FLYING SITE IMPROVEMENT GRANTS
From the Copilot’s Seat
By Randy Cameron, AMA Executive Vice President | flyrc@modelaircraft.org
As I wrote this, the Flying Site Improvement Grant Committee had just completed scoring 81 grant requests. The scores were ranked and, based on the rankings, funds will be distributed until we run out of money for the program.
The list was presented to the Executive Council for approval at our meeting that took place on April 26. We expected to award slightly shy of $50,000 toward Flying Site Improvement Grants.
AMA Clubs
What do you feel that the AMA should be doing to help grow your club? There have been a number of documents and suggestions made concerning many areas of the AMA website. We have recently tried to update those files and place them in a specific location at www.modelaircraft.org/ama-club-toolkit.
I ask club leaders to review this area and offer suggestions to me about how we can make it better and what would best work for you. There are many links, and lots of data that can become somewhat overwhelming. Suggestions for improvements, additions, and deletions would be appreciated.
You can reach out to me at flyrc@modelaircraft.org. Please put “Club Toolkit” in the subject line to help me keep responses organized.
In other exciting news, the FAA has provided AMA with a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization signed by Derek Huty, the manager of the General Aviation and Commercial Branch of the FAA (Certificate 2025-CBO-SPLO01), with an expiration date of April 30, 2027. I assume that the certificate is renewable.
This certificate authorizes AMA fixed flying sites that are located in Class G airspace to operate higher than 400 feet above ground level for routine, day-to-day activities. This is typically between 700 and 1,200 feet for most locations. There are a few exceptions.
Flying season is here for most of us, so happy flying, and I hope to see you all soon.
