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ALASKA LEGISLATURE RECOGNIZES AMA AS A COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION, APPLAUDS DRONE EDUCATION EFFORT
MUNCIE, INDIANA – The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), the world’s largest organization representing those who fly model aircraft for recreation and educational purposes, today was recognized by the Alaska State Legislature as an official community-based organization. The resolution also applauds AMA’s central role in model aircraft and drone education.
House Joint Resolution 5, sponsored by State Rep. Shelley Hughes, passed the Alaska House on February 20th and today it was approved by the Alaska State Senate. This joint resolution formally recognizes and offers support for AMA’s community-based guidelines that teach users how to fly safely and responsibly. Rep. Shelly Hughes, who is also the UAS Legislative Taskforce Co-Chair, released the following statement:
“Alaska recognizes the Academy of Model Aeronautics as a Community Based Organization for establishing safety guidelines and best practices for the recreational flyer and keeping our skies safe. The AMA has been represented on the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Legislative Task Force since its inception and has provided great input as the committee has offered legislation and policy recommendations for UAS operations. I invite you to visit www.alaskadrones.org for current news and to watch for Alaska’s privacy guidelines for all unmanned aircraft systems operators.”
AMA published its first safety standards in 1936 and has been continually updating these standards in compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, as the technology has evolved. AMA has been operating in Alaska since 1957, when the first Alaska-based community clubs were established. Today, AMA has 7 clubs and nearly 500 members in the state. AMA also works closely with the 28th Legislature’s Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, which is chaired by Rep. Shelly Hughes.
“Our first priority has always been safety,” said Dave Mathewson, Executive Director of AMA. “We are humbled that the state of Alaska has honored us and we are committed to helping all recreational users fly safely for many more years to come.”
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About AMA
The Academy of Model Aeronautics, founded in 1936, continues to be devoted to national airspace safety. It serves as the nation’s collective voice for approximately 175,000 modelers in 2,400 clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Muncie, Indiana, AMA is a membership organization representing those who fly model aircraft for recreation and educational purposes.