Congress just released a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. This bill is the result of closed-door negotiations between leadership of the House and Senate and includes significant modifications to the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, also known as Section 336. While some of the changes are positive, and include provisions that AMA has championed, overall the bill is problematic. On the whole, it will put even more restrictions on our community in the coming months and years.
As written, this bill puts our community under the authority of the FAA, which means the agency can, at any time, impose additional regulations on model aircraft. In addition, the bill specifically imposes a 400’ altitude limit on model aircraft operating within the programming of a community-based organization (CBO), which could potentially curtail long-standing AMA competitions and events that support local charities and non-profits. These and other changes will make it even more difficult to fly and will stifle the broader benefits of model aviation to STEM education and the broader aviation community.
Through AMA’s persistence and advocacy, there are some helpful elements included in this bill. There are provisions that clear up the previous ambiguity for those flying first-person view (FPV), allowing FPV under the guidelines of a community-based organization (CBO). It would also allow the FAA to designate CBOs and provides a clear definition of a CBO. Lastly, there is no explicit requirement for remote identification and tracking in this bill.
It is important for you to know that this bill has not yet been voted into law. This is a critical moment and Congress needs to hear from our members on the harm this bill would do to our safe, long-standing hobby.
Please make your voice heard by contacting your elected representatives today.
Regardless of the outcome of the reauthorization process, AMA will continue to work with Congress and the FAA to fight for relief from onerous regulations for our members.
Thank you,
AMA Government Relations