Questions at the flying field
Because many of our members are out flying and attending events this summer, we have been receiving a surge of inquiries about model aviation requirements and laws.
Here are the most commonly asked questions and their answers.
Q: Do model pilots have to register with the FAA?
A: We are encouraging our members to comply with all federal requirements, including registration. If you fly a model weighing more than .55 pounds (with the exception of Control Line, Free Flight, or models flown exclusively indoors), you must register at http://registermyuas.faa.gov. If you need assistance, call the FAA at (877) 396-4636.
Q: Am I permitted to fly above 400 feet? What if I checked the box during FAA registration stating otherwise?
A: The AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code requires that all models remain within visual line of sight of the pilot/observer. Typically, this requirement alone assures that most model aircraft operate below 400 feet.
Our safety program also mandates no flight above 400 feet when within 3 miles of an airport without first coordinating the operation with the airport or air traffic control if a control tower exists at the airport.
With that noted, AMA members are allowed to operate their model aircraft above 400 feet during certain modeling activities and when the safety of the operation mandates, provided that the pilot is flying safely within line of sight, does not interfere with manned aircraft, and is in compliance with AMA’s safety program.
Q: Should clubs, contest directors (CDs), or event leaders require that all pilots be registered?
A: AMA encourages registration and expects its members to comply with all applicable federal regulations and
requirements. However, AMA membership, member benefits, and organizational participation are not contingent upon FAA/UAS registration. AMA club officers, introductory pilots, Leader Members, CDs, and event officials are asked to help educate modelers and encourage them to comply with registration; however, they are not expected to enforce FAA’s regulations concerning sUAS registration. The FAA has clarified that only the FAA or local law enforcement has the authority to take enforcement action regarding registration. Other entities, including the AMA, should not police FAA registration.
Additionally, it is logistically impossible for AMA officials to police registration. Only the FAA has access to the UAS registration database in order to verify registration. Club officers and AMA CDs have no method to validate FAA numbers.
Q: There are two airports within 5 miles of where I fly. What do I need to do?
A: Model pilots need to notify all airports within 5 miles of their flying location before operation. Most airport addresses and contact information can be found at https://skyvector.com. If you’re unable to make contact, or you wish to establish a routine or permanent flying location, contact the AMA at (800) 935-9262 and we can send you a sample notification letter.
FAA Modernization and Reform Act
Congress is in the process of updating FAA’s goals and authority, which includes requirements for model aircraft operations. To accomplish this task, the U.S. Senate and House must each separately pass its own version of FAA’s reauthorization bill.
Any differences between the two bills are then resolved within a joint conference committee. Once reconciled, the final bill will be submitted to a full congressional vote, which, if passed, will be sent to the president to be signed into law.
At the time that this article was written in early June, the Senate had passed its version of the FAA reauthorization bill, but the House had not. Until then, the legislative process is at a standstill. Please continue to monitor www.modelaircraft.org/gov and your email for updates.
Updated Analysis of FAA Drone Data Shows Decline in UAS Sightings
On June 7, 2016, AMA released its analysis of the FAA’s latest drone sightings report, made public in March 2016. This follows an analysis we previously released in September 2015, on the first FAA data set of reported sightings.
We’re happy to share that our latest analysis shows a month-by-month decline in UAS sightings since peaking in August 2015, despite an influx of nearly 700,000 to 1 million new devices sold last year. We believe that at least part of this decline is because of our efforts to educate newcomers to the hobby, primarily through the Know Before You Fly campaign, which AMA cofounded in 2014.
Some of these sightings contain reports of several objects other than drones. Balloons, birds, a rocket, and even a jet pack, made the list of sightings included in the reports. As we found in our first analysis, the FAA’s drone data continues to be a catchall for any object spotted in the sky. And again, consistent with AMA’s previous findings, only 3.3% of the drone reports in the FAA’s latest data set contained explicit notations indicating near misses or close calls.
Also in line with earlier findings, many of the sightings included in the data might involve people flying responsibly and within current guidelines. In the March 2016 data, AMA identified 38 sightings in which drones were reported to be flying at or below 400 feet.
By educating the broader drone community, we ensure that every day more people—many new to our world of model aircraft and the world of UAS—are getting the information they need to fly safely and responsibly.
The Know Before You Fly campaign, for example, has received more than 500,000 unique visitors to its website since its launch. We’re proud of this campaign and AMA’s other educational programs, and we remain committed to these critical education efforts.
Education is also the best way to prevent new, burdensome regulations from affecting our members. AMA members were never part of the problem, but we all stand to lose when careless and reckless operators spur calls for broad restrictions on recreational flying. Conversely, the decline in the number of UAS sightings shows that the focus on education is working, and will help our efforts to protect members’ rights.
You can read the report at www.modelaircraft.org/gov.
—Chad Budreau
Public Relations & Government Affairs Director
