Working to fulfill new federal law requirements
Flying Site Assistance by Tony Stillman, Flying Site Coordinator
It is finally warming up here in Indiana! As I write this, it is mid-March, and we will see 60° today. It's starting to feel like outdoor flying weather again. I hope that you have finished that new model and are as excited as I am to go out and fly!
A few months ago, I mentioned that AMA is working to help clubs fulfill the new federal law that requires an agreement between a club and an airport if the flying site is within 5 miles of a staffed airport. In most cases, this agreement only documents that the airport is aware of the club's activity and location.
Only when a model club is actually flying on airport property should there be additional requirements for specific safety protocols to ensure the safety of full-scale operations. Any such protocols would be agreed to by both the airport and the club.
I am happy to say that we are making good progress in this area. AMA mailed the club charter renewal packets several months ago. There was a document in each packet that dealt with this issue. Clubs were asked to fill out that form and return it to AMA Headquarters.
We have received approximately 1,200 of these forms back and are beginning phase two of the project. Phase two will be to contact the clubs that have identified themselves as being within five miles of an airport and obtain additional information about the airport.
After we gather this information, clubs will have two options:
- AMA can do the work to make an agreement on behalf of the club.
- The club can work directly with the airport to make the agreement; AMA will provide guidelines as to what the agreement needs to contain.
AMA is working to make this a simple document. After the club obtains the agreement, we will want a copy sent to AMA Headquarters to keep on file. At that point, we will have fulfilled the new law requiring this action and can inform the FAA that we have agreements on file with all AMA-chartered clubs.
By the time you read this column, AMA will have launched a new push to create flying sites at local park and recreation departments, as well as on military bases through their Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) departments. This will be a national effort advertised in the National Recreation and Park Association e-newsletter that will go directly to department directors.
The ad will direct them to a website providing information about what is involved in creating a flying site, how they can get in contact with me for more information and guidance, and how we can connect them with local modelers and clubs. That's where you come in!
When I am contacted by one of these groups, I will contact local modelers and clubs in that specific area to help with the design and use of the new flying site. If I call or email you, will you be ready to assist in the creation of a new flying site? I hope so!
The primary concern of all AMA members throughout the past several years has been flying site availability. Here is your opportunity to get involved in creating your own flying site. I hope you will have enough interest to help this effort.
Even if your club has a current flying site, adding an additional site—even if it is just for park flyers—provides more areas to enjoy model flying and will attract new modelers who can become new club members.
AMA is working on your behalf to create new flying site opportunities across the country. However, AMA Headquarters can't make this happen without local support and effort. To be successful, it will take AMA members stepping up and getting involved. It is my hope that this new program, along with your help and hard work, will create hundreds of new flying sites across the country!
Until next time.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
