AMA has been hard at work with the FAA to lessen RID and altitude restrictions for our members. Understanding what options are available for your upcoming event, whether it be sanctioned or unsanctioned, may prove confusing for some members and Event Managers/Contest Directors. Below you will find more detailed information regarding your options.
Remote ID Exemptions
There are a few options for AMA events to operate without the need to broadcast Remote ID (RID) information.
- National Authorization to Exempt Remote ID
Sanctioned AMA events in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace are eligible for an RID waiver under this National Authorization. This RID waiver allows AMA members to operate without needing to broadcast Remote ID information.
The CD or EM is required to request a NOTAM to obtain an RID exemption waiver.
- FRIA Site
Both sanctioned and unsanctioned events held at an existing FRIA (FAA-Recognized Identification Area) site can operate without the need to broadcast Remote ID information.
To apply for FRIA recognition, reach out to FRIA@modelaircraft.org.
- Authorization to Exempt RID
Both sanctioned and unsanctioned events can be held at a flying site that have been granted an Authorization that exempts the RID requirement for daily operations, including events. This exemption essentially provides the same type of RID relief as a FRIA, but without a FRIA designation to the club site.
If your club site is on or near airport property, reach out to lucasr@modelaircraft.org to begin the RID exemption process.
Altitude Exemptions
There are a few options for AMA events to operate at higher altitudes.
- National Altitude Authorization Wavier
Sanctioned AMA events within uncontrolled airspace are eligible for an altitude waiver under this National Authorization. This waiver grants authorization to fly up to the upper threshold of the Class G airspace—either 700 or 1200 ft AGL. Which altitude your sanctioned event can receive depends on your specific location in relation to controlled airspace.
The CD or EM is required to request a NOTAM to obtain an FAA altitude waiver.
- LOA/7711-1
Sanctioned and unsanctioned AMA events may operate at a flying site with an existing LOA/7711-1 agreement that grants them the ability to fly at a previously established higher altitude for day-to-day operations, as well as events.
- Airspace Authorization
Sanctioned events being held within controlled airspace may be eligible to receive an airspace authorization for an altitude higher than permitted on the FAA UAS Facility Map. Contact amagov@modelaircraft.org to request the authorization for a specific altitude for the duration of your event.
AMA wants to make sure our events are enjoyable and help to reduce burdens when possible. We are consistently working with the FAA to further reduce RID requirements for our members and events, as well as finding ways to increase altitude limits for sites in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. If you have any further questions regarding RID and altitude waivers, please visit the AMA Government Affairs blog or contact amagov@modelaircraft.org.