FAA RELEASES
DRAFT AC 91-57C
By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org
THE FAA RECENTLY RELEASED a draft of Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57C, which will soon replace the current version, AC 91-57B. The updates to the new AC are centered around recognition of community-based organizations (CBOs), a process that AMA worked with Congress to establish in 2018.
CBO recognition will allow AMA to continue to safely manage the recreational model aircraft community, something AMA has done for more than eight decades. This recognition also gives AMA a stronger voice regarding future regulations, requiring the FAA to consult our community when updating model aircraft operational parameters.
In addition to CBO recognition, AC 91-57C clarifies that educational UAS operations can be performed under US Code 44809, the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft. This legislation was created and passed at AMA’s request in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act.
This change allows AMA members to perform educational UAS operations at universities, military JROTC programs, and chartered clubs without obtaining an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Additional updates in AC 91-57C include a waiver process for sanctioned events and a process for higher altitudes at fixed flying site locations. It also opens the door for night operations to be reinstated at our fixed site locations in controlled airspace.
Although not perfect, the release of this AC gives our community a path forward to continue enjoying the hobby as we have done for so many years. Rest assured that AMA will continue working with Congress and the FAA to preserve model aviation.
AMA and EAA Advocacy Forum
I attended EAA’s AirVenture 2021 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where I gave a presentation alongside EAA Government Advocacy Specialist Lily Johnson.
The presentation covered several topics, such as AMA and EAA’s participation in the Drone Advisory Committee (DAC) and the Unmanned Aircraft Safety Team (UAST). The DAC provides the FAA with advice on key UAS integration issues by helping to identify challenges and prioritize improvements.
The UAST is an industry/government partnership committed to ensuring the safe operations of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the National Airspace System (NAS). The UAST supports the safe integration of UAS with data-driven safety enhancements and collaboration among members of the UAS industry.
The Final Rule for Remote ID of Unmanned Aircraft and the three ways to comply with the rule was another topic discussed. A person operating in the NAS will need to comply with Remote ID requirements beginning September 16, 2023. There are three ways in which to comply:
- Standard Remote ID
- Broadcast Modules
- FAA-Recognized Identification Area(s)
Additionally, Safety Risk Management Panels (SRMPs) and the Letters of Agreement (LOA) needed for flying sites located in controlled airspace were discussed. Clubs wishing to attain an altitude higher than what is assigned to them on the FAA UAS Facility Map can request an SRMP. AMA has been successful in obtaining LOAs with altitudes as high as 2,000 feet AGL.
Finally, draft Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57C and its details regarding Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), educational UAS operations, a waiver process for sanctioned events, a process for higher altitudes at fixed flying sites in Class G airspace, and night operations was also discussed. AC 91-57C details recognition of CBOs, which will allow AMA to have a stronger voice regarding future regulations by requiring the FAA to consult the recreational UAS community when updating model aircraft operational parameters. The AC also clarifies that educational UAS operations can be performed under US Code 44809, the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft.
To listen to EAA’s radio interview with Lily Johnson and me, visit the AMA Government Affairs blog at www.modelaircraft.org.
