AMA recently participated in an FAA and Department of Transportation (DOT) listening session regarding UAS policy, rulemaking, and implementation. The meeting was hosted by the Association of Uncrewed Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI). Presenters included AMA, AUVSI, Skydio, Wing, Boeing, Amazon, NUAIR, Zipline, Commercial Drone Alliance, and Small UAV Coalition. Attendees […]
Continue readingFAA Begins Work Toward FRIA Recognition
The FAA published the Final Rule for Remote ID on January 15, 2021. One of the three ways to comply to Remote ID is to apply for FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) status. The process to apply for FRIA status won’t begin until September 2022. Clubs that apply and are granted […]
Continue readingFlying in Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
For the purpose of recreational UAS operations, airspace can be viewed in two classifications: controlled and uncontrolled. Controlled airspace encompasses different classifications of airspace and defined areas where air traffic control (ATC) services are provided to full-scale aircraft pilots. With proper authorization, recreational UAS operators can fly in the Class […]
Continue readingAMA Helps Clubs Attain Higher Altitudes
Currently, clubs with flying sites in controlled airspace are assigned an altitude to fly at between 0 feet Above Ground Level (AGL) and 400 feet AGL on the FAA UAS Facility Map. Some clubs in controlled airspace might want to fly at a higher altitude than what is assigned to […]
Continue readingOregon State Parks Proposes New Rules for Drones and Model Aircraft
Oregon State Parks has just released new proposed rules for drones and model aircraft. The proposed rules would enable users to fly freely throughout Oregon State Parks, rather than being restricted to designated “drone zones.” The rules would also create no-fly zones in areas such as campgrounds, wildlife-safe zones, and […]
Continue readingAMA Opposes Missouri House Bill 1619
The Missouri House of Representatives recently proposed House Bill (HB) 1619, which would essentially criminalize capturing photos and/or videos of an individual in a public setting with a UAS. Although AMA agrees that individual privacy is important, we feel HB 1619 is too restrictive in its attempt to protect said […]
Continue reading2021 Government Affairs Report
The Academy of Model Aeronautics continues to promote, protect, and preserve model aviation. See a brief summary of these efforts in the 2021 AMA Government Affairs Report.
Continue readingQuad Grid Update to LAANC
The Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) is receiving an enhancement from the FAA called “Quad Grid.”
Continue readingNASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System
ASRS is a voluntary, confidential, nonpunitive, safety reporting system that receives safety reports from pilots, air traffic controllers, dispatchers, cabin crew, maintenance technicians, and now UAS operators.
Continue readingAgreement Between MAAC and AMA No Longer In Effect
The former mutual agreement between the Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC) and AMA is no longer in effect because of the recent changes in the country’s Canadian Aviation Regulation.
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