As 2025 kicks off with the incoming administration and a new Congress being sworn in, AMA continues to advocate, resolve problems, and build relationships in our nation’s capital. In the last weeks of January, the Government Affairs team visited Washington, D.C., to introduce the organization to incoming members of Congress and advocate for issues our members might face in 2025.
Meetings with senators, representatives, and their staffers covered a host of topics from daily altitude extensions and Department of Defense waivers, to accessing educational grants and programs to help usher in a new generation of model aviators. Discussions with the FAA and associated congressional offices haven’t produced a hard implementation date yet, but we feel confident that the years-long negotiations on altitude extensions in Class G airspace is nearing its end.
With the first meetings of 2025 under our belt, we continue to make an excellent impression on incoming and established decision-makers. AMA is eager to continue connecting with lawmakers, staffers, and federal agency officials to advocate on our members’ behalf. Because many in our community have concerns about public perception of UAS, AMA is proud to boast our members’ commitment to safe, sensible, and fun modeling as the gold standard of recreational model aircraft pilots.
We want to extend our thanks to the offices of Senators Wicker (MS), Sullivan (AK), and Banks (IN), as well as the offices of Representatives Shreve (IN, District 6) and Yakym (IN, District 2). We are also grateful for the time of the majority and minority members from the Aviation Subcommittees on House Transportation and Infrastructure and Senate Commerce.
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. FRIA and Remote ID-related questions can be directed to FRIA@modelaircraft.org.