The Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) has a long standing congenial and cooperative relationship with their Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Transport Canada, perhaps even more so than our current relationship with the FAA. However, issues relating to airspace conflicts and model aircraft operations in proximity to airports are as much of a concern in Canada as they are here in the US.
MAAC recently received communication from Transport Canada indicating there have been several occurrences where pilots of full scale aircraft encountered RC model aircraft flying in close proximity and at or near their (manned aircraft) altitude in congested airspace around very busy airports. MAAC responded by issuing a Safety Bulletin advising its members as to the policies and safety considerations involved in operating model aircraft in proximity to airports and in areas where there is a concentration of manned aircraft flying at relatively low altitudes.
I believe it is import that modelers understand that this issue is equally important in the US and is the principal concern presented when discussing MA operations in the national airspace.
Public Law 112-95 passed by Congress as the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 addresses this issue and establishes statutory safety criteria for individuals operating model aircraft in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization (AMA).
Specifically:
- The model aircraft must be operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft.
- When flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the model aircraft must provide the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport) with prior notice of the operation.
- Model aircraft operators flying from a permanent location within 5 miles of an airport should establish a mutually-agreed upon operating procedure with the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower (when an air traffic facility is located at the airport).
AMA is currently developing the applicable policies, procedures and criteria for enacting the provisions established in PL 112-95, Sec 336, and to ensure its members understand and comply with the statutory requirements.
Though the policies and procedures have not yet been fully developed and adopted and the safety criterion established in this new law has not been fully implemented, modelers should be aware of the safety considerations and comply with the intent of the law by…
* Operating their model aircraft in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to manned aircraft.
* Keeping their model aircraft well clear of all manned aircraft.
* Yielding the right of way to all manned aircraft using AMA’s See and Avoid procedures (AMA Doc 540-D)
* Placing the safety of the manned aircraft above the wellbeing of the model aircraft and continuing to maneuver to avoid airspace conflicts with manned aircraft even if that means sacrificing the model aircraft.
* Being familiar with the flight patterns and flow of manned aircraft traffic above and in proximity to the area intended for model aircraft flight.
* Continuously monitoring the airspace for the presence of manned aircraft.
* Keeping their aircraft within visual line of site at all times.
* Using a model aircraft spotter when conditions warrant
In the article “https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov/2012/10/04/airspace-conflicts-and-ma-proximity-to-airports-not-unique-to-the-us” in the third asterisk item, there is a text reference to “(AMA Doc 540-D)”. May I suggest this me changed to a hyperlink to encourage the reader to review the document. Readers should not have to go digging for an obscure document, especially if it is what the article is abot.
Also, I suggest the first asterisk item be amended to “…does not interfere with and UNCONDITIONALLY gives way to any manned aircraft.” There are NO reasons for a model aircraft to endanger a manned aircraft, even if the manned aircraft went so far as to maliciously enter the airspace of an RC field. A model aircraft must not share airspace with a manned aircraft, even if such evasion might result in the loss and/or destruction of the model aircraft.
…just covering one of the ‘hypothetical justifications’ I’ve heard somebody say…
ron
Ron… Great suggestion. I have added the hyperlink to the blog. Clicking on the text “AMA Doc 540-D” now takes you directly to AMA’s See and Avoid guidance document.
The text you reference regarding noninterference with manned aircraft is taken directly from the law. Though the word “unconditional” does not appear in the law, I would agree with your assertion that there is no reason for a model aircraft to endanger a manned aircraft provided the circumstances allow the MA pilot to take the necessary evasive action.
Rich Hanson
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs