Registration returns
Randy Cameron, Executive Vice President
flyrc@modelaircraft.org
Hello all. Gary Fitch decided it was time for him to retire from the AMA after 10 years of service as an AMA Executive Council member. The work he has done for AMA is admirable. Gary has been a huge asset to the organization, I believe he will stay engaged with AMA as a Leader Member. If not, his skills and expertise will definitely be missed.
Thank you to the membership for electing me as AMA’s executive vice president. The support I have received from other council members, and our membership in general, has been great. I’m excited to get started in the position and look forward to serving the AMA community.
As most of you are probably aware, Congress has brought registration back in the form of a federal requirement, overturning the John Taylor case. Registration requirements also include AMA members. Congress included sUAS registration in the National Defense Authorization Act that was signed into law on December 12, 2017, by President Trump.
We are gearing up to defend our Special Rule 336 exemption in the FAA Reauthorization Bill, which received an extension at the end of September until March 31, 2018. Organizations such as the Air Line Pilots Association are suggesting that our 336 exemption is a “get out of jail free card,” which, of course, is not the case. The exception provided by Congress in 2012 is based on following the rules and operating within the programming of a national community-based organization (CBO). Currently, if you are not a member of a CBO and following its rules, you are required to fly under Part 107.
On December 14, 2017, the National Transportation Safety Board released its findings on the collision between a quadcopter and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk near Staten Island, New York. It can be found at www.ntsb.gov/news/press-releases/pages/PR20171214.aspx. In response to its report, AMA sent out the following news media release on the same day.
“Muncie, Ind. - Chad Budreau, Public Relations and Government Affairs Director at the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), today made the following statement on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report on the September 21 collision of a civilian drone and a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Staten Island, New York.
“Careless and reckless operators should be held accountable. The rogue drone operator involved in this incident violated Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations and a temporary flight restriction, among other irresponsible behavior. The FAA should educate and hold this person accountable for these actions.
“AMA members follow a strict set of safety guidelines in accordance with Section 336, the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. Section 336 provides a recreational alternative to Part 107 for responsible model aviation and drone enthusiasts who follow the guidelines of a community-based organization. It is important to note that the drone operator involved in this incident was not a Section 336 operator.
“We support stricter enforcement of existing laws against careless and reckless drone operators. This incident also underscores how regulation alone will not prevent some people from flying where they shouldn’t. More education will help those who may be new to flying drones understand what they can and cannot do. We continue to work with UAS stakeholders on the Know Before You Fly campaign to help educate this group on how to fly safely and responsibly.”
Happy landings.
AMA Executive Council Meeting
October 28, 2017 | Muncie IN
The motions and acclamations are part of the unofficial minutes of the meeting. Minutes from a given meeting are not official until they are approved at the following quarterly Executive Council meeting. Questions or comments concerning the motions should be addressed to your district vice president.
Motion to accept consent agenda.
Motion to accept EC Minutes of July 15-16, 2017.
Motion I: Motion by Gary Fitch to reappoint Keith Sessions to another term as CFO. Seconded by Eric Williams.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion II: Motion by Gary Fitch to accept the 2018 budget as presented. Seconded by Lawrence Harville.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion III: Motion by Lawrence Tougas to fund a second AMAWest show in November. Seconded by Randy Cameron.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion IV: Moved by Chuck Bower to approve revisions to the AMA Radio Control Large Model Airplane Program. Seconded by Lawrence Harville.
Motion passed by acclamation.
Motion V: Moved by Randy Cameron to approve Nats schedule with Control Line revisions as presented. Seconded by Jim Tiller.
Motion approved by acclamation.
Motion VI: Motioned by Gary Fitch and seconded by Andy Argeno to require potential candidates to sign an affidavit stating that he/she has read and understands the requirements of the position he/she has been nominated for and accepts the nomination.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VII: Motioned by Jim Tiller seconded by Chuck Bower create an ad hoc committee to bring a vision to fundraising for long-range site improvement using non-dues revenue including a vision for the International Aeromodeling Center, an Education Facility, and the Museum.
Motion passed unanimously.
Motion VIII: Motion by Lawrence Harville to hold January 2018 EC meeting on Monday, January 8, at AMA Expo West in Ontario CA. Seconded by Mark Radcliff.
Motion passed unanimously.
