FAA GRANTS NATIONAL AUTHORIZATION
FOR AMA SANCTIONED EVENTS
By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org
IN JANUARY 2021, the FAA commented in the Final Rule on Remote ID that, “Though FAA-recognized identification areas [FRIAs] would not be authorized for temporary use, the FAA expects that instances such as air shows or temporary drone racing events would be handled, where warranted, through authorization from the Administrator to deviate from the remote identification operating rules.”
AMA has asserted that our sanctioned events across the country, taking place at locations that do not have FRIA status, fall under this category to deviate from the Remote ID rules. Since the Final Rule was published, AMA has advocated a streamlined FAA process to exempt operations at AMA sanctioned events from broadcasting Remote ID information.
AMA is happy to share that on February 24, 2024, the FAA granted AMA members the ability to operate without broadcasting Remote ID information at AMA sanctioned events.
To be granted this authorization to operate without Remote ID, AMA contest directors/event managers (CDs/EMs) of these sanctioned events are required to issue a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) for their event. This NOTAM must be issued no later than 24 hours prior to the start of the event, and it is best to file no more than seven days before the start of the event in order to get a NOTAM number immediately. It’s worth noting that issuing a NOTAM is very easy and takes only 4 or 5 minutes on average.
Once issued a NOTAM number, the CD/EM must then provide that number to waivers@modelaircraft.org, informing AMA Headquarters that pilots at the event will be operating under the Remote ID authorization. AMA will provide a Remote ID authorization certificate for the CD/EM to keep during the event.
Alternate Path for FRIA Status
On March 8, 2024, AMA and the FAA finalized an alternate FRIA process for our clubs that were denied FRIA status in Class G airspace (uncontrolled). This new process will result in FAA Authorizations that exempt the club and club guests from the Remote ID rule for a period of four years, just like a FRIA. Although these authorizations won’t provide official FRIA status, they will provide the club with the same benefits.
AMA has already taken the necessary steps to request authorizations for clubs that can benefit from this new process.
2024 Starting Off Strong
The year is off to a strong start in regard to removing some of the hurdles that our hobby has faced throughout the past few years. In January of this year, AMA secured FAA approval for our sanctioned events in Class G airspace, allowing operations above 400 feet.
In February, AMA was granted a National Authorization that exempts those flying at a non-FRIA AMA sanctioned event from the Remote ID requirement, and in March, AMA and the FAA finalized a process to provide an authorization to allow denied FRIA sites to operate without Remote ID.
Rest assured that AMA will continue advocating on behalf of the hobby, working to further reduce burdens that do not add additional safety to our National Airspace System.
I encourage everyone to visit the AMA Government Affairs blog at https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov. There, you will find informative blogs, step-by-step tutorials, and FAQs related to these new developments. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.
