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AMA aims to increases weight limit to 125 Lbs.

Posted by Duane Brocious on November 16, 2010 at 8:10pm

From a recent AMA Executive Council meeting:

"MOTION V: Moved by G. Fitch (II) and seconded by J. Rice (VIII) to change the name of the Experimental Aircraft program to Large Model Aircraft program. Additionally, pending approval of the regulations and insurance, increase Large Model Aircraft program (formerly Experimental Aircraft program) maximum weight from 55.1 lbs.-100 lbs. to 55.1 lbs. -125 lbs. for propeller-driven aircraft, and, 55.1 lbs. to 100 lbs. for turbine-powered aircraft." (bolding mine)

Is this their way of saying, "Lets really annoy the FAA!" ?????

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Comments

  • Duane Brocious November 17, 2010 at 4:58pm
    AMA membership is $58 per year which includes a "secondary" insurance policy. $18 of the $58 goes for a mandatory subscription to Model Aviation Magazine, the AMA's own magazine.
    It is a decent price but it only covers you if you follow AMA rules. Get a recreational rider or "umbrella" coverage on your homeowners might cost an extra $75 but you get real insurance like you have on your car and house instead of the very limited AMA liabilty policy.
    http://magazine.It/
  • Joel November 17, 2010 at 4:44pm
    How much is this insurance? I didn't think it was much. although leaving line of site may void it?
  • Duane Brocious November 17, 2010 at 4:38pm
    Just get an "umbrella" homeonwners property and you are covered for almost everything. Also, the AMA insurance doesn't come into play until you use up all other insurances you have.
    Do not believe what the AMA tells you about insurance, call your homeowners agent, remember the AMA is selling insurance not trying to find anyone alternatives.
  • Joel November 17, 2010 at 4:29pm
    All that's required in a car is insurance(including medical), and if we can get that for UAV's I don't see a problem.it It seems like driving a car is way more dangerous than operating a model aircraft or UAV.

    But then there is the point that to drive you are required to take a test!
    www.problem.it
  • Duane Brocious November 17, 2010 at 4:22pm
    Seeing as the FAA/ARC documents mention a 55# limit, isn't this a slap in their faces?
    Like most "rules" in the AMA the process seems like this:
    1. Think of something to do.
    2. See if the insurance will cover it.
    3. If insured then the Rules say its OK, If not the rules will reflect it is banned.

    I am not sure the FAA will agree with their safety analysis process for rule making.
  • Paul Marsh November 17, 2010 at 2:58pm
    This is a good thing, right, what the AMA is doing here?
  • 100KM
    crystal garris November 17, 2010 at 2:47pm
    I think it reflects the growth in size of the average rc aircraft . 50+ pounders are common place at the fields i fly at . this was not true 5 years ago
  • Duane Brocious November 17, 2010 at 9:02am
    For the last 30 years recreational model aviation has had no regulation other than FAA guidelines (AC 91-57). That is why everyone is in a panic over the new regulations. It is much like giving your kids a curfew after they have been allowed to stay out all night for a year. But sometimes it has to be done when you feel they are being irresponsible or disrespectful.
  • Moderator
    Gary Mortimer November 17, 2010 at 8:53am
    Do you already have regulation for large scale models?? They have been in place here for years, long before UAS came along http://www.largemodelassociation.com/ perhaps its the AMA's way of trying to save large scale models in the USA??? Heres the CAP http://www.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP658.PDF

    I guess you have the same sort of thing over there, airworthy test and proficiency for the pilot?
    Large Model Association
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