NATIONAL ALTITUDE
AUTHORIZATION REMINDERS
By Lucas Rodden, Government Affairs Manager | lucasr@modelaircraft.org
IN THE SPRING OF 2025, AMA announced that most of the registered AMA sites in uncontrolled airspace had been authorized for an altitude extension through an agreement with the FAA. There are multiple resources, including an FAQ page on our Government affairs blog that go over all of the stipulations in detail. It will be important, however, to periodically remind ourselves of the broad requirements to ensure that we’re compliant and protecting the authorization for ourselves and future modelers.
One of the requirements is that pilots must be briefed on the functions of the agreement and be aware of any site-specific limitations. To assist with this, the following Altitude Authorization Briefing was prepared and can be found in a digital format on the AMA home page within the Advocacy section. Some sites will have local restrictions with airports or municipalities, regardless of approval status. It is always the best practice to verify with local leadership what site rules must be followed as well.
Altitude Authorization Briefing
If you fly at an AMA field that’s part of the national altitude extension in Class G airspace that was released in April 2025, there are important rules that you need to follow, especially when flying above 400 feet. These guidelines help our fields continue operating safely and legally under the FAA authorization so that future modelers can enjoy the extensions as well.
Here’s what you need to know before you fly:
- Follow USC 44809 and AMA Safety Guidelines. You need to be aware of and follow all AMA Safety Code practices, USC 44809, and any rules that apply specifically to the flying site in question.
- Be Aware of Nearby Aviation Activity. Clubs should be aware of whether their field is within 2 nautical miles of charted, manned air traffic (such as a small airport) and inform you of any safety mitigations or site-specific rules that you need to follow in case of nearby aircraft. The increased altitudes do not constitute waivers from any other law or safety rule. See the FAQ link at the end of this column for documentation requirements.
- Know Site-Specific Limits. Some sites have altitude or area restrictions based on their size or location. This might change during an event versus daily flying if the local leadership feels that it is necessary or is required by a separate local agreement. Remember, even if a field has received 700-foot or 1,200-foot above-ground-level (AGL) clearance, the club might have restrictions concerning when it allows pilots to utilize the space above 400 feet. Ask before you fly.
- Understand the National Authorization. Especially if you don’t regularly fly at a field covered by this authorization, you might be unfamiliar with all of the stipulations. Make sure that you read the authorization and seek guidance from local club leadership if you don’t understand a section. AMA and district leadership will be available for questions as well, but local restrictions could apply, and club leaders should advise members prior to operation.
- Follow USC 44809 Registration and TRUST Guidelines: USC 44809 contains a requirement to register with the FAA as a recreational flier if you are operating UAS above 250 grams or 0.55 pounds. Additionally, it directs recreational model aircraft pilots to pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) safety test. If you haven’t done this yet, it’s quick and free to complete on AMA’s website.
Other Items About These Sites
- Flying Above 400 Feet Is Only Allowed During Daylight Hours. The altitude extension only applies between civil sunrise and civil sunset. If you’re flying at night, you must stay at or below 400 feet AGL unless it is otherwise specifically authorized.
- Fixed Sites: Not All Are Class G. This authorization applies to registered AMA sites within Class G airspace that have been submitted for review; it does not authorize altitude extensions for all modelers who are flying in Class G airspace. Members can easily view approved sites in the FAQ document.
- You Must Always Stay Within Visual Line of Sight. You or your spotter need to be able to see your aircraft clearly with your own eyes.
- Operations Must Follow the Weather Rules. If you are operating during an event at an applicable site, look to your event managers, contest directors, and FAA national altitude extension for guidance on weather and visibility conditions.
- NOTAMS. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) must be issued for any AMA sanctioned event in Class G airspace when you are flying above 400 feet AGL.
If you have questions that have not been addressed here or in our FAQ document (https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov/2025/04/23/faq-for-national-class-g-7711), AMA district vice presidents, Leader Members, your club leadership, and AMA Headquarters can provide further guidance.
Thank you for helping keep our fields active and our airspace safe!
