State, local, and federal legislative updates for 2017
So far this year, we have identified 206 state-level bills and numerous additional municipal bills related to model aircraft.
2017 is shaping up to be another busy and challenging year on the legislative front. Although there are hurdles ahead, we are confident that the hobby will continue to thrive for generations to come, but we will need your continued support and help.
State and local governments across the country continue to introduce legislation that could harm our hobby. We take these efforts seriously and wanted to share an update on how we are working to combat harmful legislation.
Our team continually monitors state and local legislative bodies for anything that might affect our hobby. So far this year, we have identified 206 state-level bills and numerous additional municipal bills related to model aircraft. We evaluate every bill individually, and often engage with local policymakers and stakeholders to shape legislation and communicate AMA’s longstanding commitment to education and safety.
For example, our direct contact with policymakers and state-level media campaigns helped defeat legislation in Washington (H.B. 1049), Montana (S.B. 170), and Hawaii (H.B. 314; S.B. 710; S.B. 632; S.B. 1051; and S.B. 454). The involvement of AMA members on the ground also plays a critical role. In Montana and Oklahoma, local members publicly voiced their concerns to their elected officials, which was key to our success in combatting proposed legislation in those states.
In other instances, we’ve worked to ensure local legislation includes exemptions for AMA members. In S.B. 111 in Utah, for example, our efforts throughout the legislative session led to the bill being removed from the governor’s desk at the last minute to add an exemption for those operating under the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.
States aren’t the only entities attempting to regulate the airspace. Municipal governments have also introduced local ordinances that would negatively impact our hobby. Through direct outreach and education to local policymakers, local ordinances, including those in Anchorage, Alaska, North Royalton, Ohio, and other cities, have been withdrawn from consideration.
These victories do not mean that our advocacy efforts at the local level are over. We continue to resolve problematic bills as they are introduced, and foresee other states and municipalities introducing similar legislation down the road as the hobby becomes more popular.
If legislation is introduced in your state or city, please let us know about it by contacting the Government Relations team at (765) 287-1256, extension 227. With your help, we can continue to educate state and local legislators to ensure the protection of our longstanding hobby.
On the federal level, Congress is tasked to update FAA’s authorization and responsibilities before September 15, 2017. These changes could include language that might affect our hobby, including possible changes to the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, commonly referred to as Section 336. The Special Rule for Model Aircraft is an addition we championed into public law in 2012 that protects our members from new and overbearing regulations.
We are already working with various committees and legislators on Capitol Hill to strengthen and protect the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. As we approach the summer and fall, expect additional updates and progress reports.
In the meantime, please continue to monitor your AMA emails, blogs, social media and, of course, Model Aviation magazine for updates. As we have in the past, if it is necessary, we might ask you to make your voice heard by writing to your state senators and representatives.
—Chad Budreau
chadb@modelaircraft.org
Public Relations &
Government Affairs Director
MODEL AIRCRAFT FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS OVER MILITARY PROPERTY
The FAA and Department of Defense (DoD) recently announced airspace restrictions above 133 military facilities to address national security concerns. These new restrictions, outlined in NOTAM FDC 7/7282, apply to all model aircraft, sometimes referred to as drones or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).
The restrictions will remain in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The flight restrictions apply to specific locations on military property for all model aircraft operations up to 400 feet. Operators who violate these restrictions are subject to enforcement action, including potential civil penalties and criminal charges.
For more than 80 years, AMA members have safely operated model aircraft in the National Airspace System by following strict community-based guidelines. Our history includes a great relationship with the military through our large military membership base, military partnerships, and collaborative efforts. AMA flying sites and events—including many National Aeromodeling Championships dating back to the 1940s—have been safely and responsibly conducted on military property.
To preserve our safety record and commitment to national security and the military, it is important that we all comply with the new restrictions. Following are a few answers to commonly asked questions related to these UAS flight restrictions.
Q: I fly near, but not on, military property. Am I affected by this announcement?
A: No. The restrictions affect select military sites only and do not apply beyond military property lines.
Q: My club flying site or event is located on military property. Is my site affected?
A: It is most likely not affected. The new military restrictions are not blanket no-fly zones encompassing all military property. Most restrictions only apply to specific, sensitive areas or critical infrastructure within military property. Your flying site is probably outside of these high-security areas, but we recommend you confirm if your site is affected by visiting the FAA interactive map at http://arcg.is/2oD4gJM. You might notice that your flying site location has a red/pink striped overlay. This indicates that you are operating on military property and not necessarily within the new UAS flight-restricted area. The newly announced UAS restrictions are marked with a completely filled reddish-pink overlay.
Q: Does this flight restriction only apply to drones, multirotors, or models with cameras?
A: The restrictions apply to all civilian model aircraft or UAS, not just drones, multirotors, or models with cameras. Any model aircraft operator who violates these restrictions is subject to enforcement action.
Q: Are there any exceptions to the new military restrictions?
A: The specific military sites were carved out by the DoD and the FAA to protect national security. If you have a preexisting flying site or need permission to fly model aircraft within a restricted area, please contact the AMA Government Relations team at (765) 287-1256, extension 227.
