From the Copilot’s Seat
SPRING IS ALMOST HERE!
By Randy Cameron, AMA Executive Vice President | flyrc@modelaircraft.org
As I write this column, we just had Easter, and I hope yours was a good one. Along with Easter comes the turning of the weather and out of the freeze and into warmer weather here in the Midwest.
Flying season is beginning, and I am looking forward to it this year. As are most, I am tired of being cooped up because of COVID-19, so I went and got my shots, and feel slightly more protected. Of course, I’m still wearing a mask.
As I write this, I’ll be heading to the Toledo RC Swap Meet in a few days and am looking forward to getting to interact with people. I expect I’ll see many of you there.
AMA Government Affairs
Much has been going on with AMA and the Government Affairs team that has been working with the FAA to resolve issues for those who fly in controlled airspace. The team has done a great job of mitigating the FAA Safety Risk Management panels and should be applauded.
Additionally, our team is now working to address Class G airspace altitudes, which has been a challenge for many clubs. We appreciate your patience in this matter, and it has been a long time coming.
Some individuals have reached out to the FAA on their own and this has been problematic, causing unnecessary confusion not only with members, but with the FAA. Timing is everything, so please allow our team to work through the issues with the FAA. Believe me, they are doing all they can to improve our situation. If you have questions, feel free to email or call me. If I do not know the answer, I will find out what it is and get back to you. You are also welcome to email amagov@modelaircraft.org.
TRUST
Let’s discuss testing for a moment. The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) is coming and there is no stopping it. As most probably know, Congress mandated testing in the 2018 FAA Reauthorization Bill. The good news is that it will be free, unlike taking a Part 107 test to fly drones, where you must pay $150.
AMA has applied to be one of the test providers. This would allow you to go to the AMA website and take the test when it is all approved and released by the FAA. From what we have been told, the test will be fairly easy and is actually more educational than anything. You will not be able to fail the test; it will let you know if you missed the question and suggest that you select a different answer. It has been written so that a 13-year-old can understand it. It is possible that by the time you get this magazine, the test will be published and available to take. Stay tuned.
Finally, as stated in my last column, the AMA National Fun Fly is coming up and I hope to see you there. The dates for the event are July 30 through August 1 at the AMA International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana. Register to attend at www.modelaircraft.org/funfly. An AMA annual Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday evening, July 31, with dinner provided after the meeting.
