AMA Saftey Code

Even us modelers know better than to fly near powerlines!

Speaking of power lines, what would be the minimum safe distance to have the model fly from a power line? The instructions in the Nobler ARF book say 50ft. I have never had the need to fly in any proximity to a power line before, now I have one running thru my property. I wanted to clear a flying circle in the spring, and I will end up at about 50 ft from the lines if I set up where I want to. I am looking for a few opinions about this potential hazard from you guys that have "been there", Thanks...............

I was told and follow this rule. Never fly nearer than 600 feet from transmission lines and 300 feet from other power lines (feeders like along most streets). The lines of force around a line with power flowing can be very large and our metal lines passing through this force field (not unlike a magnetic field) will cause EMF induction into our lines and then if gound is there, ZAP. You're fried. End of tale. Not unlike a coil in the ignition system or a transformer (smae thing). Just be safe and stay far away-600 feet or more.

7500 volts will jump 10 feet.
100,000 volts about 12-15 feet.
600 feet Two football fields A little to much.

Scott

Well, can't ignore Paschen's law. Figure 1000V/cm in air to START an arc. AMA safety code says 50 feet from power lines. Here's my way of figuring that 50 feet. If I'm flying with 60 ft. lines, I figure twice the line length plus the 50 ft plus circle center 'wander'. So, center of the circle NEVER closer than 200 ft from any power line. And that distance makes me a little nervous.....

Steve ..

>7500 volts will jump 10 feet.
>100,000 volts about 12-15 feet.
>600 feet Two football fields A little to much.
>
>Scott

Ty is right. I'd be more concerned about induced voltage in the flying lines caused by the magnetic field arround the powerlines than I would an arc. In air, 7500 VAC will arc approx. .100" and that's sharp point configuration which lengthens the distance an arc can be produced.

Depending on the power system, you could be around "High Tension" lines which are 69000 VAC.. Secondary stuff is usually 12,470 VAC

Personally, I wouldn't fly much closer than 600 ft. from the high tension lines. Your mileage may vary!

Static build up will cause some excitement too. I remember flying one time right before an electrical storm moved thru. I got some heavy jolts before the thing ran out of fuel! Don't do that anymore.

Physically 50 ft. from local(7000 volt) transmission lines is OK. BUT the center of the circle has to be well marked and you have to pay strict attention to it. It is amazing how easy it is to wander 50 ft. when the lines go slack!!!

Ty's recommendation is a bit generous, but very safe. The best thing is to look at your site and lay out the pits/spectator area and the circles to ensure that pilots won't inadvertently wander towards the power lines. Like, put the pits between the center of the circles and the power lines.

I lost a good friend to some 7000 volt lines. Fortunately I wasn't there, but his poor wife and nephew were. The result is not pretty and you end up dead.

LAST EDITED ON Jan-28-04 AT 08:40 PM (CDT)
 
Ok, thanks you guys, 600ft puts me back to square one, (looking for a place to fly). Just so you know, I would NOT have positioned myself where the plane could fly closer than 50ft. ##### powerlines, no wonder I got this place so cheap.
These power poles are wood, carry 3 lines, and are, in my guesstimation, about 60 ft off the ground. There is a cable (grounding cable?) running the full length of the pole, transmission wires to the earth. If the voltage does not jump the 8-10 ft to this cable, then I should be ok at 50ft plus a few, yes? BUT, I will not fly near them until I study this better. Again, thanks for the words of wisdom.

This dose not really help you but I fly about 220' from the street home current wires. Over the past 8 years I have put up over 1500 flights. Never a problem.

>Ok, thanks you guys, 600ft puts me back to square one,
>(looking for a place to fly). Just so you know, I would NOT
>have positioned myself where the plane could fly closer than
>50ft. ##### powerlines, no wonder I got this place so cheap.
> These power poles are wood, carry 3 lines, and are, in my
>guesstimation, about 60 ft off the ground. There is a cable
>(grounding cable?) running the full length of the pole,
>transmission wires to the earth. If the voltage does not
>jump the 8-10 ft to this cable, then I should be ok at 50ft
>plus a few, yes? BUT, I will not fly near them until I study
>this better. Again, thanks for the words of wisdom.

Flying near Power lines is the first rule of NO-NO. The Closest I fly near Power lines is 70’-90’ from the edge of the circle. There’s no room for ere. That’s why I only fly 60’ or less line in this area. Most of the time it’s the bi-slob or 1/2a planes.

you will be safe with a fifty foot gap between the edge of the circle and the power pole. Local power lines on wood poles with a single short insulator are usually 7000 volts, which sounds like what you are dealing with. Call the power company and ask. A house line from a transformer on the pole would be less. The AMA code calls for 50 ft. separation.

Just make darn sure you can't and won't wander over towards the wires. That, more than anything, is probably what kills people. If you have to, throw down some railroad ties or blocks on the ground so you trip before you get too close if you are prone to wandering.