FAQ For National Class G 7711

1) Does this apply to my club site?
District leadership has been provided with copies of all authorized sites, but members can also view Attachment 1 at the bottom of this page. This document is already embedded in the Authorization PDF but can be difficult to locate depending upon your software. It has been provided here for ease of reading and site verification. Clubs highlighted in yellow may have time of day restrictions.

Some sites might not be listed because of record issues or ongoing conversations with the FAA. Please contact amagov@modelaircraft.org with questions or newly registered sites needing authorization. Because it is a new authorization, AMA cannot yet provide projected review timelines.

Authorizations are granted by field location in association with AMA, but not by club name. You might need to search for your field by address or city/state because some fields are shared by more than one entity.



2) What airspace class is my flying site in?
Confirming your site should be done through the provided list of approved sites in the question above or through contact with district leadership. If you wish to review a new site for potential authorization, follow this guide to check. In cases where 700 feet and 1,200 feet limits overlap, the lower altitude will apply.


3) Does it apply to my own residential property or other non-AMA sites?
No. Under our current authorization, only sites registered with AMA for club use in Class G airspace are covered. Unless your property also serves as a registered flying site for your club members, it will be subject to the native airspace ceiling in your area.


4) Does our club need a NOTAM?
NOTAMs are not required for daily operations to take advantage of higher altitudes; however, NOTAMs will apply if operating above 400 feet during a sanctioned event because of the anticipated air traffic increase.  

For more on navigating event requirements, see our guide.

5) How do I request a NOTAM?
To request a NOTAM, use this guide.
 
6) Can I fly up to 700 or 1,200 feet AGL at night?
No. This authorization allows for flying up to the lower threshold of Class G airspace from sunrise to sunset. Nighttime operations are authorized only up to 400 feet above ground level (AGL) and in accordance with AMA guidelines.
 
7) Airport Letters of Agreement
This authorization states that those within 2 nautical miles of a Class G airport must have an agreement. Although an agreement in writing is always best, this does not mean that the airport must sign such an agreement. Work to get such an agreement in place, but at the very least, inform nearby airports of club operations and ensure that all proper safety measures are being taken to give way to manned aircraft. These efforts should then be documented by the club.

The resulting document does not need to bear the airport management’s signature, although it can if the club and airport wish to share documentation or need more robust monitoring of the airspace. The document should be kept by the club officers to attest that they have communicated their operations to nearby full-scale air traffic and will cooperate in good faith to safely utilize the airspace.


8) Can sites in controlled airspace be added to this authorization?
No. This authorization only applies to known fixed sites within Class G airspace.

9) What is the 3 mile/3,000 feet requirement for events?
Events operating under this authorization are to monitor all weather conditions, requiring 3 miles of visibility and the altitude of clouds are at 3,000 feet or greater. AMA is working to reduce this requirement, but until that time, club events in applicable airspace will need to adhere to these measurements.

10) Notes on Language Amendments
AMA is seeking tweaks to operational language listed in the authorization for clarity, easing burdens on modelers, and to ensure that this authorization continues to be available in the future. All AMA members will be updated if and when new versions of this authorization become available.

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 email amagov@modelaircraft.org.