On November 13, 2020, AMA reported that Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57C was under review for final sign-off by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Because of required revisions and reviews, AC 91-57C is likely delayed until President Biden fills key agency positions within the FAA and the Department of Transportation (DOT). AC 91-57C contains information regarding the recreational UAS knowledge and safety test, a process for community-based organization (CBO) recognition, and possibly night flying in controlled airspace. After the AC is published in the Federal Register, members will be able to submit their comments.
AMA continues to work with the FAA in securing Safety Risk Management (SRM) panels for clubs wishing to attain a higher flying altitude than what is allowed on the FAA UAS Facility Map. AMA is also working with the FAA to streamline this process so that more clubs can receive panels.
The final rule on Remote ID was released to the public on December 28, 2020. However, it wasn’t published to the Federal Register until January 15, 2021, which makes the date of when the 3-year implementation period begins March 16, 2021. Starting September 16, 2023, a person operating in the National Airspace (NAS) will need to comply with Remote ID requirements. Additionally, AMA is currently meeting with broadcast module designers and manufacturers to share our members’ needs regarding Remote ID solutions. It will likely be months before broadcast modules hit the shelves, but many in the industry still expect the cost to be in the $20-$50 range. For a more detailed summary of the final rule on Remote ID, click here.
Finally, clubs within a 30 mm radius of Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, should expect more frequent Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in the area while President Biden is in office. To check on current issued TFRs, check the FAA’s TFR list, or AMA’s NOTAM page. You can learn more about NOTAM/TFRs here.
To keep up-to-date with the most recent government-related news, visit the government affairs blog regularly.