AMA has asked the community to help make public comments on two Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proposals which can be found below. Though we have provided templates for public use, we are publishing our own comments to the FCC here for reference and transparency. AMA Blog covering Docket 21-232: AMA […]
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Comments Requested: Two FCC Proceedings Could Affect Model Aviation
AMA is urging members to submit comments in two Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proceedings that could affect recreational model aviation: ET Docket No. 21-232 and PS Docket No. 26-189. Each proceeding addresses a separate proposal and requires its own comment. AMA previously asked members to comment on Docket No. 26-189, […]
Continue readingExpansion of Tariffs on UAS
On August 13, 2026, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, imposing new import tariffs on UAS and core UAS components following a Department of Commerce investigation into domestic supply chain security. Dates & Potential Impact As written, the action establishes new ad valorem tariffs across completed aircraft as […]
Continue readingFCC Publishes Actions on C-UAS Measures
On July 2, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a series of actions on behalf of US security agencies which implement portions of the SAFER SKIES Act. This legislation was enacted earlier this year and expands certain counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) authorities for qualified state, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) […]
Continue readingTemporary Flight Restrictions – FIFA World Cup
On Thursday, May 28, the FAA released a statement detailing upcoming Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) associated with the FIFA World Cup. These TFRs will be centered on major sporting stadiums in host cities and will generally extend one mile from the venue. Recreational flight operations within these areas will be prohibited unless operators have […]
Continue readingFAA Drone Safety Day 2026
The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) annual safety awareness campaign, Drone Safety Day, will take place on April 25, 2026. This annual outreach initiative focuses on promoting safe and responsible operation of unmanned aircraft and increasing public awareness of airspace rules. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has supported these safe […]
Continue readingNational Security NOTAM 6/3366
On April 16 2025, the FAA issued an updated national security advisory (NOTAM FDC 6/3366) that affects unmanned aircraft operations in proximity to certain sensitive federal facilities. Previous national security NOTAM, FDC 6/4375, focused on the same items of concern but used more restrictive language. This was briefly replaced on April 15, 2026, with FDC 6/2824, before the current FDC 6/3366 went into effect. Under the […]
Continue readingCustoms and Border Protection: Commercial Importer Refund process
On April 15, United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released information regarding the process for duty refunds for commercial importers. These processes are starting to be implemented following a court order which overturned certain tariffs throughout 2025 that are paid under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. This procedure […]
Continue readingAMA Advocacy: H.R. 6460 passes U.S. House of Representatives
On Tuesday, March 24, H.R. 6460, a bill championed by AMA that will simplify altitude extensions and airspace permissions, has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and will move forward in the legislative process. H.R. 6460 was previously introduced in December 2025 on AMA’s behalf by Reps. Tracy Mann (R-Kansas, […]
Continue readingFCC Decision Update – DA 26-22
On January 7, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) released Disciplenary Action (DA) 26-22, which removes certain Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and UAS critical components from the FCC’s Covered List of technologies banned for import and use. This comes after the FCC’s decision on December 21, 2025, which placed the entire […]
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