We would like to update you on our recent government relations efforts in the U.S. and across the globe.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and Irma, we have been in conversations with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the FAA on how to properly leverage UAS during natural disasters. Although Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are often in place to protect emergency response workers, we believe that UAS can be helpful with disaster relief efforts if properly managed. We are in the early stages of conversations with EMS and the FAA about how to make this happen and will keep you updated on our progress.
In Washington, D.C., we continue to work with Congress to ensure our hobby is protected in FAA reauthorization. At this time, it is likely that Congress will defer any substantive decision-making on FAA reauthorization until later this year by passing a continuing resolution. While there could be changes, generally this would maintain the status quo for a little longer and give us more time to emphasize to lawmakers and their staff the importance of protecting modelers.
The government relations team was also busy attending several important events last week. We participated in the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale meeting in Switzerland, the world’s governing body for air sports. In addition, we attended Aviation Rulemaking Committee meetings on remote identification in Washington, D.C., which should come to a resolution at the end of the month. Members of our team also attended InterDrone in Las Vegas, where we operated an AMA booth and networked with others in the UAS industry.
On the local level, our team is working closely with major UAS industry stakeholders to shape proposed legislation in Raleigh, North Carolina, which seeks to prohibit model aircraft in many of the city’s public parks. Currently, the proposed bill is tabled for discussion until next month. If you live in or near Raleigh and would be interested in helping with these efforts, please let us know.
For the most current information on all our government relations work, please visit our website www.modelaircraft.org/gov.