DOT/FAA Announce proposed rule for sUAS

Sunday, February 15 – In a telephonic press conference held today, Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Administrator Michael Huerta announced FAA’s long-awaited proposed regulation for the operation of commercial small unmanned aircraft in the national airspace.

As stated in the FAA press release, the “proposal offers safety rules for small UAS (under 55 pounds) conducting non-recreational operations. The rule would limit flights to daylight and visual-line-of-sight operations. It also addresses height restrictions, operator certification, optional use of a visual observer, aircraft registration and marking, and operational limits.”

“The new rules would not apply to model aircraft.  However, model aircraft operators must continue to satisfy all of the criteria specified in Sec. 336 of Public Law 112-95 (Special Rule for Model Aircraft), including the stipulation that they be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes.”

“The public will be able to comment on the proposed regulation for 60 days from the date of publication in the Federal Register, which can be found at, www.regulations.gov.”

In response to the announcement, the AMA published the following statement…

FAA Notice of Proposed Rule Making for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

MUNCIE, Ind. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the world’s largest model aviation association, today released the following statement in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“While we have not yet fully reviewed the proposed rule, we are pleased to see the FAA has concluded that regulations relating to the commercial use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) should not apply to the longstanding, educational hobby of flying model aircraft. These are two very different activities, and Congress appropriately made clear in 2012 that model aircraft should be exempt from federal regulation. The AMA will review the proposed rule in more detail to ensure that the rights and privileges of the model aircraft community are upheld. 

 “As the nationwide community-based organization for the recreational and personal use of sUAS, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has created relevant safety guidelines, best practices and operating principles that have allowed enthusiasts to operate their aircraft and safely use this technology for more than seven decades.

 “AMA’s 78 years of experience in managing and overseeing the operation of model aircraft shows that a voluntary, community-based approach to managing this activity is far more effective in ensuring enthusiasts operate their aircraft in a safe and responsible manner.

 “To this end the AMA has joined with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International, the Small UAV Coalition and other members of the small UAS and hobby industry in launching the “Know Before You Fly” campaign. This educational outreach has been widely accepted and heralded as a beneficial and effective means of educating the new sUAS enthusiasts and addressing inappropriate or improper use of this technology.

“AMA is committed to preserving the safe, enjoyable and educational hobby of flying model aircraft – without the need for unnecessary, onerous and burdensome government regulations.”

Click the links below to read the FAA documents released in conjunction with this announcement…

FAA sUAS NPRM

FAA sUAS Proposed Rule Press Release

Overview of the Small UAS Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Fact Sheet – 2/15/2015

73 comments

  1. As the safety officer for the Aroostook County Flyers ,AMA # 1924,it was nice to see the FAA classify model aircraft differently as long as used for recreational purposes. We much be ever vigilant in our endeavors and fly responsibly. We appreciate AMA’s tiring efforts in this matter.
    Frank Smith

    1. That’s going to be the real problem, isn’t it? Presumably, people who join AMA are likely to follow the rules. Joining AMA is not a requirement for buying a drone.

      1. Rob, No. Joing AMA is not a requirment for buyinhg a sUAS (drone). However, through the Know Before You Fly campaign we intended to make sure that every purchaser of this technology has the opportunity to join the AMA.

        Rich Hanson
        AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

        1. Hi Rich, that might help, but my point is that anyone can buy a relatively sophisticated drone for a few hundred dollars, charge it up, and launch it 1,500 feet up. It’s happening all over. People will do almost anything to get a YouTube video that might go viral. As you know, AMA grew into the organization it is today because model airplane enthusiasts needed flying fields, and flying fields required clubs, and clubs required AMA membership. What imperative is there for Joe Blow drone pilot to join AMA?

          1. Rob, AMA is today and will continue to be in the future a safe haven for those conscientious individuals who choose to fly safely and responsibly. Those who choose to pursue their 30 seconds of fame on YouTube and willfully fly irresponsibly, unfortunately are going to find themselves faced with stringent regulations and harsh penalties.

            Rich Hanson
            AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  2. I don’t see the NPRM posted as yet on the “Regulations.gov” web page. How can we comment if there is nothing to comment on???

    1. It’s unlikely the NPRM will be posted in the Federal Register until Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Once the NPRM is posted, you’ll then be able to make comment.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

      1. Where do we (AMA & Clubs) stand now with FPV’s? I thought the FAA did not consider the video link the same as “visual line of sight”? Are spotters who can assume control required now?

  3. I would like to see AMA take a more proactive roll in “ensuring” that AMA members (new and old) understand and follow our “hobby” guidelines. AMA should have continuing articles in it’s National Publication “MODEL AVIATION” that teaches and refreshes these guidelines. Most new members don’t even read them through once before signing the form and sending the check to get the AMA card. AMA needs to educate constantly so we stay on the outside of the FAA microscope.

  4. Throughout this entire controversy, it is not the responsible AMA members or clubs that have drawn the attention, but the non-ama operators that are unaware of the rules they are breaking and the jeopardy that they have put the responsible model enthusiasts in.

    1. Yes. AMA still has its Petition for review pending before the DC District Court, and will be meeting with the FAA next week regarding the unresolved issues surrounding the Interpretive Rule.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  5. Although this is a significant step forward on the part of FAA, they are still trying to prescribe one medicine for all. If you are not flying sUAS (model aircraft) as a hobbyist for recreational purposes you automatically fall into the category of commercial user! What about educational use of sUAS?

    I teach a hands-on Aircraft Design course for Aerospace Engineering students, where student teams design, analyze (aerodynamic and stability analysis) and build model airplanes. We take these airplanes to a local AMA certified club field at the end of semester for a few flights and collecting some flight data (RPM, airspeed, battery power, etc). Then, these planes sit in the lab for a year and are broken down into parts by next year’s students for analysis. And I need to get each plane registered just for a few flights! Needless bureaucracy in my opinion (not to mention the need for TSA background check and sUAS operator license). FAA should recognize the use of sUAS for education and research purposes under a separate category and simply extend the same privileges currently enjoyed by hobbyists to academic community.

  6. I’m greatful to AMA and Mr. Hanson for all your efforts on this matter. Both have been a reliable source of information and a voice for all concerned.

  7. Rich, It’s great to see that the FAA has used common sense and has excluded model aircraft from the regs for commercial sUAS. And I’m sure the well thought out, effective communication/lobby by you and others at AMA are the reason they came to that conclusion. Congratulations! Larry Johnson, insurance guy (retiired).

  8. Once again the staff in Muncie has proven that AMA membership is worth every cent, and then some. THANK YOU.

  9. It will be interesting to see how this pans out for people in the hobby who shoot video of RC events. If they sell DVDs containing aerial footage, does that mean they need to have a commercial license?

  10. I believe we’re still missing clarification on what exactly constitutes, “hobby or recreational purposes”. The devil is in the details here.

    Of principal concern is whether a pilot who is fully or partially sponsored (via discounted and/or free equipment) is considered flying for recreational purposes. And the same question for pilots who are paid to travel and fly at fun flys and competitions.

    Further, if an individual is considered non-recreational when making a paid appearance, can they still be considered recreational when flying on their own dime (and what if that dime is provided by an RC manufacturer for other work)?

    The upside is it seems clear the FAA is not intent on trying to ruin our fun. So I doubt they will be traveling to fun flys and competitions looking to police people who may be getting paid to be there. On the other hand, many people prefer to be on the clear side of the law, whether or not there’s risk of enforcement otherwise.

    1. The language in the sUAS proposed rule paraphrased the language in the law (P.L 112-95, Sec 336) which says…

      “the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not promulgate any
      rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft, or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft”

      The language that refers to “aircraft being developed as a model aircraft” specifically refers to aircraft that are being developed and designed for and intended to be marketed to the hobby community. The intent of this language in the law is to allow the hobby industry to continue operating under the hobby (AMA) rules as they have for decades.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  11. Am I correct that the intent still seems to be that model aircraft hobbyists would still have the “within 5 miles of an airport” notification requirement?

