We are writing to address some recent confusion as to whether the new federal commercial drone rules (Small Unmanned Aircraft Rule Part 107) impact AMA members and model aircraft enthusiasts who fly for recreational and educational purposes. First, we would like to reaffirm that Part 107 does not change anything […]
Continue readingAMA Exempt from Earning a Remote Pilot’s Certificate (Part 107)
Effective August 29, 2016 the FAA requires sUAS pilots preforming commercial operations, or those not operating within the programing of a community-based organization, to earn a remote pilot’s certificate and to operate within the provisions of Part 107. To earn this certificate, pilots must take a test at an FAA […]
Continue readingAMA invited to White House
As you may have seen in the news, earlier this week the White Housed hosted the first ever UAS workshop. AMA’s Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative Rich Hanson was honored to be invited by the White House to participate in this event and join in the conversation about UAS policies […]
Continue readingFAA Acknowledges AMA as a CBO and our Safety Program
Our hobby has faced many challenges this year as we address an increase in government intervention and proposed regulations. AMA has been aggressively advocating for our hobby, and during the past few weeks, we’ve been happy to report successful progress. Today, our members have yet another AMA government advocacy victory […]
Continue readingSpecial Rule for Model Aircraft Remains Federal Law
We are happy to announce big news related to FAA authorization. As of today, both the Senate and House of Representatives have passed a 14-month FAA extension, and the President has signed the bill into law. We are very pleased that the FAA extension affirms our right to continue to […]
Continue readingFAA Reauth Passes the House
We want to share with you another promising development related to FAA reauthorization. Late yesterday, the House passed a 14-month FAA extension. Importantly for our hobby, this extension preserves the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (the AMA amendment included in the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act) through September 2017. […]
Continue readingSpecial Rule for Model Aircraft Remains Intact
We want to share with you a promising development related to FAA reauthorization. The House and Senate came to an agreement last week on language for a short-term FAA funding extension. Importantly for our hobby, this extension preserves the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (the AMA amendment included in the […]
Continue reading2016 Congress Update
As we approach the July 15th deadline for FAA reauthorization, we wanted to provide a brief update on what’s happening in Congress. Right now, it looks like the House and Senate have agreed to an FAA extension with several policy provisions added. Though it is unknown what these policy provisions […]
Continue readingWildland Fire Advisory Notice
As many of you are aware, wildfire season has started across the western United States. Wildfires are very dangerous, even from the air, and we wanted to remind everyone to please check Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) in your area and avoid flying anywhere near these fires or firefighting operations. TFRs allow […]
Continue readingFAA Small UAS Rule with New Commercial and Civil Guidelines
We want to congratulate the FAA on publishing the final small UAS rule today. The final rule will be highly beneficial to the industry overall, as it resolves many uncertainties in the law and creates an improved regulatory environment. We look forward to seeing widespread commercial and civil operations of […]
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