FAA registration requirements
Bob Brown
บobb@modelaircraft.org
One might say that 2015 was an interesting year for the Academy of Model Aeronautics. We have met several challenges. The issues created by non-AMA members attempting to fly their drones were certainly a point of focus.
The AMA Executive Council (EC) is working to protect our members from the unnecessary federal registration process launched by the FAA. We believe that registration makes sense at some threshold, but the registration rule runs counter to Congress’ intent in Section 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, otherwise known as the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. There have also been privacy concerns with a federal registration system.
The EC is considering all legal remedies to address any issues. We are working with legal counsel to address the U.S. Court of Appeals. AMA’s 80 years of experience demonstrates that our voluntary, community-based approach to managing recreational fliers is highly effective. Our members follow a comprehensive set of safety and privacy guidelines, which are constantly evolving to accommodate new technologies and new modeling disciplines. We believe AMA membership should be an alternative to registration.
AMA understands that new legions of recreational fliers need to be educated on how to fly safely and responsibly. That’s why AMA has been working closely with the FAA and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) on the Know Before You Fly campaign. Educational programs such as these are the best ways to ensure the safety of our airspace.
Our Know Before You Fly program was generated with the idea of education rather than legislation. The program is working and several leading manufacturers and distributors are helping us in our efforts.
Not often are three major meets held in close proximity to each other on the same weekend. That recently happened in Orlando, Florida. The National Miniature Pylon Racing Association (NMPRA) Championship Race, the Orlando Heli Blowout, and the MultiGP Championship were held in Orlando in mid-December. All of the events were well attended and considered successful.
The Remote Control Association of Central Florida hosted the Pylon Racing event. While at the NMPRA Championship, I accepted more than $5,100 on behalf of the AMA, which the Pylon racers collected for the Telford Scholarship. An anonymous donor then matched those funds.
More than $10,000 was generated to assist worthy students in our scholarship program! The Pylon fliers challenge any other Special Interest Group or AMA club to better their effort. Are you up for it?
The Orlando Radio Control Helicopter Society (TORCHS) invited multirotor competitors from MultiGP to use part of its site for their racing event. Seeing these two groups work together illustrated what can be accomplished through cooperation. Carey Shurley and Chris Thomas spearheaded the activities.
During the winter, most clubs are looking for activities. Have you considered contacting your AMA district vice president (VP) and asking if one of the associate vice presidents (AVPs) could attend a club meeting and discuss current AMA activities? Most AVPs are willing to do this and can provide an informative meeting.
Another possible club activity is planning for the upcoming summer’s events. A club with many activities is one that illustrates a positive direction. You might consider having different activities so that many members can be involved.
If your club hosts sanctioned events, you could process the sanctions several months ahead of time. This will allow adequate time for your club and for those setting their summer schedules to plan. I often hear the statement, “Gee … I would have been there if I had known about it in time.”
I would like to thank Mark Johnston for his years of service as the District VIII VP. I also welcome Lawrence Harville as the new District VIII VP. I am sure Lawrence will add a new perspective to the EC.
