13C
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
1. Purpose
This advisory outlines safety standards
for operations of model aircraft. We
encourage voluntary compliance with
these standards.
2. Background
Attention has been drawn to the
increase in model aircraft operation.
There is a need for added caution when
operating free flight and radio controlled
craft in order to avoid creating a noise
nuisance or a potential hazard to full-
scale aircraft and persons and/or
property on the surface.
3. Operating Standards
Modelers generally are concerned
with safety and exercise good judgment
when flying model aircraft. However,
in the interest of safer skies, we
encourage operators of radio controlled
and free flight models to comply with
the following standards:
a. Exercise vigilance in locating full-
scale aircraft (get help if possible) so
as not to create a collision hazard.
b. Select an operating site at
sufficient distance from populated
areas so you do not create a noise
problem or a potential hazard.
c. Do not fly higher than 400 feet
above the surface.
d. Always operate more than three
miles from the boundary of an
airport unless you are given
permission to be closer by the
appropriate air traffic control facility
in the case of an airport for which a
control zone has been designated or
by the airport manager in the case
of other airports.
e. Do not hesitate to ask for
assistance in complying with these
guidelines at the airport traffic
control tower or air route traffic
control center nearest the site of
your proposed operation.
Information Provided By:
Director, Air Traffic Service Federal
Aviation Administration, Washington, D.C.
86 XP6102 - Manual
13D
DAILY FLIGHT CHECKS
1. Check the battery voltage on both
the transmitter and the receiver
battery packs. Do not fly below 9.0V
on the transmitter or below 4.7V on
the receiver. To do so can crash
your aircraft.
Note: When you check these
batteries, ensure that you have the
polarities correct on your expanded
scale voltmeter.
2. Check all hardware (linkages, screws,
nuts, and bolts) prior to each day's
flight. Be sure that binding does not
occur and that all parts are is properly
secured.
3. Ensure that all surfaces are moving in
the proper manner.
4. Perform a ground range check before
each day's flying session. The range
check should be as follows:
• Do not extend the transmitter antenna
at this time. Turn the transmitter "on."
• Turn the model "on."
• Slowly walk away from the model while
moving the control surfaces. The
aircraft should function properly at a
distance of 60–75 feet.
5. Prior to starting your aircraft, turn off
your transmitter, then turn it back on.
Do this each time you start your
aircraft. If any critical switches are on
without your knowledge, the transmitter
alarm will warn you at this time.
6. Check that all trim levers are in the
proper location.
7. All servo pigtails and switch harness
plugs should be secured in the
receiver. Make sure that the switch
harness moves freely in both directions.
