Efforts to support and defend our hobby
Bob Brown
bobb@modelaircraft.org
January 2016 saw much political activity by the AMA on behalf of its members, and our efforts are already generating positive results.
Marke Gibson is the new Senior Advisor on UAS Integration for the FAA. We met with Marke and listened to his presentation at the AMA Expo in Ontario, California, then introduced him to model aviation at the Patuxent Aeromodelers RC Club in Hollywood, Maryland.
While he was there, Marke witnessed gliders, helicopters, ducted-fan aircraft, sport, and scale models. He also experienced buddy-box flight on a large-scale J-3 Cub. I hope his enthusiasm and understanding will help create a good relationship between the FAA and AMA.
The initial bill was introduced in early February and does include the wording necessary to protect model aviation.
Our next visit was to the FAA office in Washington, D.C., for a meeting with Earl Lawrence, the new FAA Director of UAS Integration. The discussion focused on registration and other topics.
It is apparent that the FAA understands our reasoning that the AMA number and FAA registration number should be the same. I would not be surprised if this comes to fruition.
A week later, we returned to Washington and Capitol Hill with several AMA Council members and staff members. Included were Gary Fitch, Eric Williams, Randy Cameron, Jim Tiller, Chuck Bower, Frank Granelli, Rich Hanson, and Chad Budreau. The purpose of the trip was to remind Congress that the Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act of 2016 should contain legislation to ensure that model aviation is preserved.
We met with members of the reauthorization committee and members of the press. The initial bill was introduced in early February and does include wording necessary to protect model aviation. This is only a beginning to ensure that Congress understands our needs. You might be asked to address this issue with your local congressional representatives.
Our next trip was to Champaign, Illinois, to discuss with the leadership of Hobbico and Horizon Hobby our political efforts. Our direction was well received and support from both companies was offered. I am sure other industry leaders will follow.
While all of this was going on, AMA District IV Vice President Jay Marsh, along with his AMA District IV Government Relations Committee, led a campaign in District IV to generate an agreement with the FAA that would allow our members to fly once again inside of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules area. On Wednesday, February 10, the government agreed to the proposal.
The efforts of the District IV Government Relations Committee should be congratulated. This not only involved the FAA, but Homeland Security, the FBI, and nearly every security group in the Washington area.
Although the District IV effort was successful, the agreement is dependent upon everyone obeying the law. It will be necessary to inform and educate the public. Jay is establishing efforts to show the government what a community-based organization such as AMA can do to assist local governments and law enforcement. These efforts include mall shows, public invitations to flying site activities, positive media exposure, etc.
All of these activities that I have mentioned illustrate some of AMA’s efforts during this past month. I think you will agree that we have been busy.
Everyone must realize that this type of activity has to be generated by every individual and club within the organization. Your help is needed and appreciated.