    1. Yes. The notification requirement when operating within 5 miles of an airport is written into law in the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (P.L. 112-95, Sec 336)

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  12. We are not out of the woods yet!
    The FAA has left us in murky waters.
    It created more confusion and made nothing safer.
    Left alone the AMA may have resolved many of the problems with Suav pilots.
    Instead the AMA has spent a small fortune lobbing with the FAA.
    With the new direction the FAA has gone the AMA has a new set of problems.
    When does AMA insurance not cover pilots. If they are being payed? What if payed pilot is AMA member flying for hire at AMA chartered field. This could get very strange indeed. Another question have the proposed new interpretation of FAA rules for models gone away? Is it 3 or 5 miles from a airport. Is it 400′ inside of 3 miles. Or is it now 400′ feet everywhere? How about “Soaring” and “Free Flight”.
    Thank You FAA for confusing what are perfectly clear rules with a distorted reinterpretation.

    Ronnie Espolt AMA 891144
    Victor Valley Radio Control Flyers
    Chapter 4439

    1. Short answer… Follow the 2015 AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code and related safety guidelines. This will keep you in compliance and off the FAA’s radar. AMA will keep you abreast of any changes. Your AMA insurance covers all recreational aeromodeling activity.

      AMA still has its Petition for review pending before the DC District Court, and will be meeting with the FAA next week regarding the unresolved issues surrounding the Interpretive Rule.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

      1. Jim, you state the 400 feet does not apply, and to follow the current safety code.However, the AMA has their logo on the Know before you Fly video which states not to fly higher than 400 feet AGL. Can you provide a document from the FAA that states we can follow our AMA safety code stating 400 feet within 3 miles of an airport and no altitude restrictions beyond 3 miles?

        1. Steve, Assuming you’re an AMA member, your reference is the “Special Rule for Model Aircraft”, P.L. 112-95, Sec 336, which does not call out a set altitude for model aircraft and directs you to operate in accordance with the safety guidelines of your community-based organization (AMA). The KBYF campaign targets the non-AMA member who is not participating in AMA’s safety program.

          AMA’s safety program requires you to…

          Remain within visual line of sight
          Not interfere with manned aircraft
          Remain well clear of manned aircraft
          See & Avoid other aircraft and obstacles in accordance with AMA Doc 540-D
          Stay below 400′ when within 3 miles of an airport

          Rich Hanson
          AMA Governemtment and Regulatory Affairs

          1. Regarding the ‘Special Rule for Model Aircraft” P.L. 112-95 Section 336, page four, section 1 states “Restricting operations to 400 feet above the surface”. No mention is made here regarding close proximity to an airport or the guidelines set forth by the AMA. I’m confused. Our local club has a meeting on April 12, I would like to give our membership an informed opinion…Thank you for all the hard work you do on our behalf.

            1. Roger, The ‘Special Rule for Model Aircraft” P.L. 112-95 Section 336 does not contain a criteria restricting operations to 400 feet above the surface in regards to model aircraft operated under the safety guidelines of a community-based organization (AMA). AMA’s Safety Code requires AMA members to remain below 400′ when within 3 miles of an airport.

              Rich Hanson
              AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  13. I have observed several incidents of persons operating UAS with cameras that might be considered violations of FAA rules. On two occasions, I asked the operators purposely “Are you members of AMA”? In both cases, the answer was “No”. My feeling is that until we have the general public educated as to these rules, they will continue to be broken. There have been a couple of highly publicized events regarding improper use of UAS craft recently. I twould be interesting to know whether these cases involved AMA members, or not.

  14. I still do not want to pay “Hundreds” of dollars just to take a few pictures a year and get paid for it..

  15. I must say as one has only recently found the hobby of flying uav\’s, the intrusion of this government (as with everything else) is simply intolerable and an injustice. I will not support in any way any ruling by this government to restrict my rights when I in no way endanger anyone or anything by my actions as a novice pilot. PERIOD.

  16. I find it ironic that after the FAA hanging a “sword of Damocles” of draconian regulation over the sUAS hobby, their NPRM now gives almost “carte balance” to the commercial drone operators. No pilot training? Not even basic aeronautical ground school? 500ft. ceilings? 55lbs.. weights? 100mph speeds? Really? Every AMA club has proficiency requirements for new pilots, with LMA verification for 50lb. models and turbine waivers. No wonder the drone community is ecstatic! Until the first “flyaway,” or worse!

  17. Thank you AMA for all your hard work to ensure that we can continue to enjoy our hobby unencumbered by additional regulations. This is truly wonderful news. You all deserve our heartfelt thanks and kudos for a job well done!

