AMA’s analysis also finds that some sightings appear to be users flying appropriately; “drone” continues to be a catch-all term for any object in the sky A new analysis released today by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) reviews the 1,270 new unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings reported by the […]
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 readingWashington State UAS Bill 1049 Stalled in the House
We are excited to share good news from the state of Washington. AMA confirmed that House Bill 1049, which would have imposed new burdensome registration requirements, is unlikely to move forward this year. As it was written, this proposed legislation would have imposed unnecessary regulation on the operation of UAS. […]
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.
Continue readingProactively engaging local governments and stakeholders
The Academy of Model Aeronautics has a long history of safe and responsible model flying for the past eighty years. As many of you know, a number of states, communities, and parks have been introducing and passing legislation banning model aviation or placing unnecessary regulations on our hobby. In an […]
Continue readingHobbyists Exempt from Nevada UAS Tax
The Academy of Model Aeronautics would like to thank our members for helping communicate our opposition to the proposed UAS tax in Nevada. Due to our combined efforts, a hobbyist amendment has been created which will make all hobby aircraft exempt from this tax. In addition to our communications, several […]
Continue readingTemporary Flight Restrictions and NOTAMS
****NOTAM/TFRs can be found here**** By now we’re guessing most everyone has at least heard the term “TFR” and perhaps even been affected by one. A Temporary Flight Restriction is a type of Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that defines an area with restricted air travel due to a […]
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