In February 2020, the FAA asked the Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) for ways to help the drone community to fully adopt the safety culture that is ingrained in manned aviation. In response, the DAC formed four subgroups to provide recommendations for manned operators, recreational UAS operators, small commercial UAS operators, […]
Continue readingAMA Government Affairs Fall 2020 Update
The AMA Government Affairs team continues advocating for a commonsense solution to Remote ID. The most recent effort AMA organized was a joint industry letter with EAA, AOPA, and Google’s sister company, Wing, urging the FAA to make essential changes to the proposed rule for Remote ID. The joint industry […]
Continue readingFlying In Controlled Airspace
For those flying anywhere within controlled airspace other than at a fixed flying site with a letter of agreement (LOA), you must use LAANC, the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC). LAANC allows you to quickly apply for and receive approval from the FAA to fly outside of an […]
Continue readingTemporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and NOTAMS
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a type of Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that defines an area with restricted air travel because of hazardous conditions, special events, space operations, security, and VIP travel. AMA pays particular attention to VIP travel TFRs. Whenever the US president or […]
Continue readingAMA Meets With White House to Discuss Remote ID and Foreign-Made UAS
AMA recently met with the White House National Economic Council regarding a proposed executive order on foreign-made UAS and the FAA’s proposed rule on Remote ID. The proposed executive order that has been drafted by President Trump’s administration, if signed, would ban the federal government’s use of foreign-made UAS, including model aircraft. The […]
Continue readingAMA, AOPA, EAA and Google’s sister company, Wing, urge FAA to Make Essential Changes to Remote ID Rule
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) joined with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and Google’s sister company, Wing, to send a letter today urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make essential changes to the proposed rule for Remote Identification (remote ID) […]
Continue readingAirspace Classification
There are two broad classifications of airspace: controlled and uncontrolled. Class A, B, C, D, and E are categorized as controlled airspace. Class G is uncontrolled airspace. Class G airspace extends from the surface to the base of the overlying Class E airspace. New recreational UAS operating requirements state that to operate in controlled […]
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 readingFAA Registration Renewal Notice
You may have received an email from the FAA regarding recreational flyer registration renewals on Friday, June 19. You could have received this email even if you are not eligible to renew at this time. You are eligible to renew your FAA Registration within 180 days of your expiration date. […]
Continue readingAMA Communication Efforts with the FAA
In order to maintain an open communication flow between AMA and various departments within the FAA, the AMA Government Affairs team meets regularly with the FAA. We have daily contact with the FAA and a weekly scheduled teleconference that involves leadership from multiple departments. The call involves representatives from Flight Standards, the Air Traffic Organization, the Integration Office, the UAS Policy Team, and others. […]
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