AMA Government Affairs Director Tyler Dobbs traveled to EAA’s AirVenture 2021 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin where he gave a presentation alongside EAA’s Government Advocacy Specialist, Lily Johnson.
The presentation covered several topics, such as AMA and EAA’s participation in the Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) and the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team (UAST). The DAC provides the FAA with advice on key UAS integration issues by helping to identify challenges and prioritize improvements. The UAST is an industry/government partnership committed to ensuring the safe operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS). The UAST supports the safe integration of UAS with data-driven safety enhancements and collaboration among members of the UAS industry.
The Final Rule for Remote ID of Unmanned Aircraft and the three ways to comply with the rule was another topic discussed. A person operating in the NAS will need to comply with Remote ID requirements beginning September 16, 2023. For a more detailed look at the Final Rule, click here. There are three ways to comply with the rule:
- Standard Remote ID
- Broadcast Modules
- FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA)
Additionally, Safety Risk Management Panels (SRMP) and the Letters of Agreement (LOA) needed for flying sites located in controlled airspace were discussed. Clubs wishing to attain an altitude higher than what is assigned to them on the FAA UAS Facility Map can request an SRMP where AMA has been successful in obtaining LOAs with altitudes as high as 2,000 feet AGL.
Finally, draft Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57C and its details, regarding Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), educational UAS operations, a waiver process for sanctioned events, a process for higher altitudes at fixed flying sites in Class G airspace, and night operations was also discussed. AC 91-57C details recognition of CBOs, which will allow AMA a stronger voice regarding future regulations by requiring the FAA to consult the recreational UAS community when updating model aircraft operational parameters. The AC also clarifies that educational UAS operations can be performed under US Code 44809, the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft.
To listen to EAA’s radio interview with Tyler Dobbs and Lily Johnson, click here for part one and here for part two.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog.
If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.