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 […]
Continue readingFAA Non-US Citizen and Non-US Resident Registration
All pilots, including those visiting from outside the United States, are required by the FAA to register if they plan to fly most unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) weighing 250 grams or more outdoors. FAA registration can only be completed online using a United States based computer. Therefore, it is recommended […]
Continue readingDrone Safety Pitch Pays Off for Model Aeronautics Group
Check out the recent AMA article from Associations Now!! The Academy of Model Aeronautics’ big challenge has been bringing casual drone users into the fold in terms of drone safety regulations. Here’s how it approached the issue. Rich Hanson and the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) had a serious problem […]
Continue readingUpdated Analysis of FAA Drone Data Shows Decline in UAS Sightings
AMA today released an analysis of the FAA’s latest drone sightings that were made public in March 2016. This follows an analysis we previously released in September 2015 on the FAA’s first dataset of drone reports. We’re happy to share that our latest analysis shows a month-by-month decline in UAS […]
Continue readingCongressional Process Stalls
Congress is in the process of updating FAA’s goals and authority, which includes regulations on model aircraft. To accomplish this task, the Senate and House must separately draft and pass their version of FAA’s reauthorization bill. The two bills then go to a conference committee to resolve any differences. After […]
Continue readingRoswell Flight Test Crew at AUVSI Xponential 2016
The Roswell Flight Test Crew has a conversation with Chad Budreau for the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). The discussion begins with a pair of announcements made by Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Michael Huerta at AUVSI Xponential 2016. First, that the agency is forming a permanent drone task force, to […]
Continue readingAMA Statement on FAA Drone Advisory Council, Educational Use of UAS
AMA applauds the FAA for making it clear that students can use UAS, including model aircraft, for educational purposes. For years, model aircraft have been used for science, technology, education and math (STEM) education without burdensome requirements on teachers and students. In recent years, AMA advocated that new regulations for […]
Continue readingSpecial Rule for Model Aircraft Looks Favorable in the House
The FAA Modernization and Reform Act with the Special Rule for Model Aircraft was passed into law in 2012, but this year the act is up for renewal. Since last year we have been active on the Hill making our case to protect and preserve the Special Rule for Model […]
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