  18. Unfortunately, the dingbats who fly their quadcopters onto the White House lawn, over stadiums, outside hotel rooms, in airport approach paths, etc., cannot be reached by any currently-available means of communication. What to do about them?

    1. When the rules become firm (and maybe even before, as the unwanted activities you mentioned are just common sense) I think the suppliers of the quadcopters, etc should step up and include prominent information on what activities should not be done and guidelines for safe operation with every one sold. That’s the only way to reach all new users.

    2. I hope they get busted to the fullest extent of the law. Especially the one who flew over the White House lawn. I favor responsible use, for both recreational and commercial use.

  19. I am very pleased that the FAA recognized the work that the AMA has done for so many years to promote and safely guide recreational/educational model aircraft flight and therefore entrusted them to continue these efforts into this new era. I wish to personally commend the AMA for their hard work focused upon the protection of our rights as model aircraft enthusiasts. I am pleased that you made sure our voices were heard.

  20. How is this new rule going to affect school programs? They are specific in including Eduction and Academic in the UAS. How can we educate efficiently and economically if the age limit is 17 and the operators and aircraft have to be certified and registered?

    1. We anticipate that the use of model aircraft as a teaching tool to teach STEM curriculum will continue to be able to operate under the hobby (AMA) rules. This is a core issue for the AMA and we will pursue this vigorously.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

      1. I don’t see how this is going to happen unless the FAA revises current NPRM and add a new language for use of model aircraft in STEM/academic curriculum. Currently the term “model aircraft” specifically refers to the sUAS flown by hobbyists for recreational purposes only. Anything beyond that falls into the territory of commercial use even if it is a paper airplane. This was my main point expressed above. We need a new language before this NPRM becomes the rule.

        1. The use of model aircraft as a teaching tool within STEM currilcum is not addressed in the NPRM, or at beat it is poorly addressed. AMA’s position is that you can use model aircraft for this purpose under the hobby (AMA) rules. This is part of AMA’s core values and we will be speaking out strongly on this issue in our comments to the proposed sUAS rulke. I encourage everyone else to do the same.

          Rich Hanson
          AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

          1. I agree with Mr. Vural. We lobbied for and obtained the language in section 336 of PL 112-95. Section 336(a)(1) of the language we pursued defines a model aircraft or aircraft being developed as a model aircraft as one where “the aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use.” That language defines quite clearly what is excluded. STEM would not, by any reasonable interpretation, be “strictly for hobby or recreational purpose” and therefore would be operating under a different section of the law. Sometimes one has to be careful what you ask for, as you just may get it.

  21. How does this affect us experienced modelers who may be asked to train those newbee pilots who want to fly what we now will be calling commercial uses? What responsibility do we have other than from a pure hobbyist standpoint? Should we shy away from anyone showing an interest for what is now known as commercial? Or must we ourselves become certified? We, AMA members and AMA chartered clubs and intro-pilots, have always been willing to help and train. What do we need to do differently now?

    1. For now nothing has changed and probably won’t for another 18 months to two years. AMA hopes that all experienced modelers will reach out to the new community of sUAS enthusiasts and do whatever you can to teach them how to fly safely and responsibly.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  22. I had hoped for the opportunity to add photography from a quadricopter as part of my graphic art and web design service. Do the new rules mean that I now have to learn how to fly a real airplane to get this kind of opportunity? BTW: I’m all for the safe use of these kinds of aircraft as a current AMA member. Does this also mean that any company who makes model aircraft that I fly have to be licensed commercially? It won’t much to ruin this hobby, and for those of us who would like to expand a fun hobby into a commercial venture. I have no plans on snooping on my neighbors, flying over large crowds, or bothering any real commercial aircraft. As I said, as a current member of AMA, I don’t endorse these practices.

    1. No. If the sUAS rule goes into effect as proposed you will not need to learn to fly a real airplane. There will be a specific knowledge test and certification process for sUAS operators.

