Can I fly in this area?

[POPONG05]

I'm a beginner and I live close by the beach.. Will I get in trouble if I fly it there and not in a flying field? The area is nice with no trees and building structures are 100 yards away from the water/sand. There are no clubs in my area.. (Long Beach, CA). Any suggestions?

[schwa]

i live in santa monica for now, and am getting a trex soon, so i would like to know also

[tdswan]

The AMA insurance only covers you if you're at an AMA sanctioned flying field, so unless you have homeowners insurance, you're at your own risk. I sometimes fly at a local technical college in the evenings when I don't want to drive all the way to the field. They have a few soccer fields on one side clear of any obstructions. Common sense is the big key. I've never gotten into trouble for flying there. Usually the tech school maintenance guys (and other drivers' by) will pull up to watch. Just keep a sharp eye out for any kids who may be coming out to watch. I did have a couple of kids go running into the field once on me. I immediately flew away from the kids and set it down until they got over by me. A lot of people don't realize how dangerous these animals are. The kids live across the street and now know not to do that anymore.

The beach sand may also wreak some havok on the heli. Keep an eye on that as well.

Watching out for kids is the big thing. Adults have the common sense to stay clear of the heli.

I did also notice that's an Exel Gasser, isn't it? It's quite a heli for a beginner.

[heli-cuzz]

Just make sure your ready to fly near buildings and such. I have ama and secretary of my rcclub. The field is seven miles away. I live a 1/4 mile from a school with a huge field behind it, houses line the field about 350 yards away{further than I can drive a golf ball} :D Anyway, my first flite with my Caliber30 was at that field, nothing bad happened, but at that point I shouldn't have been flying there. The heli can move a lot faster than you think, especially in the beginning stages.

Good luck

[RC_Ranger]

...keep a sharp eye out for any kids who may be coming out to watch... A lot of people don't realize how dangerous these animals are...


:D Yep. Kids are quite the dangerous little animals sometimes. :D

[jschief]

I fly by a soccer field by my house. Yesterday some kids kick a soccer ball in the area of the heli. I just set the heli down and called it a day. You always have to be aware whats going on in the area as well as what the heli is doing.

[tdswan]

:D Yep. Kids are quite the dangerous little animals sometimes. :D

LOL. Funny how tat sentence came out! :p

[heli-cuzz]

Safety is main priority. You're right td, most people don't realize how dangerous they can be. Here's a view of the distance to the houses along the field line. Yes, they're having soccer practice down there.That's about 250 yards away.

[Rappy-60]

The AMA insurance only covers you if you're at an AMA sanctioned flying field.....

This is an incorrect statement. If you have AMA insurance, then you are covered where ever you fly, not only at a sanctioned field. Please read your AMA rules before making blanket statements like this.


Rappy 60

[tdswan]

Hey! Welcome! Glad to see you're already contributing! We're a bit friendlier around here. This isn't RunRyder. A simple correction would be nice, I'm not above being corrected. Unfortunately, a few of the members of the club that I am a member of have led me to believe this (and most of the ones I asked still do). Per your ....advice, I DID go to the AMA website and looked it over this afternoon. I'd hate to have a claim if something happened at the local soccer field, etc. Per the facts in THIS DOCUMENT (http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/500-A.pdf), it states that you are covered provided you are following the safety code in THIS DOCUMENT (http://www.modelaircraft.org/PDF-files/105.pdf). Given the strict definitions that the AMA sets up for a safe flying site, I'd worry about coverage in the event of a claim where the AMA was faced with paying out money. I'm betting there'd be some lawyers involved....Choose your site carefully! One discrepancy in the area you're flying and it could end up costing you BIG TIME.

EDIT:
I just ran across this upon processing my yearly renewal. It's copied directly from the renewal form on the website:
Safety code compliance and waiver release of liability statement:

"I agree to comply with the AMA Safety Code for all applicable model operations. I understand that my failure to comply with the Safety Code may endanger my liability coverage for any damages or claims so caused. I further understand that written notice of the occurrence of any incident must be immediately provided."

"I am aware that modeling may present hazards to participants and spectators. I exempt, waive, and relieve the Academy of Model Aeronautics, Incorporated (AMA) from all current or future liability for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death caused by negligence."

[Helifino]

Please read your AMA rules before making blanket statements like this


Thanks for the info,but,was this comment really necessary to make your point?

[POPONG05]

:cool: Thanks a million guys... I really appreciate the info.