Know Before You Fly program launched
By Bob Brown ([email protected])
FAA rulemaking and NPRM
You may have heard that, after many delays and setbacks, the FAA released its notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) on February 15, 2015. I am hopeful about its effect on recreational modelers; it appears the FAA has looked favorably on AMA safety programming.
The proposed rule should be open for comment as you read this, and it is still possible that the FAA could make changes to its ruling. See the “AMA in Action” column on page 15 and AMA Executive Director Dave Mathewson’s column on page 137 for more information about the NPRM.
Know Before You Fly partnership
The AMA has joined with the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), the Small UAS Coalition, and the FAA to promote the Know Before You Fly program (www.knowbeforeyoufly.org). The program is designed to educate newcomers so they can safely fly in the National Airspace System.
Materials about the program will be placed in product packaging, in hobby shops, and with clubs. Several manufacturers and distributors have been receptive and will assist in the efforts:
- Hobbico
- Horizon Hobby
- Castle Creations
- Futaba
Funding and outreach
We are attempting to fund this project through unique methods. A concert with the group OK Go was held in January in Washington, D.C. The evening’s goal was to increase awareness of the Know Before You Fly campaign as well as the work AMA and our partners have invested in introducing this new community of enthusiasts to safe and responsible flying. I believe we may have generated enough money to sustain the program for the immediate future.
Public relations and government relations
The public image of modeling is becoming more positive. Rich Hanson and I attended a presentation at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Our basic message was “educate, don’t legislate.” This effort allowed us to create more knowledgeable friendships on Capitol Hill.
Our public relations firm, CLS Strategies, has produced a great publicity campaign in a very short time. We will be working on more initiatives in the future. We have also engaged another firm to help inform members of Congress of our needs.
AMA Expo and Wounded Warrior Project
AMA Expo 2015 in Ontario, California, featured many activities and speakers. The highlight for me was Norbie Lara’s presentation for the Wounded Warrior Project (http://amaexpo.com/attractions/specialguests/#wwp). His positive attitude and commitment to the U.S. deserve a genuine thank-you and expression of gratitude from everyone. I was very proud to present him with a $100,000 check generated from National Model Aviation Day fundraising activities.
A small number of AMA members have argued against the Academy’s focus on the Wounded Warrior Project. The Executive Council has reviewed the project and we will again donate funds raised in the 2015 National Model Aviation Day efforts to the Wounded Warrior Project. If you have suggestions for the 2016 event, please forward your ideas to AMA District VII Vice President Tim Jesky ([email protected]).
FAI teams and support
Several FAI teams are attending various FAI World Championships this year. These world-class competitors have invested incredible time and expense to represent the AMA. I have worked with several of these competitors, and each has offered help to individual members and clubs. I wouldn’t be surprised if one attended one of your local events and put on a show for the spectators.
The teams need financial help to offset the costs of going overseas. Please contact Colleen Pierce ([email protected]) for additional information. These competitors may have helped you — it’s your turn to provide assistance to them!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
