AMA is committed to consistently advocating for the model aircraft community. In addition to working with the FAA and Congress, the Government Affairs department focuses on a number of other tasks.
AMA works with the FAA daily on a host of issues, including securing Letters of Agreement for AMA clubs and Air Force Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets operating in controlled airspace, along with participating in FAA Safety Risk Management panels for our clubs. These local and national panels are used to determine and mitigate risks associated with high-altitude operations, flights on airport property, and several other UAS-related issues. Additionally, the department regularly meets with various members of Congress and congressional committee staff to discuss issues directly affecting the model aircraft community. Finally, AMA participates in various workgroups, working toward UAS integration as well as national security.
New information regarding The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) was recently released. However, AMA has been advocating for our members regarding the test since it was mandated in 2018. Our work ensures that the test meets the intent of Congress without placing an undue burden on our hobby. In the spring of 2019, AMA met with UAS stakeholders and the FAA, hosting a roundtable discussion to define the guidelines and administration of the knowledge and safety test, as well as develop the questions included on the test. In September 2019, AMA sent a request for information to officially declare our interest in becoming a test administrator, and on March 23, 2021, formally submitted our application. Learn more about TRUST on our blog.
AMA has continued coordinating with various UAS industry leaders, including Google’s sister company Wing, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, National League of Cities, Experimental Aircraft Association, Horizon Hobby, and many more.
AMA takes the safety of the National Airspace System (NAS) and model aircraft operations seriously, regularly meeting with security agencies such as the FBI and the United States Secret Service to ensure the safety of the NAS. Additionally, the AMA sits on the FBI’s Weapons of Mass Destruction task force.
Finally, the Government Affairs department makes it a priority to ensure that community and industry leaders remain up-to-date with the latest news within the model aircraft community. The department participates in the AMA Government Advocacy Workgroup, which meets weekly to strategize current and future legislative and regulatory efforts relating to our hobby.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA’s Government Affairs blog.
If you have any further questions, contact the Government Affairs team at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.