James Williams, executive manager of the FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Office, will join AMA President Bob Brown on the main Expo stage at 3 p.m. PST, on Saturday, January 11, to sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This agreement institutes a formal relationship between the FAA and the Academy of Model Aeronautics and establishes the platform upon which the AMA and the FAA will jointly work to ensure the continued safe operation of model aircraft in the National Airspace System.
“The execution of this document puts the Federal Aviation Administration one step closer to fully enacting the Special Rule for Model Aircraft established as part of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012,” said AMA Executive Director Dave Mathewson. “Still to be realized is FAA’s formal recognition of the AMA as a community-based organization as described by Congress and the agency’s acknowledgment of AMA’s Safety Program as a means of substantiating the safety guidelines and overseeing the operation of recreational unmanned aircraft.”
The AMA has served as the national body for model aviation for 77 years. During that time, the aeromodeling community has achieved an excellent safety record through adherence to AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code and its comprehensive safety program. The efficacy of AMA’s community-based safety program was acknowledged by Congress in the 2012 FAA reauthorization bill, now Public Law 112-95.
The premier exposition for model aviation, AMA Expo 2014, takes place January 10-12, 2014, at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario CA. Anyone with an interest in the emerging unmanned aircraft systems technology or model aviation in general is encouraged to attend. AMA Expo provides an opportunity to learn more about the hobby, view and purchase the latest in model aircraft technology, mingle with aeromodeling enthusiasts, and listen to presentations by aviation experts.
AMA Expo is hosted by the Academy of Model Aeronautics and is sponsored in part by Go Professional Custom Xtreme Cases, Aerial Media Pros, International Radio Controlled Helicopter Association (IRCHA), Castle Creations, Southwest Aerovista Hobbies, AUVSI’s Unmanned Systems, Estes Rockets, Gorilla Glue, U.S. Scale Masters, Nationwide Insurance, and others.
A complete schedule of events, ticket information, and more can be found at http://www.amaexpo.com.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics has been the nation’s collective voice for approximately 164,000 modelers in 2,400 clubs in every state and Puerto Rico since 1936. A nonprofit association headquartered in Muncie IN, AMA sanctions more than 2,000 events and competitions each year under the auspices of the National Aeronautic Association.
sUAS News will be there watch out for a special edition of Drone TV https://www.youtube.com/suasnews
In almost related news France has underlined its fine scheme for illegal UA operation. So watch out if you are in France.
- Enforcement against unlawful UAS activities: During the same meeting, France’s national aviation police (“GTA”) provided insights into enforcement activities. This follows the industry’s criticisms deploring unfair competition practices from few UAS actors. As of October 2013, around ten investigations have being carried out against French UAS actors. Those face criminal (i.e. fine up to €75,000 and/or one year of imprisonment) and/or administrative (i.e. withdrawal of authorisation) sanctions. To date, only one company based in South of France has been sanctioned.
That one company in the South of France is permitted to operate out to a distance of 100km!
http://www.suasnews.com/2014/01/26835/unmanned-aircraft-system-uas-french-legal-update/
Comments
Well said Dave Smith.
This topic pops up about 3 or 4 times a year with the same negative views or alterations of it. I heard similar arguments in the 1980s regarding RC helicopters -- talk about a rough technology curve.
In full disclosure, I have been an AMA member since the mid 1970's. I have never read a single line of individual behavior banned or lobbied against activity in an AMA publication. Note my emphasis. Insurance companies place boundaries on what they will underwrite.
The first emphasis of the AMA is safe flying and flying practices. Why? Because it make sense, protects people, property, and makes the insurance companies happy they are managing risk.
-=Doug
quote "Actually it is the exact opposite. The members pay their dues and the AMA lobbies to have laws put into place to protect our hobby. Anybody who flies should join the AMA as either a full member or Park Flyer."
Really? Seriously?
The AMA has for years banned, and lobbied against, FPV and UAVs!
(Until their sudden about-face in order to gain their current status with the FAA)
Which hobby are YOU talking about?
Model Aviation magazine (print or digital for AMA members) has a new columnist -- one of the Roswell Flight Test members - Patrick Sherman
http://www.modelaviation.com/advancedflight-jan2014
The AMA is reaching out to all hobbyists. This does not mean if you go to your local AMA listed flying club that the members there will understand what you are doing. For the 'old iron' Warbird flyers, multirotors may never be considered a part of 'their hobby'. That is OK.
The folks that love HLG - Hand Launch Gliders - have their own niche that doesn't include Warbirds.
In short - It's All Good!
A major benefit with AMA membership is the liability coverage if you are acting according to the safety rules.
-=Doug
Well the BMFA has an excellent relationship with the CAA in the UK and quite rightly did not want to be involved with commercial UAS operations. The worry in the USA is that UAS operations by non certified operators will only be allowed at AMA fields. We will find out soon!
I am sure the AMA are more level headed than their counterparts in other small countries. Hope this works for drone community.
I urge every one to join and support the AMA. They are the only organization standing up for your rights as a RC modeler. If you don't participate I don't think you should complain.
Glad to see that sUAS News is all over this story!!! Please keep the sUASNews.com Blogs comming. I don't know how else I'd would of ever found or seen this story!
Thanks Gary!,
Josh
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