Last week was another busy week for AMA in Washington, D.C., where the government affairs team has held multiple meetings with members of Congress and other industry stakeholders to discuss FAA reauthorization and other issues. We’ve met with the National Aeronautic Association, National League of Cities, the National Association of Realtors […]
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Drone Federalism Act
As you may know, a bipartisan group of United States Senators has introduced legislation known as the “Drone Federalism Act” that would give state and local governments some authority to restrict drone and model aircraft flights under 200 feet. If enacted, this proposal could make life more complicated for our […]
Continue readingWhat we really need to ensure the safety of our skies
We are excited to share with you a new op-ed by AMA president Rich Hanson, which was published in The Hill newspaper: “What we really need to ensure the safety of our skies.” This opinion piece, which you can read in full below, focuses on the importance of community-based […]
Continue readingAMA participates in self-reglatory roundtable
On June 6, AMA Government Relations and Public Affairs Director Chad Budreau participated in a roundtable discussion in Washington, D.C. on self-regulation and economic growth in the UAS sector. At this event, AMA was joined by experts in the aerospace and aviation sectors, including representatives from Congress and government agencies. […]
Continue readingFAA Registration Requirement Struck Down
On Friday, May 19 the federal appeals court struck down the FAA’s registration requirement for recreational model aircraft. You can read the opinion here. The Court ruling is effective immediately. As such, if you have not registered with the FAA, you are no longer required under the law to do so. […]
Continue reading1QTR 2017 Government Relations Update
Government Relations Update – April 2017 2017 is shaping up to be another busy year on the legislative front. At the federal and local level, some legislators are discussing bills that could harm our hobby. We take these legislative proposals seriously and wanted to share an update on our efforts […]
Continue readingUAS Military Flight Restrictions FAQ
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced airspace restrictions over 133 military facilities to address national security concerns. These new restrictions, outlined in NOTAM FDC 7/7282, apply to all model aircraft, sometimes referred to as drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The restrictions begin Friday, April 14, […]
Continue readingOklahoma bills run afoul
Oklahoma is pushing through three bills with restrictions on model aviation. While these bills may be well intended, they are problematic and need removed or amended. With your help, we are hopeful Oklahoma legislators will work with groups like AMA to find better solutions to protect everyone’s interests. SB 660 […]
Continue readingUtah to consider flights over 400 feet as a misdemeanor
UPDATE 3/2/2017: Thanks to everyone’s efforts, an amendment was added to S.B. 111 clarifying that anyone who flies model aircraft for recreation must either comply with SB111 OR the Special Rule For Model Aircraft. The Special Rule For Model Aircraft, sometimes referred to as Section 336 or 14 CFR 101 […]
Continue reading2017 AMA Expo West AMA/FAA Panel Discussion
Watch the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ Rich Hanson and Chad Budreau sit down with Charles Raley, Senior Attorney for the FAA, to discuss the current regulations regarding UAS. The group covers topics such as airport notification, altitude restrictions, preemption, and more.
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