A more important issue that could affect our right to fly model aircraft approaches
Bob Brown
bob b@modelaircraft.org
The new year has brought developments to the model aircraft community.
In December, the FAA announced that it would require owners of model aircraft that weigh between 250 grams (0.55 pounds) and 55 pounds to register with the agency by February 19, 2016. AMA participated in the task force designed to provide recommendations to the FAA on the registration of model aircraft, and we urged the FAA to exempt AMA members from registration. AMA also recommended that the FAA consider several factors, not only weight, when determining which model aircraft would need to be registered.
Rather than exempting our community, the FAA created an unnecessary burden for AMA members—more than 188,000 of them—who have safely flown model aircraft for decades. AMA members already abide by a voluntary registration system that fulfills the safety and accountability objectives of a federal registration system. We made this point clear to the FAA and other task force members.
AMA members are not the problem, and should not be encumbered by additional regulations. We are exploring options to alleviate this burden on our members and we are actively engaged in talks with the FAA about a number of potential accommodations. Although we hope to reach an agreement that makes registration as painless as possible, the fact remains that the requirement is federal law, and therefore we advised our members to comply with the February 19, 2016, deadline.
We know some of you are disappointed with the registration requirement, but a much more important issue approaches that could affect our right to fly free from additional, unnecessary regulations. This spring, Congress will consider the renewal of the FAA’s authority as a regulatory agency. The reauthorization bill could include changes to the “Special Rule for Model Aircraft” that exempts AMA members from federal regulations.
Congress decided years ago that model aircraft should be free from burdensome regulation and continue to operate within AMA’s community-based safety program. AMA members have since logged millions of flights and continue to operate safely and responsibly under the provisions of this law. AMA needs your help to ensure that it can protect your right to fly. Some members of Congress have questioned whether or not model aircraft should continue to be exempt from regulation and there might be an attempt to rescind this provision. We cannot let this happen.
We are already taking steps to ensure that any legislation protects this exemption and continues to allow the hobby community to fly under community-based guidelines. On a recent visit to Washington, D.C., our leadership brought Marke Gibson, FAA Senior Advisor on UAS Integration, to the Patuxent Aeromodelers RC Club field to witness AMA’s safety protocols, observe club camaraderie and mentoring, and speak firsthand with AMA members about their concerns. Additionally, we brought AMA members from across the country to Washington to speak to members of Congress and their staffs about the importance of protecting model aviation for future generations.
We understand that not all of our 188,000 members can come to Washington to visit their respective representatives and urge them to protect model aviation. That’s why the AMA government relations team will be contacting you with ways you can help from wherever you might be. These next few months will be critical for AMA, our members, and the future of our hobby. We need each of you to help by contacting your congressmen and women and asking them to help protect model aviation.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure the future of our hobby. We AMA members must communicate our desires to the government.
