First-person
view (FPV) flight
involves flying a
radio-controlled
aircraft while
viewing the flight
through a set of
goggles or with
a monitor that
simulates the
pilot’s view, as if he or she were
sitting in the cockpit. It’s hard to
describe FPV modeling as a new
technology, but in relation to a
number of other modeling disciplines,
it is still considered by many to be in
its infancy.
Although there may have been
others, the Pilot View FPV system
sold by Hobby Lobby is considered
by many to mark the beginning of the
FPV era in the US. While some were
flying FPV by designing and building
their own equipment, Pilot View was
one of the first off-the-shelf systems
that could be bought and installed in
an aircraft by the average modeler. It
first became available in roughly early
2008.
Since that time, the number
of people who enjoy this aspect
of model aviation has grown
exponentially. Mirroring that growth
is the advancement in technology
in FPV systems that has resulted in
more reliable, easier-to-fly models,
making them more attractive to
model aviation enthusiasts.
In October 2008, AMA
recognized this relatively new
form of aeromodeling and, at
the encouragement of some of
our members, worked to create
a policy that would enable those
who wanted to fly FPV to do so
under the umbrella of AMA’s safety
programming. In fact, some of those
members helped us draft our initial
policy (AMA Document 550, www.
modelaircraft.org/files/550.pdf),
which is still in effect today.
AMA tends to move cautiously
when addressing new modeling
disciplines. It’s a philosophy that has
been used and followed successfully
for decades. AMA works hard to
embrace new technologies, but we
need to consider the collateral effect
that anything we do will have on
existing modeling disciplines, as well
as ensure that any change in direction
assimilates smoothly into our liability
protection programming.
Since the FAA first began its sUAS
regulatory effort in April 2008, we
have been cognizant of looming
potential regulation of model aviation
that will likely become a reality
sometime in the latter part of 2013.
All of this plays a role in every
decision that we make.
Since the beginning of the year, the
AMA leadership has been considering
whether or not it’s time, after threeand-
a-half years, to take a new look at
our current policy on FPV flight. As
part of the process, we ran a survey
in the May edition of AMA Today,
AMA’s online monthly e-newsletter,
asking members for their thoughts on
the subject.
The response to that survey was
more than double the number of
responses to any previous one that
has appeared in our e-newsletter.
The replies told us that many of our
members are becoming involved
in FPV. Many told us that it was
time that we took a fresh look at
our current policy to see if some of
the requirements could be relaxed.
There were also responses from a
smaller, yet significant, number of
our members who were concerned
that we not do anything that
would jeopardize any other facet of
aeromodeling.
The AMA Executive Council
has agreed that it may be time to
revisit FPV. Many of our members
have been forthcoming in offering
constructive suggestions about what
might be done to modify our current
policy so that it is more reflective of
what is occurring today in the field.
These suggestions will be taken into
consideration as we move ahead with
the review.
Many prominent members of the
FPV community have offered their
help. We intend to take advantage
of their background and expertise as
well.
Most recognize that there will be
some limitations to whatever changes
we eventually make. It’s doubtful
that we will be able to find a way to
assimilate FPV modeling, unfettered
and unrestricted, into our current
programming as some would prefer
we do.
What we can do, however, is work
together to find a way that may
allow some latitude from what is our
current policy so that it will enhance
the enjoyment of our members who
want to be involved in model aviation
through the FPV medium.
As the process evolves, we will
continue to keep our members
updated on our progress.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/08
Page Numbers: 143
