Section 336 and FAA Reauthorization
Last year, Congress was tasked with updating FAA’s reauthorization, which included Section 336, the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. The Special Rule for Model Aircraft is important because it protects our right to fly within AMA’s community-based safety program, free from additional government relations.
AMA aggressively engaged with members of both the House and Senate during the drafting process to achieve the best possible results. In July 2016, we were happy to announce that the Special Rule for Model Aircraft would remain intact through September 2017. Congress continues to recognize the importance and safety commitment of community-based organizations such as AMA.
Leading up to September, Congress will again review and possibly modify FAA’s authorization, which might include the special rule. We are already walking the halls of Congress to strengthen and protect our rights to fly under AMA’s safety programming.
We will keep you updated throughout the year. I encourage everyone to monitor his or her AMA email, social media, www.modelaircraft.org/gov, club communications, and Model Aviation.
Registration
During the past couple of months, we have seen a slight surge in calls inquiring about the registration process. The FAA requires all model aircraft to have an FAA/UAS registration number, except for models weighing less than .55 pounds, Control Line aircraft, Free Flight models, or those that are exclusively flown indoors.
Currently, AMA members are not exempt from this requirement and must list both their AMA numbers and federal registration numbers on every aircraft. We are advocating that members be allowed to use only their AMA numbers because AMA membership already meets the intent of registration, but at this time, both numbers are required on model aircraft.
You can register at https://registermyuas.faa.gov. The cost shouldn’t exceed $5 for hobbyist operators. You do not have to pay or register each aircraft, and you only pay the $5 once every three years.
There have been reports of fake sites appearing as credible registration sites, so do not simply enter key words in your favorite search engine and trust the first site that appears. Only visit https://registermyuas.faa.gov or click the UAS registration link on AMA’s government relations page at www.modelaircraft.org/gov. If you need assistance, call the FAA registration support line at (877) 396-4636 or contact AMA at (800) 935-9262.
Across Generations, We Keep Flying
AMA members have always been passionate about our hobby. That’s why AMA created Generations of Flight this past January. It’s a website devoted to highlighting modelers and details how individuals got started in model aviation and the difference it has made in their lives.
We feature a “Story of the Month” on AMA’s Facebook page that represents our shared love for the hobby. Since its launch, we’ve received more than 600 flying stories and photos of time spent with family and friends. We love highlighting the positive impact that flying has had on our members’ lives.
One thing so many of your stories have in common is how often and how much you love to share the hobby of flying model aircraft across generations. One AMA member, Lee, wrote that his father was an aeromodeling enthusiast before Lee was born, and as a small child, Lee flew with his dad. Now Lee has passed on this tradition to his own two sons. He stated, “This hobby brings family together like a holiday dinner.”
Lee isn’t the only one who has passed on his love for flying to the next generation. Another AMA member, John, flew with his dad for more than 25 years before his father passed away. John wrote, “Now when I go flying, I bring one of his planes with me so [that] we are still flying together.”
Your flying memories are often good times shared with friends. One story, submitted by Barney, is from the 1970s when he was struggling to learn how to fly RC with friends at his local club in Tennessee. Barney shared with us, “These guys were a great encouragement to me,” and many “are still flying.” The encouragement must have helped, because Barney is still flying with his friends in Texas.
Many of our members know firsthand that model aviation is more than a hobby. It’s an effective tool for inspiring young people to explore careers in the scientific and technological fields that are increasingly vital to our future. Many famous aviators, including astronauts Neil Armstrong and Robert “Hoot” Gibson, and aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan, have pointed to model aviation as the gateway to their interest in aviation and subsequent careers. We’re encouraged to see that many of the stories shared through Generations of Flight echo this experience.
One example is Brian and his brother, who learned to fly in the 1990s from their father, who was an avid modeler for four decades. Flying sparked a deep interest for Brian. He wrote, “The hobby has turned into a successful career for me as an aeronautical engineer for a major general aviation aircraft manufacturer.”
Another modeler, Jimmy, noted, “Model aviation has had a profound effect on my career, and thus my whole
life.” He began modeling as a kid in the 1950s, picking cotton to earn money to purchase the supplies he needed. He later obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering and had a career spanning 40 years.
Although Jimmy and Brian are from different generations, they have one thing in common: flying.
When you have a moment to spare, I encourage you to visit www.generationsofflight.com and take a look at the stories. Although they’re all unique, you can’t miss the common thread that connects us all: a love for model aviation.
And while you’re there, submit your own story! What do you love about flying? What does it mean to be a modeler? How did the hobby impact your life or your career?
Maybe you want to share a story of your first flight, your most recent visit to an airfield, or a memory that inspires you. Tell us and we just might feature you on Facebook as our next “Story of the Month!”
—Chad Budreau
Public Relations & Government Affairs Director
chadb@modelaircraft.org
