The sUAS registration process moves forward
Bob Brown
bob@modelaircraft.org
“I know that a major benefit of our hobby is the friendship exhibited among members. Please welcome everyone.”
Last month, the focus was on the government-appointed federal task force that was formed to generate a registration process for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS). In early November, this task force met. AMA was represented by AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs Representative Rich Hanson. As I am writing this, it is unsure what the task force’s final recommendations concerning sUAS will be.
For decades, AMA members have had an impeccable safety record in conjunction with a registration process. AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code requires that all members include their AMA number or name/address in or on their aircraft; this does not apply to models flown indoors. It appears that some people fail to recognize the history and success of the AMA programs.
I am sure that the next few months will be interesting. Please keep in mind that the AMA is attempting to represent all members in the most effective way possible. I hope that common sense will prevail.
Know Before You Fly
For several months, AMA, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and the FAA have campaigned the Know Before You Fly program. A large number of manufacturers and distributors have joined the program and have been attempting to educate their customers in the safe manner of model operation.
During the holiday season, Best Buy and some manufacturers have joined this effort in a more emphatic way—they are purchasing AMA memberships for qualified buyers of the products they sell. Hopefully, many other retailers will participate. This process will allow all of us to better educate newcomers to the hobby and sport.
As an AMA member, you can help by allowing these new pilots a safe place to fly and helping to introduce them into our great hobby. Making everyone welcome is a key to the success of this program. I know that a major benefit of our hobby is the friendship exhibited among members. Please welcome everyone.
Horizon Indoor Festival
I recently attended the Horizon Indoor Festival in Columbus, Ohio. This is one of the premier indoor events and it has been successful for years. I thank Terry and Sheila Nitsch and their crew for recognizing the AMA for its years of support. I was enthused to hear Terry already talking about this year’s event even before the 2015 event was over.
AMA Expo
January 8-10, 2016, are the dates of the AMA Expo in Ontario, California. Bring your entire family. There are numerous activities to attend and in which to participate.
Flite Test is planning some super innovative things for the entire family. The company will also offer a main-stage presentation that will help everyone understand its upcoming efforts.
Also at Expo, AMA member Adam Woodworth will be one of the speakers. Adam is currently the technical lead for Google X’s Project Wing. Anyone attracted to aviation and aeromodeling should be interested in his presentation.
Finally, AMA Expo would not be possible without the exhibitors’ support. Come and see the latest products and watch the daily demonstrations. For a list of exhibitors, visit www.amaexpo.com/attractions/exhibitors.
UAS4STEM
The AMA Education department, which includes Bill Pritchett, Jessy Symmes, and Julia Bladen, continues to develop additional programs. Its newest program, UAS4STEM, is focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts.
It is designed to encourage students to explore the sUAS phenomenon through teamwork, competition, and success, while incorporating all aspects of STEM. Additional information can be found at UAS4STEM.org.
