District I—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Andy Argenio
Vice President
brandshobby@gmail.com
3 Sheila Ln., Smithfield RI 02917
Tel.: (401) 231-6901; www.amadistrict-i.org
“Safer Skies Through Education” is the mission of the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam). To accomplish this mission, the FASSTeam’s national staff and regional program managers assign and manage volunteer FAASTeam representatives who share their aviation experience and technical knowledge with individuals or groups to promote and ensure advances in aviation safety.
Dick Aarons, a FAASTeam representative, pilot, and sUAS 333 exemption holder with years of experience in aviation safety, and Sean McEvoy, an sUAS commercial operator and event coordinator for a drone safety clinic, contacted the AMA about participating in the clinic. The event was scheduled for January 28, 2017, at the Ridgefield Parks & Recreation Center in Connecticut. The clinic was open to anyone who wanted to learn about operating drones safely and legally.
I contacted Dick and told him that AMA welcomed the opportunity to participate in the event and that I would bring associate vice presidents (AVPs) Tom Rocheleau and Steve Brehm to help with the presentation. Dick asked that we focus on AMA’s Safety Programming for recreational operations and that he and Sean would focus on FAA sUAS regulations and commercial operations.
We used PowerPoint presentations to cover sUAS Part 107 and 101 federal regulations for recreational and commercial operations and AMA sUAS flight operations, which are distinctly different when flying in accordance with Part 101/336 instead of under Part 107. I presented AMA’s Safety Programming requirements along with the dos and
don’ts of sUAS operations. We talked about AMA providing leadership, competition, education, advocacy, and a strong voice to oppose unnecessary, overbearing sUAS legislation, especially when in conflict with federal law.
Tom discussed the many benefits of AMA membership, the different membership classifications, AMA club flying sites, flight training, and events. Steve provided AMA handouts and answered individual questions from attendees. Dick and Sean presented and answered questions about FAA sUAS safety regulations for all types of flight operations. Sean did some indoor drone flight demonstrations and we also showed some video of sUAS flying and drone racing.
Although attendance was limited, it was a diverse group of all ages with varying interests and questions on recreational, commercial, and public sUAS operations. There were fathers with sons who wanted to know about AMA clubs, drone flying, and flight training.
Many adults were interested in learning more about becoming commercial sUAS pilots. They had questions about sUAS regulations regarding altitude limits and flights above people, public, or private property. There were questions concerning minimum separation distances between sUAS in flight and other aircraft, people, or property. Many wanted to know how to identify permitted, restricted, and permission-required flying locations.
Questions were asked about notifying and obtaining permission when flying within 5 miles of airports. Night flying restrictions and procedures for obtaining FAA waivers were also discussed. Others had questions relating to safety and privacy issues.
Thank to Dick Aarons for involving the AMA in this FAASTeam drone clinic. There was certainly more value for attendees in having both the FAA and AMA engaged in a drone safety presentation, and we hope to see more collaborative educational initiatives with FAASTeam and AMA in the future.
Associate Vice Presidents: Steve Brehm, Jamestown RI; (401) 423-1085; stbrehm@yahoo.com; Andrew Figlar, Stratford CT; (203) 377-1535; Andrew_L_Figlar@sbcglobal.net. James Gilliatt, Concord MA; (978) 369-9796; jegilliatt@cs.com; Daren Hudson, Greenland NH; (603) 674-5809; dth7@comcast.net; Robert Kilmon, Nashua NH; (603) 594-2725; rk102136@aol.com; Ray LaBonte, Standish ME; (207) 892-7994; rplabonte@aol.com; Joan Liska, Middletown CT; (860) 347-0257; j.liska9000@sbcglobal.net; Thomas J. Puma Jr., North Clarendon VT; (802) 558-4439; usakingcat1@aol.com; Tom Rocheleau, Wethersfield CT 06109; (860) 280-1701; trocheleau@cox.net; Ted Wojcik, Fremont NH; (603) 479-3799; tedwojcik@comcast.net. Sanctioned Event Coordinator: David Surwell, 24 Norwich Rd.; Nashua NH 03062; (603) 888-2020; davidsurwell@comcast.net. Frequency Coordinator: Joel Chappell, Milford NH; (603) 673-6240; joel.b.chappell@myfairpoint.net
