PLANNING AHEAD
photo by matt ruddick
AS AMA COMMUNITIES begin hosting events in the 2026 season, I have received many inquiries about the procedures for higher altitude extensions and other event-related waivers. With this in mind, I will be taking a brief hiatus from my ongoing series of “What Do I Need to Fly Here?” to provide guidance and clarity on sanctioned events. The series, which covers a combination of common airspace and land-use permissions, will continue in the next issue.
AMA is authorized to obtain certain airspace authorizations, Remote ID waivers, and altitude extensions on behalf of AMA sanctioned events. Event managers (EMs) and contest directors (CDs) use these temporary waivers to give flexibility to operations for visiting pilots and for areas where operations don’t usually take place. The issuance of various waivers can depend on the type of airspace, how frequently the event site is used, and the extent of the requests that are being made.
In the spring of 2025, AMA received a national authorization for nearly 2,000 AMA flying sites within Class G airspace to fly up to the altitude threshold of uncontrolled airspace. This greatly simplifies minor extensions for events at those locations up to the locally approved altitude; however, to fly higher than that or to operate at a non-recognized location, the event might need an application submitted to the FAA through AMA with an advanced notice of 30 to 45 days.
AMA maintains current guidelines on how and when to apply on the Government Affairs blog, where members can also review the details of the national Class G authorization, as well as read frequently asked questions and the required pilot briefing. We recognize, however, that even authorizations that expand our flexibility as modelers can be difficult to track in the changing landscape of UAS rules and regulations.
If in doubt about the circumstances that are needed for your event, please have the EM/CD contact waivers@modelaircraft.org or lucasr@modelaircraft.org well in advance of the operation date(s) to ensure that it can be accommodated through the proper channels. If AMA determines that you require a formal application, we can facilitate it, as well as provide educational information on the event sites and regulations in question. Clubs may submit these requests more than 45 days in advance if they wish for peace of mind.
To remain current with the most recent government-related news, regularly visit the AMA Government Affairs blog, the link to which can be found in “Sources.” If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the Government Affairs department at (765) 287-1256 or amagov@modelaircraft.org.
SOURCES
- AMA Government Affairs Blog
- amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov
