Revised BOM Rule in effect

As Contest Director for the this years NATS / USOC, I feel a few words are in order to make things perfectly clear regarding the revised Builder Of the Model rule which is part of the new AMA rules for 2013.  

This revised BOM rule applies to not only the official AMA events, but also applies to the NFFS (Nostalgia) and SAM (Old Timer) events being flown at the NATS / USOC since their respective rules reference the AMA rules.   

This revised BOM rule allows models that were originally constructed by modelers who are “no longer able to actively compete” to have their models flown in competition by another modeler.   

Note this revised BOM rule is NOT "Proxy Flying" as it is not meant so that an active modeler who can not attend the competition can “enter” by sending his model with someone else. NOR is this revised BOM rule a “Team Entry”.  Proxy Flying and Team Entry are described in other portions of the AMA rule book.

The operative wording of the new revised BOM rule is: “The following exception to the Builder of Model rule will apply: If the person who originally constructed an Outdoor Free Flight model is deceased, physically or mentally infirmed or, due to age, is no longer able to actively compete, another competitor may fly that model in competition.”  

It should be further noted, that the competitor who competes with the model does so as if it were his model, i.e., the competitor's AMA number is the only one necessary as described in the AMA rule book.  Also, all responsibility for the safety of said such model is assumed by the competitor flying the model.   

Here is book-chapter and verse of the modified BOM rule from the current AMA rule book:  
2013-2014 Rules Governing Model Aviation
Competition in the United States
Outdoor Free Flight  

Free Flight General
1. Applicability. In addition to the following General Free Flight Rules and the specific rules for each Free Flight event, Free Flight model aircraft construction, flying and competition are also governed by the rules of the following section: Sanctioned Competition, Records, and General. The following exception to the Builder of Model rule will apply: If the person who originally constructed an Outdoor Free Flight model is deceased, physically or mentally infirmed or, due to age, is no longer able to actively compete, another competitor may fly that model in competition. The model may not be flown by more than one competitor in any sanctioned contest. This exception to the Builder of Model rule will not apply to those models that were produced with the intent of being commercially marketed. Although the following general and specific rules primarily govern competitive activity in AMA events, it is strongly recommended that, in the interests of safety and consistency, they be followed in all Free Flight activity.  

Reference:  http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/2013-2014OutdoorFreeFlight2.pdf  

Joe Mekina
2013 Outdoor FF NATS / USOC Contest Director

Contest Director’s website: http://www.outdoorffnats.com
My email: outdoorffnatscd@gmail.com cell: 937-317-0605