Focus on Competition - 2011/05

May 2011 151
THE IMPORTANCE of Capability
Separation: As you probably know, we
are in the midst of a very difficult debate
concerning the amount of freedom we are
allowed to exercise in the operation of our
model aircraft.
Those freedoms we have enjoyed for
Technically Speaking ...
Greg Hahn
Technical Director
[email protected]
Focus on Competition
many years are now being questioned
because of the proliferation of models for
use as military weapons, tools for local
law enforcement, and many other incomeproducing
entities. The fact that our
models are being taken out of our context
of flying for recreation has greatly
changed the rules and brought much of
what we do under what we all see as
undue scrutiny.
One very important thing we’ve done
from the beginning is draw the proverbial
line in the sand as to what defines a
recreational model aircraft, therefore
keeping it separate from all others. That
line includes such things as “not for hire,”
“flying in a controlled environment
within unaided visual line of sight,” and
not being equipped for “autonomous
flight.”
Those are the big three that distinguish
us from the sUAS group and have helped
keep us out of their mess with the FAA.
I’m sure that you and I would like to do
everything possible to keep it that way.
I know there will always be
innovation, but the idea of flying a model
autonomously is, as I pointed out, one of
the big issues with the FAA and should
be completely avoided at all times. I have
received several messages and requests
this year for autonomous demonstrations
at flying events, and I have made it clear
to the CDs raising the questions that this
type of flying is a no-go! I’m glad the
CDs involved have called or e-mailed me
about the situations. But any CDs who
haven’t, please take heed and stop the
problem before it starts. This type of
publicity is not what we need.
If you get asked to do a demo, get all
the info you can and give me a call so we
can discuss your situation before making
a decision. We need to be very aware and
careful with this technology.
I’m bringing this up because we are
heading into another great summer flying
season, and it is still very much in our
best interests to keep our noses as clean
as possible and do all we can to look like
the “nice guys and gals”—not the “wise
guys and gals.”
It is up to you, as AMA members, to
do all you can to promote safety and
responsibility in all of our flying
activities. And if you see something that
doesn’t promote our best interests, take
issue with it and make it known. In many
ways we control our own destiny; always
keep that in mind.
Be safe and have fun. MA
The Benefits of an Event Sanction
• With a sanction, your event has a protected draw area, to keep events of the same type from drawing
the same people.
• Your event is listed in MA, providing there is enough lead time, for no additional fees.
• Your event will be listed on the AMA Web site calendar at www.modelaircraft.org/events/calendar.aspx.
• You can purchase a supplemental ad to appear in MA.
• The CD is given the authority, as an AMA representative, to administrate and supervise an AMA sanctioned
event.
• The CD has irrevocable authority to disqualify or prevent from flying any participant whose ability is, in the
CD’s opinion, impaired by the use of alcohol or drugs and to prevent any participant from using
equipment which, in the CD’s opinion, is deemed unsafe.
• You are assured that the pilots who are participating in an AMA sanctioned event are AMA members.
• At an AMA sanctioned event, the CD has the authority to sign up new AMA members.
• Sanctioned events are endorsed by the AMA.
• A sanction number qualifies your event for donations from major sponsors.
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