From the Copilot's Seat
by Gary Fitch, Executive Vice President
Benefits of being a member and a Boy Scout rocket launch
It is the end of July as I write this, and we hope that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with the FAA in September.
The MOU will recognize AMA as a “community-based organization” for model aviation, as described by Public Law 112-95, Section 336. This became law in February 2012, and means that our flying disciplines will continue to operate, as we have in the past, as long as our flights meet the guidelines of the new law and adhere to AMA’s Safety Code.
This was a major accomplishment. The Executive Council and AMA staff, with our members’ support, remained steadfast in our determination to protect our right to fly. Being an AMA member and adhering to our Safety Code is the best way to guarantee that the joy of flying will be preserved.
The focus of this discussion isn’t about the specifics of the MOU; it is about what we members need to do going forward, regardless of whether the MOU has been signed or not. In the past six years, AMA has learned how to navigate the halls of Congress and we have developed positive relationships within the FAA and numerous state governments.
We will always have to be actively engaged with our governments. “We” also means “you.” You are AMA. You see and hear things that could potentially have a devastating impact on all of model aviation.
The benefits your membership will derive from AMA being the recognized community-based organization are based upon adherence to our rules. We are expected to police our own actions, and will likely be scrutinized even more than the actions of non-AMA fliers make the news. This can be broken down into three areas.
A: Wherever and whatever you fly:
- Every flight must stay within visual line of sight and away from people and property.
- If the field is within 5 miles of a full-scale airport, no matter how small it is, develop an agreement with the airport manager for airspace use.
- If your club has altitude restrictions, obey them. If you are within 3 miles of an airport, no flying above the 400-foot maximum altitude.
- Above all, “see and avoid” full-scale aircraft.
B: Sanctioned events: CDs need to enforce AMA rules, including grounding pilots who violate them such as a pilot who can’t handle his or her aircraft before it goes into the crowd; a pilot who does 3-D at show center when non-3-D pilots are flying the pattern, or a turbine pilot looking to set a speed record beyond our 200-mph limit.
C: Meet and talk with non-AMA fliers: Get to know who they are in your area. Most of these people don’t know much about AMA or its benefits. Insurance is part of the benefits, but they also gain the flying privileges afforded our members because AMA is the recognized community-based organization. Individuals who won’t abide by any rules or laws of any kind are likely to pose the greatest danger to the future of our hobby. In a situation like this, contact your local authorities and let us know about it.
We have a responsibility to protect our hobby, but an even greater opportunity to sell the benefits of AMA membership.
Chris Brown, president of the Seneca Highlands Aeroplane Radio Control Society (SHARKS) of Eldred, Pennsylvania, asked if the club could host a local Boy Scout troop in a model rocket-launch event. The Scouts were working on their aviation merit badges and they built each of the rockets to be flown. AMA insures this type of activity.
The SHARKS are a small rural club in northwestern Pennsylvania, but that doesn’t stop them from thinking about their club’s future and helping other organizations. Chris arranged for the Scouts to use the club’s field for rocket and RC flight demonstrations.
I attended with my laptop and flight simulator so the kids could get the feel of RC flying. Chris put together a great lunch with grilled burgers and we worked with the youngsters. The Scouts flew their rockets, earned their merit badges, and learned about flying fixed-wing aircraft. Matt Kloss put on a 3-D helicopter demonstration for the kids.
The memories of this day will be with those Scouts throughout their lives. Kudos to Chris and the SHARKS for being involved in their community.
Many clubs in our country promote aviation and youth activities. SHARKS demonstrate that you don’t need a lot of manpower to do so, just a willingness to get involved.
Until next month, help secure our future and take a youngster flying.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
