AMA FLYING SITES IN CLASS G AIRSPACE GRANTED HIGHER ALTITUDE AUTHORIZATIONS
By Tyler Dobbs, Executive Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org
THE ACADEMY of Model Aeronautics is proud to share some exciting news for our members. We have secured a National Authorization that allows AMA chartered club sites that are located within Class G airspace to operate at higher altitudes for routine, day-to-day flying activities.
Under this new authorization, approved flying sites in Class G airspace can now fly up to 700 or 1,200 feet above ground level (AGL), depending upon the site’s specific location. This is a significant milestone in our continued efforts to ease restrictions for the model aviation community and to enhance the flying experience for hobbyists across the country.
This development reflects ongoing collaboration between AMA, the FAA, and congressional leaders, who all work together to support safe and accessible model aviation. As we move forward, AMA remains fully committed to advocating for our members and ensuring that their voices are heard in National Airspace System policy discussions.
What This Means for Your Club
Although this National Authorization opens exciting new possibilities, there are important steps that must be followed before your club can begin operating above 400 feet.
- Clubs must obtain a copy of the official authorization document before flying above 400 feet AGL.
- Operations must meet all of the conditions outlined in the authorization.
- Club officers should maintain a copy of the authorization on file as part of the club’s permanent records.
- Your club site must be in Class G airspace and on file with AMA. AMA and the FAA keep a record of all sites approved through this authorization.
To help members navigate this new development, AMA has created an FAQ guide that addresses common questions and concerns that are related to the authorization and compliance requirements. This FAQ can be found on the AMA Government Advocacy blog at https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov.
Site Approval Summary
As part of the application process, AMA submitted 1,997 club sites for inclusion in the National Authorization. Of these:
- 1,979 sites were fully approved for higher altitude operations.
- Three sites were approved with minor restrictions because of specific local considerations.
- 15 sites were denied because they are located within sensitive or restricted airspace, such as the Washington, D.C. Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA), or other similarly controlled environments that require separate coordination and approvals.
For those 15 denied sites, AMA is already engaging with the FAA and relevant stakeholders to explore possible solutions. Our Government Affairs team is actively working on pathways to include these locations in future authorizations, and we are committed to representing the interests of every AMA member—regardless of where you fly.
Stay Informed
This achievement marks a positive step forward, but our work is far from finished. As airspace policies continue to evolve, staying informed is more important than ever. We encourage members to regularly check the AMA Government Advocacy blog for the latest updates, policy news, and advocacy efforts.
If you have questions, need clarification, or would like assistance related to the new authorization, please reach out to the AMA Government Affairs team directly at (765) 287-1256 or email amagov@modelaircraft.org.
Together, we are building a stronger future for model aviation—one that keeps safety, access, and freedom of flight at the heart of everything we do.
