Recently, the AMA Government Affairs team traveled to Washington D.C. The week started off with an FAA workgroup visiting a local club’s flying site to discuss remote ID and the FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) application process. As one of three ways to comply with the Final Rule for Remote ID, a club granted FRIA status will be able to fly aircraft at their flying site(s) without the use of a broadcast module. Currently, the process to apply for FRIA status is not set to begin until September 2022 at the earliest.
During the visit, the workgroup was introduced to several different types of aircraft, from pylon racers, to RC helicopters, to turbine engine jets. This opportunity allowed the FAA representatives to experience AMA’s safety culture, and learn about the various disciplines within our hobby.
For the remainder of the week, the Government Affairs team met with several Congressional offices and committees. Below is a list of Congressional offices that were met with:
- Representative Garret Graves (R-LA)
- Representative Greg Pence (R-IN)
- Senator Todd Young (R-IN)
- Senator James Inhofe (R-OK)
- Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
- Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
- Senate Commerce Committee
- House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
The meetings were very productive, and AMA looks forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of our members. More trips are already planned for the coming months to further discuss issues that directly affect AMA members and the model aircraft community.
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.