H.R.658, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of
2012, was passed by Congress and signed into law
by the President. This represents the most postive
government effort ever generated by the Academy on
behalf of the modelers in the United States.
Many of our members have spent much effort on this
issue; however, special thanks must be offered to our
AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs Advocate,
Rich Hanson, our government liaison, Mitch Rose, and
our Executive Director, Dave Mathewson.
The bipartisan bill was assisted by the following
members of Congress and their staffs:
Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
Representative John Mica (R-FL)
Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX)
Representative Tom Petri (R-WI)
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA)
Our efforts would not have been recognized had
it not been for the thousands of AMA members who
communicated with the government officials. The
letter-writing campaign and other communication were
valuable.
Although I would like to say the issue has been
resolved, that is not the case. The airspace governed by
the FAA includes that which is used for aeromodeling.
Our Congressional effort certainly creates a positive
environment in which to create dialogue with the FAA,
but many variables will have to be considered.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) will be
published in the near future. The rumor mill is running
rampant with comments pertaining to the negative
content directed toward aeromodeling. The Academy has
specific plans for response to the NPRM. As a modeler,
please continue your vigilance on this issue. Campaigns
with Congress and the FAA will probably be needed. You
must be ready to join the effort!
NOTAMs and TFRs
Another point of government intervention lies with
NOTAM/TFR (Notice To Airmen/Temporary Flight
Restrictions). The upcoming political campaign will
probably increase these NOTAMs. At this time, the
Academy has been unsuccessful in its attempt to
resolve the issue, but Rich Hanson continues to meet
with officials in hopes of working out a resolution that
would have less impact on model flying.
E-Fest 2012
I have just returned from one of the nation’s most
enjoyable indoor meets, E-Fest. Thanks goes to Hobbico
for its staff’s friendship and hospitality. We appreciated
all who stopped at the AMA booth and offered positive
comments.
Each year it seems as though more unbelievable new
items come to fruition. This year’s new offering appears
to be the electric ducted-fan micro model. All I can say
is wow!
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/04
Page Numbers: 6
