A busy second quarter of 2017
“This quarter, we succeeded in preserving and strengthening the Special Rule for Model Aircraft in draft legislation ...”
The AMA Government Relations team has been working hard this summer in Washington, D.C., and across the US to represent and protect modelers’ rights to fly. This is update you on our efforts for the second quarter of 2017.
Federal Government Relations
By September 30, Congress is tasked to revise the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authority, which includes the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, also known as Section 336. As you might recall, AMA helped shape and pass the Special Rule for Model Aircraft into law in 2012.
The Special Rule is important to our members because it directs the FAA to allow community-based organizations (CBOs), such as the AMA, to continue managing our community of hobbyists as we have safely done for the past 80 years. Essentially, the message to the FAA was clear—our safety programs work.
This quarter, we succeeded in preserving and strengthening the Special Rule for Model Aircraft in draft legislation to reauthorize the FAA. Not only is it likely that the Special Rule will remain in place, but AMA used this as an opportunity to refine some of the language.
We are pleased that the House version of this bill now includes clarification on the definition and role of CBOs and that the Senate bill includes provisions for flying FPV within CBO guidelines. We will continue to work with Congress on a few other issues, such as improving the airport notification process, as well as refining this updated language.
The bills will need to go to a vote and be sent to the president for his signature before the September 30 deadline. As we approach the deadline, there is a growing chance that Congress may issue a Continuing Resolution, meaning the deadline will be extended with some interim changes. You can track our progress at www.modelaircraft.org/gov.
Also This Summer
- AMA met with the FAA legal team to discuss ways we can work together on the Special Rule for Model Aircraft in FAA reauthorization legislation.
- AMA President Rich Hanson spoke at the National Aeronautic Association’s July luncheon, where he shared AMA’s perspective on the history and importance of model aircraft in today’s aviation world.
- We also continued work throughout the summer with the Drone Advisory Committee, including work to define the appropriate role for state and local governments in regulating UAS.
- Similarly, we worked with the Aviation Rulemaking Committee on remote identification and tracking of UAS.
- AMA continues its work on the steering committee of the newly formed Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team (UAST). The UAST is composed of industry leaders and manufacturers from across the country, and it’s goal is to promote safety and improve technical standards.
- Additionally, the AMA Government Relations team met with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Association of Realtors, the National League of Cities, and other entities to advocate on issues that impact our members. The team also participated in an industry-led UAS self-regulatory roundtable.
State and Local Government
The AMA Government Relations team also continued to monitor state and local legislative bodies for activity that might affect our hobby.
We are proud to share that, through direct outreach and education, we’ve defeated state-level bills in New York (SB 1979) and California (SB 347) and local ordinances in these cities: Oyster Bay, New York; Babylon, New York; Garfield, New Jersey; Point Pleasant, New Jersey; and Toms River, New Jersey.
In addition:
- AMA members have successfully published opinion articles in newspapers in New Hampshire, Nevada, West Virginia, Kansas, New Jersey, Mississippi, and South Dakota, highlighting the importance of the hobby in their lives.
- We have also worked toward a solution to the adverse impact of VIP NOTAM/TFRs in Bedminster, New Jersey, and Palm Beach, Florida, which have grounded many hobbyists.
- We are working with the city council in Raleigh, North Carolina, regarding its park policies for UAS.
- We also supported Florida House Bill 1027, which prevents local municipalities from regulating UAS/model aircraft.
AMA members continue to be an integral part of our advocacy at the federal and local level. We want to express our sincere appreciation for everything you do, from writing letters to Congress, to attending city council hearings.
We have been successful this summer because of you!
—Chad Budreau
Public Relations & Government Affairs Director
chadb@modelaircraft.org
“We are pleased that the House version of this bill now includes clarification on the definition and role of CBOs and that the Senate bill includes provisions for flying FPV within CBO guidelines.”
