GOVERNMENT
ADVOCACY UPDATES
By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org
IN LATE 2020, AMA reported that Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57C was under review for final sign-off by the Office of Management and Budget. Because of required revisions and reviews, AC 91-57C is likely delayed until President Joe Biden fills key agency positions within the FAA and the Department of Transportation.
AC 91-57C contains information regarding the recreational UAS knowledge and safety test, a process for community-based organization recognition, and possibly night flying in controlled airspace. After the AC is published in the Federal Register, members will be able to submit their comments.
AMA is currently meeting with broadcast module designers and manufacturers to share our members’ needs regarding Remote ID solutions.
AMA continues to work with the FAA in securing Safety Risk Management panels for clubs that wish to obtain a higher flying altitude than what is allowed on the FAA UAS Facility Map. AMA is also working with the FAA to streamline this process so that more clubs can receive panels in a shorter timeframe.
The final rule on Remote ID was released to the public on December 28, 2020; however, it was not published to the Federal Register until January 15, 2021, which makes March 16, 2021, the date when the 3-year implementation period begins.
Starting September 16, 2023, a person operating in the National Airspace System (NAS) will need to comply with Remote ID requirements. Additionally, AMA is currently meeting with broadcast module designers and manufacturers to share our members’ needs regarding Remote ID solutions. It will likely be months before broadcast modules are available, but many in the industry still expect the cost to be in the $20-$50 range.
For a detailed summary of the final rule on Remote ID, please visit the AMA Government Affairs blog at modelaircraft.org/gov.
Finally, clubs within a 30-mile radius of Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, should expect more frequent Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) while President Biden is in office. To check on current TFRs, visit the FAA’s TFR list or AMA’s NOTAM page. Both are located under the “Resources” tab at www.modelaircraft.org.
AMA Signs MOU With AFJROTC
On December 23, 2020, AMA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (AFJROTC). The MOU outlines several collaborative efforts between AMA and the AFJROTC involving youth programs and curriculum. AMA has previously worked with the AFJROTC and is happy to build upon that relationship.
AMA is currently working with the FAA to identify AFJROTC flying sites that are located in controlled airspace. So far, approximately 100 AFJROTC units have submitted their information. In the coming months, AMA will assist each unit in completing a signed Letter of Agreement (LOA) with their local air traffic control facility.
AMA is a proud supporter of the military and looks forward to continuing to work with the AFJROTC to keep the NAS safe and open to hobbyists and those operating for educational purposes. For any comments or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256, or email amagov@modelaircraft.org.
LAANC Requirement
In 2019, the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) became available to recreational UAS operators. LAANC is an automated service for which to apply and quickly receive approval from the FAA to fly outside of AMA club locations while in controlled airspace. All model aircraft and drone operations within controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E) must be authorized by the FAA before flying.
For members operating at AMA club flying sites with established LOAs, the LOA serves as your FAA authorization.
To access LAANC, you need to sign up with a service provider. Several companies have developed mobile and online portals that interface with LAANC. Although the basic service that each company offers is the same, there are pros and cons to each. You need to determine which company is appropriate for your needs. You will need to use either a mobile phone or device (cellphone, tablet, etc.) or a desktop computer to sign up with a service provider.
Please visit the AMA Government Affairs blog at modelaircraft.org/gov to learn more about LAANC.
