Where to create a flying site
Flying Site Assistance by Tony Stillman, Flying Site Coordinator
Hello again! Last month we talked about new flying site opportunities. I want to continue this theme a little more.
On the Flying Site Assistance page of our AMA website (www.modelaircraft.org/flyingsiteassistance), you will find a map of the US with lots of blue pins. This map identifies a city official with whom I spoke expressing an interest in creating a flying site. The officials have communicated to me that they have either excess lands that are currently unused, or they have underutilized land that could become available for a flying site. They need to connect with an AMA club or member who will work with them to view these sites to find one that is suitable for model flying. This could be multirotor racing, park fliers, or a traditional large flying site. It just depends on what acreage might be available.
There are pins in many areas of the country. I urge you to review this map, and if you find a pin in your area, contact me. I can provide you with the contact information of the person with whom I spoke so you can investigate.
You might have a great flying site, but perhaps you have a need for a place to put a park flier field or drone racing site. Many flying sites don’t have enough space to accommodate additional flying activities. Having a second field for your club could provide a place for those who want to fly this type of model.
Although gaining a second flying site could be a great thing for the club, there is another positive—creating a partnership with a local city or park department. There are towns considering ordinances that would make model flying illegal. Our government relations department has been tracking hundreds of these in the first quarter of 2017 alone! Usually they are in response to worries about privacy and safety because of people flying models, including drones, at inappropriate locations such as over houses and people.
By creating a specific flying site for them, the town does not have to ban them, but can point them to a place where they can go to fly their models. The club members who are interested in this type of model can help organize and manage this site, and become AMA members who are teaching safety and best practices to these new fliers. Now the club has a real value to the city, which could prove to be invaluable should the time come that its field is in jeopardy.
I know many clubs whose members have their hands full trying to find willing workers to cut the grass and help maintain the flying site. In most cases, 10% of the club membership actually gets involved with the club and helps with management, site maintenance and setup as well as managing events. Adding another site might seem to be too much. However, this is a way to reach younger modelers and grow your club.
AMA has created a landing page to help bring this message to parks departments. You can find this page at why.modelaircraft.org/drones. I encourage you to visit this page and use it to help gain a new flying site, or maybe a second site for your club.
If you need assistance with creating a new flying site in your city, please feel free to contact me at AMA Headquarters at (765) 287-1256, extension 230. I will be glad to assist you!
See you at the field!
