Spektrum DX18 SPM18000 User Manual

SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Effective January 1, 2011

A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft 

capable of sustained fl ight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed 
limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, 
recreation and/or competition. All model fl ights must be conducted 
in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specifi c 
to the fl ying site.

1. Model aircraft will not be fl own:

(a) In a careless or reckless manner.
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are prohibited.

2. Model aircraft pilots will:

(a) Yield the right of way to all man carrying aircraft.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be used 

when appropriate. (AMA Document #540-D-See and Avoid 
Guidance.)

(c) Not fl y higher than approximately 400 feet above ground 

level within three (3) miles of an airport, without notifying 
the airport operator.

(d) Not interfere with operations and traffi c patterns at any 

airport, heliport or seaplane base except where there is a 
mixed use agreement.

(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 pounds 

unless in compliance with the AMA Large Model Aircraft 
program. (AMA Document 520-A)

(f) Ensure the aircraft is identifi ed with the name and address 

or AMA number of the owner on the inside or affi xed to the 
outside of the model aircraft. (This does not apply to model 
aircraft fl own indoors).

(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with 

gaseous boosts except for helicopters operated under the 
provisions of AMA Document #555.

(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the infl uence of 

alcohol or while using any drug which could adversely affect 
the pilot’s ability to safely control the model.

(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices 

which explode or burn, or any device which propels a pro-
jectile or drops any object that creates a hazard to persons 
or property.

Exceptions:
•   Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing 

smoke and are securely attached to the model 
aircraft during fl ight.

•  Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a 

G-series size may be used provided they remain 
attached to the model during fl ight. Model rockets 
may be fl own in accordance with the National Model 
Rocketry Safety Code but may not be launched from 
model aircraft.

•  Offi cially designated AMA Air Show Teams (AST) are 

authorized to use devices and practices as defi ned 
within the Team AMA Program Document (AMA 
Document #718).

(j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in compliance 

with the AMA turbine regulations. (AMA Document #510-A).

3. Model aircraft will not be fl own in AMA sanctioned events, air shows 

or model demonstrations unless:

(a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have successfully 

demonstrated all maneuvers intended or anticipated prior to 
the specifi c event.

(b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an experienced pilot.

4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn 

and fastened. They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE 
approved or comply with comparable standards.

B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)
1. All pilots shall avoid fl ying directly over unprotected people, vessels, 

vehicles or structures and shall avoid endangerment of life and 
property of others.

2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in accordance 

with manufacturer’s recommendations will be completed before the 
fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model aircraft.

3. At all fl ying sites a safety line(s) must be established in front of which 

all fl ying takes place (AMA Document #706-Recommended Field 
Layout):

(a) Only personnel associated with fl ying the model aircraft are 

allowed at or in front of the safety line.

(b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety line must be 

established.

(c) An area away from the safety line must be maintained for 

spectators.

(d) Intentional fl ying behind the safety line is prohibited.

4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control frequencies currently 

allowed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Only 
individuals properly licensed by the FCC are authorized to operate 
equipment on Amateur Band frequencies.

5. RC model aircraft will not operate within three (3) miles of any 

pre-existing fl ying site without a frequency-management agreement 
(AMA Documents #922-Testing for RF Interference; #923- Fre-
quency Management Agreement)

6. With the exception of events fl own under offi cial AMA Competition 

Regulations, excluding takeoff and landing, no powered model may 
be fl own outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for 
the pilot and the pilot’s helper(s) located at the fl ight line.

7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model 

aircraft in fl ight while it is still under power, except to divert it from 
striking an individual. This does not apply to model aircraft fl own 
indoors.

8. RC night fl ying requires a lighting system providing the pilot with a 

clear view of the model’s attitude and orientation at all times.

9. The pilot of a RC model aircraft shall:

(a) Maintain control during the entire fl ight, maintaining visual 

contact without enhancement other than by corrective lenses 
prescribed for the pilot.

(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First-Person View 

(FPV) only in accordance with the procedures outlined in AMA 
Document #550.

Please see your local or regional modeling association’s guidelines 
for proper, safe operation of your model aircraft.