Resources for Sanctioned Event Waivers

In March, the FAA finalized a process for AMA sanctioned events in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace to receive higher altitudes up to 700 or 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL). To receive a higher altitude for a sanctioned event, AMA contest directors and event managers will need to submit for a NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions).

*Note: We recommend filing a NOTAM no more than 7 days in advance of your event. You will not receive a NOTAM number during the call if you call earlier.

To issue a NOTAM for your event, you need to:

  1. Call 1-877-487-6867.
  2. The NOTAM system will recognize your state by the phone number from which you are calling.
    • If it is not the same as the location of the event, press 1 and follow the prompts to enter the correct state.
  3. After your state has been confirmed, you will be directed to a representative. It is possible that the information you will be asked to provide will vary slightly depending on the state/representative. Likely questions include:
    • What is the NOTAM being issued for?
      • Answer UAS operations
    • Have you issued this NOTAM in the last 30 days?
    • Is the NOTAM going to be at an airport, or would you like to provide latitude/longitude?
      • Answer latitude/longitude and then provide it in degrees, minutes, seconds.
    • How high are you looking to go?
      • 700/1,200 feet, depending on the location of the event. You can learn how to determine which altitude you can receive here.
    • How much is the nautical mile (nm) radius for the NOTAM?
      • ¼ nm radius is sufficient for most events, but ½ nm radius may be needed for very large flying sites.
    • What is the date of the NOTAM?
    • What is the start time?
      • They will need a specific time with time zone. Please keep in mind that your altitude waiver is for daylight only. In addition, if your event is multiple days long, using the same start and finish time for each day will allow you to issue one NOTAM. However, different start/finish times each day will require multiple NOTAMs. AMA would encourage you to issue the NOTAM for the same start/finish time for every day of your AMA sanctioned event.
    • What is the end time?
      • See above “start time” information.
    • The representative will then likely put you on hold while they verify location. They may have additional questions when they return regarding the location.
    • You will then provide your initials and be asked if you are an individual or representing a group.
      • Academy of Model Aeronautics
  4. At the end of the call, the representative will give you a NOTAM number. Be sure to write that number down and email it to waivers@modelaircraft.org. AMA needs this number in order to issue your waiver certificate.

If the contest director or event manager fails to issue a NOTAM for their sanctioned event, a waiver for the event will not be granted and operations will be capped at 400 feet AGL for the duration of the event.

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.

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