WHY IS CBO
STATUS IMPORTANT?
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director chad@modelaircraft.org
ON NOVEMBER 15, 2022, the FAA declared AMA as a community-based organization (CBO). Before I share what this status means to AMA, our members, and the hobby, let me provide some background.
One year after AMA’s founding in 1936, we partnered with NAA and others to petition the federal government against onerous regulations in states such as Connecticut and Massachusetts. The US Department of Commerce, which at the time managed aviation, sent delegates to the 1937 Nats to meet with AMA and evaluate our operations. The conference ended with the US Department of Commerce not only validating AMA’s safety programming, but also issuing a statement of endorsement, declaring aeromodeling’s value to youth.
This set the tone of the relationship between AMA and the federal government for decades. AMA was looked upon to safely manage the recreation, education, and sport of model aviation.
Fast-forward 75 years: In the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act, Congress more formally codified the relationship between AMA and federal government by defining CBOs, such as AMA, to manage the model aircraft community. Congress reaffirmed the importance of CBOs in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. In October 2022, the FAA published and implemented a process to recognize CBOs through Advisory Circular 91-57 C.
I’m happy to share that AMA was the first to apply and the first to be accepted as a CBO. AMA President Rich Hanson stated in an email to our members, “We applaud the FAA for implementing the [CBO application] process and acknowledging that AMA’s Safety Programming is the gold standard.”
CBO recognition is important for many reasons. This designation validates and gives credibility to AMA’s safety programming among stakeholders and regulators. Although AMA has been shaping regulations for decades, CBO status more formally gives AMA a seat at the table when the FAA addresses regulations. Being a CBO also opens the door to additional advocacy efforts, including applying for FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA) status for our clubs and flying sites.
FRIAs allow our members to fly at approved AMA flying fields without Remote ID. Members can continue flying at FRIAs as they always have with the same equipment they already use.
FAA Advisory Circular 89-3 clarifies that clubs and individuals cannot apply for FRIA status; therefore, AMA will be applying on behalf of our clubs. This is a service we are happy to provide for our members and 2,500 clubs across the country. Every year, I work with staff and the Executive Council (EC) to create a program of work. This allows staff and the EC to prioritize projects and allocate resources. Needless to say, securing FRIA status for our clubs is a top-ranking priority within AMA’s 2022 and 2023 program of work, with an anticipated forecast of 3,500 staff hours.
Although AMA staff will be taking the brunt of the work, we will need to consult with our clubs to ensure FRIA applications have accurate information. Please look for communication from the AMA Clubs department to our club officers to begin the process.
Until AMA approaches you to start the process, begin thinking about who your club’s primary point of contact will be as it relates to FRIAs. Clubs might also be asked to define their hours and types of operations. Because this is the time of year that we ask our clubs to renew their charters with AMA, please spend extra time to review your club and flying site information before submitting it to the AMA. We want the most accurate and current details to streamline the FRIA application process.
Thank you to the staff, volunteers, and members for securing our CBO status! We’re honored to be your CBO and excited for what the future brings. This is a big step for our community, and we look forward to growing the hobby together.