      The language in the sUAS proposed rule paraphrased the language in the law (P.L 112-95, Sec 336) which says…

      “the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration may not promulgate any
      rule or regulation regarding a model aircraft, or an aircraft being developed as a model aircraft”

      The language that refers to “aircraft being developed as a model aircraft” specifically refers to aircraft that are being developed and designed for and intended to be marketed to the hobby community. The intent of this language in the law is to allow the hobby industry to continue operating under the hobby (AMA) rules as they have for decades.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

      1. Now that it looks like there will be a difference between flying one of these devices for fun and for commercial use, I’m concerned as a graphic artist, web designer and Internet marketer who would love to offer this as a service, that the FAA may charge so much money to be licensed to legally fly one of these things that only the big companies will be able to fly one. I saw some of the proposed prices to be able to get licensed and properly trained on this, and my jaw dropped. i want to make it perfectly clear that I have no desire to fly over large crowds, at airports with planes taking off and landing, and when I do take pictures of individuals and their property, get a signed release from them. This is what most professional photographers do. I’m all for the responsible use of these devices. I just don’t want to see companies like mine being shut out due to prohibitive prices assessed.

        1. And for those who say Pay the money and do the paperwork, I say, fine. I would hate to see what is shaping to be prohibitive costs to get licensed keep the little guy like me out.

          1. If you take another look at the blog above you’ll find a link to the complete NPRM at the bottom of the posting. The NPRM states that the proposed sUAS rule does not apply to model aircraft operating in full compliance with the Special Rule for Model Aircraft established by Congress in the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012.

            Of greater and remaining concern are the unresolved issues regarding FAA’s interpretation of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft published in June 2014. This Interpretive Rule is referenced in the preamble to the NPRM as FAA’s policy and means of enforcing model aircraft activity that endangers the safety of the National Airspace System.

            Rich Hanson
            AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  23. Thanks for the work Rich…and being brave enough to answer questions. With the new proposal for operators, if a person holds a commercial rotory wing license or even a fixed wing license, will that comply with the FAA’s knowledge test or whatever they call it?

    1. Greg, I believe an existing airman’s certificate will suffice; however, the proposed rule does call out knowledge requirements that are specific to UAS. There may end up being an additional rating that can be added to your current certificate.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  24. Use of quad-copter for capturing video (and getting paid for it…)

    Can anyone clarify how this new regulation addresses (authorizes) the use of my quad-copter to capture video’s I’m being paid to produce?

  25. Guys I am still a bit confused. I read these comments and the guidlines for hobbiest , and It looks to me like I can still fly with my FPV GOGGLES as long as im following the guidlines. But here locally by local shops and other flyers I am being told that I can no longer use the goggles for hobby (recreational use only) and that if i want to fly fpv I have to swap out the goggles for a screen. Can I get a simple yes or no on this. Can I as a hobbiest under the new regs from the faa , still fly FPV with my FATShark Goggle system? thanks and sorry for the dumb question.

    1. Yes. You can…

      The safety guidelines and the means of using FPV goggles is spelled in AMA’s FPV safety guidelines in Doc #550.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  26. To the educators who are gripping pay the money and do the paperwork Im sure your buget is larger than my fixed income. I have been flying models for 50 years dont mess with the only thing that gives me enjoyment. To the buissness men tho want to use the copeters in there endevers PAY THE MONEY DO THE PAPERWORK.I had hoped for the opportunity to add photography from a quadricopter as part of my graphic art and web design service. Do the new rules mean that I now have to learn how to fly a real airplane to get this kind of opportunity? BTW: I’m all for the safe use of these kinds of aircraft as a current AMA member. Does this also mean that any company who makes model aircraft that I fly have to be licensed commercially? It won’t much to ruin this hobby, and for those of us who would like to expand a fun hobby into a commercial venture. I have no plans on snooping on my neighbors, flying over large crowds, or bothering any real commercial aircraft. As I said, as a current member of AMA, I don’t endorse these practic

    1. Richard, See my previous posts that answer your questions…

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

    2. Educational use should be included in the model airplane exemption. We are a high school with no budget for models. We use donations to buy them and try to introduce kids into this hobby. Saying our budget is bigger than your income shows a lack of knowledge about how public schools are funded. For me to go out and have to pay to get licensed (I am a full scale commercial pilot by the way) and then register the aircraft just so I can teach the kids to fly and enjoy a new hobby is stupid, I am not flying a sUAS for a business, it is incidental to my job as a teacher. Plus, the registration follows guidelines for full scale airplanes. Also stupid. You have to put a registration number on a model? These things wont last a semester with my kids, I will be having to deregister a wrecked model and register a new one every time one is demolished learning to fly. Remember, this rule is not only about quad copters, but covers all model airplanes used commercially. I do think the rules are a good start, but we do need to move educational use back into the recreational segment of the definition.

