REMOTE ID ENFORCEMENT DELAYED
By Chad Budreau, AMA Executive Director | chadh@modelaircraft.org
SEPTEMBER 16, 2023, was the FAA’s original implementation date for Remote ID, in which all radio-controlled UAS operators had to comply with standard Remote ID equipment pre-equipped on ready-to-fly UAS, using broadcast modules, or by flying at designated FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs). During the rulemaking process and the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking comment period, AMA advocated against many issues with Remote ID, including the implementation timeline.
As we approached September 16, AMA continued to advocate against the timeline, noting unavailability of Remote ID modules and the lack of approved FRIAs. In early September, the FAA agreed to push back the enforcement date of Remote ID for six months, until March 16, 2024. This extension provides the FAA more time to approve FRIA applications and gives manufacturers time to produce standard and broadcast Remote ID modules.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog at https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or via email at amagov@modelaircraft.org.
IAC Developments
Randy Cameron, the chairman of the Property, Acquisition, and Development Committee (PADCOM), began conducting meetings to explore repairs and improvements to the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC). Many of our runways are long overdue for repairs, with some cracks that are more than an inch wide. PADCOM invited SIGs and Nats leaders to help identify the most pressing needs and brainstorm plans to improve the flying experience at AMA.
Efforts might require an AMA Foundation capital improvement campaign as well. PADCOM hopes to present some preliminary ideas to the Executive Council (EC) during the October 21, 2023, meeting.
Additionally, the next time you come to the IAC, you might notice some improvements in the National Model Aviation Museum, thanks to grants secured by the AMA Foundation. The museum has already installed new art and decals on the exterior windows and is looking at additional improvements to the entrance.
The Big 3 in 4Q
This is also the time of year we begin working on what we call the “Big 3 in 4Q.” During the fourth quarter of each year, we tackle three big projects: the following year’s budgets, a new Program of Work, and the current year’s annual report. The 2024 Program of Work and budget will be presented to the EC in October for approval. AMA will then begin work on the 2023 Annual Report for the January EC meeting, which will be distributed to members via AMA This Week and online.
CFO/Treasurer
This year marks the 10th anniversary that Keith Sessions has volunteered as AMA’s chief financial officer (CFO). We are grateful for Keith’s dedication to the hobby and for lending us his expertise as our CFO. Because of Keith, AMA has a strong reserve and is financially solvent. I am sad to say that, at the end of this year, Keith will be stepping down as the CFO.
The EC has established a committee to review the duties of the CFO and form a search committee. To learn about the duties of the CFO and how to apply, visit https://modelaircraft.org/cfo. Résumés and questions should go to cfosearch@modelaircraft.org.
Thank you for your membership and stay safe.
