AMA is excited to share the introduction of a new bill which represents the efforts on AMA’s part to continue delivering greater flexibility and tangible improvements for our community. As members may recall, AMA secured higher altitude ceilings for AMA club fields in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace in April 2025 following years of focused negotiations and efforts.
While that Class G extension delivered meaningful relief to many AMA members, altitude ceilings still could not rise beyond 700’ AGL or 1200’ AGL, depending on location. For a few, this posed challenges, particularly for disciplines such as thermal soaring, that rely on higher altitudes. However, with AMA’s efforts with Congress and the assistance from Representatives Tracy Mann (R-KS, sponsor) and Sharice Davids (D-KS, co-sponsor), a pathway for even higher altitudes and clarification of operations in Class E airspace should be close at hand.
Representatives Mann and Davids introduced H.R. 6460 to the House on December 4, 2025. The bill seeks to correct a legislative error from 2018 in Title 49 related to airspace classifications. Once enacted, H.R. 6460 will streamline and clarify airspace authorizations in certain Class E areas, reducing confusion for some AMA sites, and creating an approval mechanism for higher-altitude operations in uncontrolled airspace. While these efforts have broad support from the House and FAA, turning any bill into law remains a lengthy and difficult process.
After its mark-up review by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the coming weeks, the bill must pass the House before being sent to the Senate for their proceedings. In the Senate, it will go before relevant committees, potentially be amended, and then must pass a full Senate vote. The House and Senate must then reconcile their versions, if any differences exist, before sending the bill to the President for signature. AMA will provide updates on major milestones throughout this process.
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.