As we move closer to a new FAA Reauthorization bill, many hobbyists are left wondering what this means for model aircraft operations. Congress authorizes the FAA to create rules, fund and develop initiatives, and implement specific programs. This authorization expires every one to five years and requires Congress to reauthorize […]
Continue readingCategory: 400 Foot
Stand Up for Model Aviation!
Recently the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate both released their draft versions of FAA Reauthorization. In these bills, AMA was successful in securing higher altitudes in uncontrolled airspace, clarifying large model aircraft operations, and providing additional protections for educational UAS operations. However, AMA’s work isn’t done. […]
Continue readingFlying in Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
For the purpose of recreational UAS operations, airspace can be viewed in two classifications: controlled and uncontrolled. Controlled airspace encompasses different classifications of airspace and defined areas where air traffic control (ATC) services are provided to full-scale aircraft pilots. With proper authorization, recreational UAS operators can fly in the Class […]
Continue readingSafety Risk Management Process for Controlled Airspace
The AMA Government Affairs team has been working with clubs that are in controlled airspace to secure Letters of Agreement (LOA) for their flying sites. The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 requires all flying sites within controlled airspace to have a LOA with air traffic control (ATC) facilities. Throughout the past year, AMA has been working with a team within the […]
Continue readingAMA Government Affairs Update 5/22/2020
The AMA Government Affairs team continues to work with Congress and the FAA despite the ongoing pandemic.We have been able to conduct telephone meetings and participate in virtual video conferencing in order to continue our efforts to advocate for the hobby. In the past few weeks, we have seen developments […]
Continue readingRemote ID Comment Period Has Ended. Now What?
The official comment period for the FAA’s proposed rule on remote ID has closed and we want to provide an update. First – and most importantly – thank you for your unending support for model aviation and commitment to advocating on behalf of our beloved hobby. Your comments make a […]
Continue readingAMA Formal Letter to Secretary Elaine Chao
AMA has sent U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary, Elaine Chao, a letter to address her recent statement regarding UAS and remote identification. Chao fails to take the modeling community into account in her interview.
Continue readingAMA Government Advocacy Coalition
A new coalition has launched to protect the model aviation hobby industry, starting with the fight for a better rule on remote identification of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The coalition includes aviation associations, hobby shops and manufacturers. As a united front and voice, the AMA Coalition has been sharing their concerns […]
Continue readingGovernment Affairs Update 1/20/2020
The week of January 13, the Government Affairs team traveled to Washington, DC to address AMA’s concerns with the proposed Remote ID rule. AMA met with multiple congressional offices to discuss the impact the proposed rule would have on all aspects of the hobby. We were able to share our community’s concerns regarding […]
Continue readingApproval for flights over 400′ at AMA Fixed Sites
At the beginning of December, AMA participated in a safety risk management (SRM) panel at the national level, in Washington, DC, with the FAA and other stakeholders to address the 400’ altitude issue in controlled airspace. As a result of the national SRM panel, the FAA selected four AMA clubs […]
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