Congress has recently taken actions to restrict access to some foreign-made UAS products, targeting specific countries such as China and Russia, as seen in 15 CFR 791.4, Public Law 118-31, and Public Law 118-159. Currently, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has released an Advanced Notice […]
Continue readingFRIAS Versus RIDES Explained
By Lucas Rodden, Government Affairs Manager | lucasr@modelaircraft.org THERE ARE TWO primary ways to satisfy the FAA’s Remote ID rule without the need to install a broadcast module for your daily operations. The first is an FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA), and the second is generally called a Remote ID Exemption […]
Continue readingAdvocating to Incoming and Returning Representatives
As 2025 kicks off with the incoming administration and a new Congress being sworn in, AMA continues to advocate, resolve problems, and build relationships in our nation’s capital. In the last weeks of January, the Government Affairs team visited Washington, D.C., to introduce the organization to incoming members of Congress […]
Continue readingAMA Continues Work With the FAA
By Tyler Dobbs, Interim Executive Director and Senior Director of Government Affairs | tylerd@modelaircraft.org Securing Altitude Relief in Class G Airspace AMA continues to work with the FAA to secure altitude relief for model aviation fixed flying site operations in Class G airspace. After years of discussions, collaboration, and advocacy, […]
Continue readingTemporary Flight Restrictions Issued for UAS Activity in Areas of New Jersey & New York
MUNCIE, IN – 12/20/2024 – In response to recent reports of drone sightings, multiple small Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) have been issued over critical infrastructures in the states of New Jersey and New York, which temporarily prohibit Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations at or below 400 feet within the TFR’s radius […]
Continue readingNavigating AMA Events: A Guide
AMA has been hard at work with the FAA to lessen RID and altitude restrictions for our members. Understanding what options are available for your upcoming event, whether it be sanctioned or unsanctioned, may prove confusing for some members and Event Managers/Contest Directors. Below you will find more detailed information […]
Continue readingFRIA Process Moves to Government Affairs
As many AMA members and clubs are now aware, FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) permit modelers who do not wish to purchase a Remote ID module to remain compliant with the FAA’s Remote ID Rule. By flying within the geographic boundaries of a FRIA (or a similar exemption), they are relieved […]
Continue readingHouse Passes H.R.2864 – Countering CCP Drones Act
On September 9, 2024, the House of Representatives passed H.R.2864 – Countering CCP Drones Act. The bill adds telecommunication and video equipment and related services from DJI Technologies to a list of communication equipment and services that pose a risk to the national security of the United States. This list […]
Continue readingIncrease in VIP TFR NOTAMs
A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a type of Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that defines an area with restricted air operations because of hazardous conditions, special events, space operations, security, and VIP travel. Currently, due to the 2024 presidential election, many members are noticing an […]
Continue readingFiling a NOTAM
By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org ALTHOUGH MANY hobbyists will never need to do so, the requirement to issue a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is becoming more common within the AMA community. Sanctioned event altitude waivers, sanctioned event Remote ID exemptions, and AMA clubs’ FAA Airspace Authorizations to […]
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