AMA GOVERNMENT
AFFAIRS TEAM
RESUMES VISITS TO
WASHINGTON, D.C.
By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org
THE AMA GOVERNMENT Affairs team recently traveled to Washington, D.C. The week began with an FAA workgroup visiting a local club’s flying site to discuss Remote ID and the FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) application process.
As one of three ways to comply with the Final Rule for Remote ID, a club that is granted FRIA status will be able to fly aircraft at its flying site(s) without the use of a broadcast module. Currently, the process to apply for FRIA status is not set to begin until September 2022, at the earliest.
During the visit, the workgroup was introduced to several types of aircraft, including Pylon racers, RC helicopters, and turbine-engine jets. This opportunity allowed the FAA representatives to experience AMA’s safety culture and learn about the various disciplines within our hobby.
For the remainder of the week, the Government Affairs team met with several Congressional offices and committees. Following is a list of Congressional entities with which we met:
- Representative Garret Graves (R-LA)
- Representative Greg Pence (R-IN)
- Senator Todd Young (R-IN)
- Senator James Inhofe (R-OK)
- Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
- Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV)
- Senate Commerce Committee
- House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
The meetings were productive, and AMA looks forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of our members. More trips are already planned for the coming months to further discuss issues that directly affect AMA members and the model aircraft community.
The Domestic Counter-Unmanned Air-craft Systems National Action Plan
The Biden administration recently released the Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan. This plan seeks to safeguard recreational and commercial UAS use in the national airspace. It protects against nefarious and malicious UAS use by allowing more federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to have enforcement authority over UAS, including model aircraft.
It’s important to note that this is currently just a White House proposal and has not been written into law. AMA has already begun meeting with Congress regarding this issue and will continue to advocate for solutions that do not impact those who are flying safely and responsibly.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.
