FAA BEGINS WORK
TOWARD FRIA
RECOGNITION
By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org
THE FAA AND UAS industry are currently working to implement the Remote ID requirement that is scheduled to take effect in September 2023. One way to comply with Remote ID in the future is to apply, and be granted, FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) status. If your club flying site becomes a FRIA, you will be able to fly your aircraft without the use of a broadcast module.
In December 2021, AMA began working with the FAA in an effort to streamline the FRIA process. It is expected that AMA clubs will make up the largest percentage of FRIA sites across the country, so our involvement is critical in helping the FAA shape the direction of the process.
In order for the FAA to oversee the hobby effectively, it is important that it understands the various disciplines that our members enjoy. To assist with this understanding, AMA plans to host the FAA FRIA workgroup as we did with the FAA UAS Integration Office in the past.
Some might remember that in 2019, AMA called on Prince George’s Radio Control Club to host 50 FAA representatives. This open house was the first introduction to model aircraft for many within the FAA. The on-site experience allowed the group to gain a tremendous amount of knowledge about our hobby in a short amount of time. The FAA representatives got to fly and/or observe everything from Control Line to turbine jets.
This next open house will be no different. It will be another opportunity to educate the agency about AMA and model aviation. This education is key for the implementation of current legislation, the altitude waiver process, and future rules.
Rest assured that AMA will continue to advocate on behalf of our members and the hobby while working with the FAA toward the best possible outcome. It will take some time to finalize the FRIA process, but AMA will be sure to inform and assist our members when the application process is open to the public.
If you have questions or concerns regarding FRIAs, or any other government-related topic, contact the AMA Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.
