I was always worried about the leading edge being damaged if I didn't grab the nose properly.

John

Gliders aren't "Powered Models".

I guess it's still legal to tail touch water!

i don't know why that would be a ruel if you touch you tail the only thing it could hurt is the plane

Really!!??!

There is no way I would trust our little hobby transmitters with my life.

I guess we can't reach out and pluck our Micro Electric Helicopters out of the air either, Huh?????

If you take the wording literally, then an unintentional side-effect of this rule is this : if something goes wrong with your model, you are not allowed to intentionally sacrifice the aircraft to ensure the safety of anyone nearby - you have to try to land it.

Gordon

According to my conversation with my AMA District VP, the concern was doing a tail touch a bit too hard and damaging the control surfaces and/or stripping the servo gears, and then you have an over-powered, uncontrollable aircraft close to the ground and the flight line. I'm not making a judgement here, just communicating their thought process...

Bob

i here that the ama might set up a waiver system for 35% and larger
just a rumor dont know how true or not.
vinny

Why is the AMA implementing this rule? Have there been claims doing tail touches with 3d planes? I think the AMA is taking a power trip, and taking advantage of its members. They are only trying to limit their liability, not trying to make the hobby safer. They figure as long as they can bust you on some rule (which they soon will almost always be able to) they will not have to pay out any claims. I wish I had a field I could fly out of that did not require AMA.



Angry Member
Ted V.

Is tail touching that big of a deal?

Doesn't it look just as impressive as being 6" off the ground?

This subject has been beat to death in other forums, but think about it, you can non intentionally touch the tail all day long. Just don't file a claim that says you were tail touching when things went haywire.

It's not that big of a deal, the AMA is voluntary, if you don't like it, don't join.

Good luck finding an insurance policy to cover you for $55 per year.

In talking to Dave Brown, he rejected the idea that doing damage to the rudder, linkage, or servo was going to cause the loss of control of a plane. The AMA's general counsel is of the opinion that if the plane subsequently is involved in an accident, even after several minutes of normal flight, that it is virtually and indfensible position. The opposing attorney will paint a picture of the plane having been banging it's tail on the ground, and the the 'prudent person' sitting on a jury will not reject the arguement.

The rule also eliminates helicopters doing "inverted button touches", "inverted blade scuffing" and "inverted mowing the lawn"

JR

why is this discussion going on in the jet forum. DON'T KNOW OF ANY JETS THAT CAN DO TAIL TOUCH

Can't help you if you're not up to speed, everyone here has been doing tail touches for years with our jets

guys
i have a feeling that the ama is under a lot of pressure from the insurance companys
to show that they are making a big effort to regulate our hobby
there was a good write up in rcm about the law and r/c flying
it was pretty good.the insurance companys want to limit the
chances of a big claim before it happens
just my 2 cents
vinny

Carlos Love,

I posted this post in the Jet forum because a lot of jet flyers also fly other things, like 3D planes and Helis. Based on what has been on going with the AMA and us turbine jet flyers, I thought it might be good to pass the information along incase someone had not realized that rule #9 changed.

JR