    3. Thanks for copying my comments almost word for word. I hope my comments reach the people in this month’s Model Aviation Magazine article about conservation drones. I think they are doing a great service, helping study endangered populations (specially animal species and wildlife communities). Unfortunately, due to the FAA’s proposed rules, they have to go to foreign countries to do their work, and train pilots there. They keep an eye on animal populations to see how many there are, and if poachers have cut into their numbers. It is all right here, in Model Aviation Magazine – Page 31. These folks are not looking to fly around major populations and events. They are looking to use their equipment to keep an eye on, and help protect endangered species. The magazine also talks about the major problems the FAA is putting on them if they wish to do these kinds of surveys in the US. These are experienced drones pilots who are doing these surveys we are talking about here. I have no objection to people having to pass some kind of certification training. But the prohibitive cost makes it hard for anybody to get a license outside of the big companies. Even local and state governmental units oftentimes have to rely on donations from foundations just to acquire these kinds of unmanned aircraft. This person is not looking to ruin the hobby you have engaged in for 50 years. I also engage in this as a hobby. I just happen to see the potential good uses as far as my business goes, and if the FAA is going to charge outrageous prices for entry into doing this commercially, that means folks like me will be shut out. And then, you have only those who can afford a license and those who fly them irresponsibly. It is the clowns who fly them irresponsibly that need to be addressed.

  27. Rich, Thank you for the AMA clarification concerning the Know before you Fly video’s 400 foot AGL requirement. It would have been nice for the video to have differentiated between the AMA and non-AMA flyer. It would have prevented much confusion. After reading the new FAA Aviation Safety Inspector guidance concerning holding a rated pilot to a higher standard if an enforcement action is brought against him/her for an RC (UAS) perceived violation, I wanted to clear that question up. Crazy if a pilot is not exercising his pilot privileges the FAA could possibly take action against it. Anyhow thanks for the efforts.

    Long time AMA member,

    Steve

    P.S. Will the AMA be providing any recommendations concerning the needed comments during this short comment period? Our members need to be informed one person providing a valid comment is one (1) comment, and a group submitting a comment is still considered one (1) comment. In other words; the more valid comments, the better.

    1. Steve, Yes. We will be providing gudelines for the public comment period within the next few days. We just ended a meeting with the FAA on aspects of the Interpertive Rule that carry over to the NPRM. Once we’ve had a chance cover the material from the meeting we’ll be in a better position to provide proper guidance to the membership on how to respond to the NPRM.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  28. Mr.Hanson, your work and continued efforts with the AMA in keeping the separation of Model Aeronautics associations and its members classified as such is greatly appreciated!.As a new AMA member your updated input provides transparency to all
    AMA member who play by the rules!. Keep up the great work and well done!

    1. Thank you George,

      Your comments and encouragement are greatly appreciated.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  29. AMA164430 Hello Rich, I am about to be involved with a manufacturer of multirotor aircraft and am interested in knowing more about the process of becoming certified to fly outside of of the strictly hobby definition. I have a private pilot license.
    Are you aware of any resources that would outline the steps to becoming licensed/certified?
    Thank you, Mark

    1. Mark, visit…

      https://www.faa.gov/uas/

      …for information on the current means of obtaining authorization for the non-recreational operation of unmanned aircraft.

      Rich Hanson
      AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs

  30. So if I read this right, someone wanting to do aerial photography or video commercially (for money) would have to pay $6800 just to get approved/licensed, on top of their equipment costs, and pay a substantial chunk of that every 2 years for renewal?
    What about the club member who shoots video of a club event, including a few aerial shots, then sells DVD’s?

    1. John, you also get it. To those who tell of us to pay the money and do the paperwork, I’d like to see you pay the kind of fee John points out so well. As I said, that is big boy territory.

  31. And much thanks to the AMA for pointing out the issue of the major difficulties researchers such as those in the said above article in getting FAA certification. And much more thanks to those in that research group who acknowledge who see the risk of flying over densely populated areas and the use by irresponsible parties. Those guys get it!

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