As you know, there have been a number of news articles and broadcast stories that have reported on \u201cirresponsible use of drones by hobbyists\u201d and, most recently, the FAA\u2019s data on \u201cdrone sightings near airplanes.\u201d We are very concerned by these reports and are working on several fronts to insert ourselves into these stories both in print and broadcast media as well as proactively reaching out to reporters and news programs about AMA safety efforts. We are also looking at several ways to better understand what is actually occurring.<\/p>\n
On the latter, AMA is working on an analysis of the FAA\u2019s data that will provide us an opportunity to determine the credibility of this information and what role AMA could help play to advance safe and responsible flying. Once we have finalized that report, we plan to release it to the public and will share the findings with all AMA members.<\/p>\n
At the same time, we are continuing to push out information about AMA\u2019s safety efforts, including the Know Before You Fly campaign. As you know, AMA spearheaded the launch of this campaign last year with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and we are continuing to help sign on new supporters of the campaign each week. Many of these supporters are helping us put safety information directly into the hands of consumers by placing our brochure inside the boxes of model aircraft and unmanned systems.<\/p>\n
As for media coverage, we wanted to share with you a short summary of the success we have had the past few months in getting stories published about the campaign, placing opinion columns that outline AMA\u2019s education efforts and publishing letters to the editor urging the FAA to enforce guidelines more strictly.<\/p>\n
-USA Today and the Washington Examiner published opinion pieces from us in June. Both pieces outline AMA\u2019s long history in educating the model aircraft community about safety and what efforts organization has done to evolve with the ever-changing technology.<\/p>\n
-In California, we submitted a number of pieces reminding users about safety guidelines and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) around wildfire areas. Our letters have been published in several outlets including the San Diego Union-Tribune, Eureka Times-Standard, Los Angeles Daily News and Los Angeles Times.<\/p>\n
-In the New York City area, AMA placed a letter to the editor in the Staten Island Advance. We also contacted the authors of the pieces related to the \u201csightings\u201d near airports, leading to the Star-Ledger in New Jersey to write a follow-up article profiling the Know Before You Fly campaign.<\/p>\n
-Finally, The Washington Post published a response from AMA to an article detailing the FAA report of sightings of unmanned aircraft by manned aircraft. The response urged new users to fly safely and responsibly and stricter enforcement of the existing FAA guidelines that are in place to prevent irresponsible use.<\/p>\n
Below is a listing of some of the more prevalent pieces that were recently published online. In addition to monitoring daily coverage, we are regularly reaching out to reporters and news programs to encourage more stories on AMA safety efforts. If you see something, please pass it along and we will contact the outlet immediately. We will also keep you updated on our various other efforts to address safety concerns and correct the record about the hobbyist community.<\/p>\n
Bob Brown<\/p>\n
Learn more about <\/em>Know Before You Fly<\/a><\/p>\n MEDIA COVERAGE<\/u><\/p>\n Hobby group calls on drone pilots to \u2018Know Before You Fly\u2019<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, Times of San Diego<\/em>, August 6, 2015<\/p>\n Want to go fly a drone? Here\u2019s what you need to know to stay legal<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, The Star Ledger<\/em>, August 10, 2015<\/p>\n Drones: Love them or hate them, they’re likely here to stay – Here’s what you need to know about these tiny aircraft<\/span><\/u><\/a><\/strong>, The Prescott Daily Courier<\/em> | Prescott, Arizona, August 28, 2015<\/p>\n Can You Curb Wayward Drones With a Dog Fence in the Sky?<\/span><\/u><\/a>, <\/strong>Bloomberg Business<\/em>, August 31, 2015<\/p>\n Want to fly drones? Learn the ropes before you take to the skies<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Washington Examiner<\/em>, June 8, 2015<\/p>\n FAA rules clip hobbyists’ wings<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, USA Today<\/em>, June 27, 2015<\/p>\n FAA rules clip hobbyists\u2019 wings<\/span><\/u><\/a>, <\/strong>USA Today, <\/em>Dave Mathewson, June 27, 2015<\/p>\n No one should fly drones near emergencies<\/span><\/u><\/a>, <\/strong>Eureka Times-Standard, <\/em>Dave Mathewson, July 28, 2015<\/p>\n Education key to proper drone use<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>San Diego Union-Tribune, <\/em>Dave Mathewson, August 9, 2015<\/p>\n Safe drone use<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>St. Paul Pioneer Press, <\/em>Dave Mathewson, August 10, 2015<\/p>\n Campaign seeks to educate drone flyers<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Los Angeles Daily News, <\/em>Dave Mathewson, August 20, 2015<\/p>\n There are already rules on flying drones over fires; we need to enforce them<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Los Angeles Times, <\/em>Dave Mathewson, August 21, 2015<\/p>\n Maintaining safety in the skies<\/span><\/u><\/strong><\/a>, <\/strong>Washington Post, <\/em>Dave Mathewson, August 24, 2015<\/p>\n