If you are new to the hobby, or are simply unsure of the requirements you must meet before flying your model aircraft, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know. AMA members operate under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft (USC 44809). This guide […]
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Update to the FAA DroneZone and Registration & Renewal Process
You may have noticed that the FAA recently updated the DroneZone website. Below is an updated guided walkthrough for registering and renewing your FAA registration on the updated site. 1. To Register:Go to faadronezone.faa.gov. When you are on the webpage, select the Create Your Account link in the box that […]
Continue readingFAA Experiences 50% Decline In New Registrations and Renewals
The FAA has experienced a 50% decline in new registrations and renewals for UAS via faadronezone.faa.gov. The total number of registrations fell from 1,746,248 to 868,421 between December 2020 and March 2021, comprising 492,492 recreational fliers and 375,929 commercially registered drones. The FAA attributes this drop to registrations to reaching […]
Continue readingSummary of FAA’s Final Rule on Remote ID
The Final Rule for Remote ID of Unmanned Aircraft was released on December 28, 2020 and published on January 15, 2021. There are three ways to comply with the new rule: Note: Aircraft that weigh at or under .55 lbs (250 grams) are not required to comply with Remote ID. […]
Continue readingFAA Registration Renewal Process
Currently, FAA registrations are good for three years. To check your expiration date and renew your registration, if needed, follow the detailed steps below, or follow along to a video walkthrough by clicking here. Step 1. Go to faadronezone.faa.gov. This is the only website that is legitimate. All other FAA […]
Continue readingFAA Regulation Timeline
In recent years, the AMA Government Affairs team has been working diligently with Congress and the FAA to advocate for our hobby in the face of new federal regulations and continuing threats at the state-level. We have pushed back on overly burdensome proposals while working cooperatively with policymakers to protect […]
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.
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