18 MODEL AVIATION
Where We Stand by Jay Smith
LAST MONTH’S issue of MA featured a
strong call to all who love aeromodeling to
express their concerns about what appears
to be pending federal regulations on model
aviation. After two years of working with
FAA representatives, AMA leadership has
concluded that we might be on a path to
onerous and unnecessary restrictions on
various aspects of operating model
aircraft.
By law, the FAA is unable to disclose
the exact language that will be in its rule
for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) until it is released as a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). That is
anticipated to happen in the late summer.
But according to those in AMA who
are deeply involved with this issue, there
will most certainly be some regulation
addressing aeromodeling operations. And
on its face, the proposed rule will likely
pose a distressing effect on model
aviation.
“AMA stands on its record of safe,
responsible aeromodeling using a
remarkably successful system of voluntary
compliance,” said AMA President Dave
Mathewson. “We’ve operated with the
most enviable safety record in all of
aeronautics for generations.”
Will the new rules be debilitating to
model aviation? Will they affect one
particular modeling discipline more than
others?
AMA’s Government Relations and
Regulatory Affairs Representative Rich
Hanson said:
“The truth is, we just don’t know for
certain, at this point, what the FAA will
restrict. However, we aren’t standing idle
given this threat. We’ve convened a
workgroup to address our operations and
what we may have to do via new standards
to comply with what we suspect to be likely
regulations on our hobby and sport.”
Rich is leading a team of Academy
experts—the Standards Workgroup—
which has been meeting weekly for more
than two years with FAA representatives
and among themselves to work through
safety concerns and operations standards.
That team has been extremely diligent.
You can view the roster on the AMA’s
Government Relations Web site.
In a report that it delivered to the FAA in
March 2009, the FAA Aviation Rulemaking
Committee (ARC) recommended that there
be a provision in the rule to allow model
aircraft operations—that are conducted in
accordance with an FAA-accepted set of
standards—to be exempt from the
regulation. The FAA leadership has
consistently held that this continues to be its
approach to aeromodeling.
During the past two years the AMA has
worked directly with the FAA Unmanned
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/24/11 8:15 AM Page 18
April 2011 19
Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in an
effort to develop an acceptable set of
standards. If successful, these standards
will provide an alternative means of
complying with the sUAS regulation
and a path by which modelers can
continue to enjoy the hobby much the
way they do today. However, the success
of this effort is not necessarily a foregone
conclusion. The final outcome will most
likely be unknown when the NPRM is
published for public comment in the Federal
Register this summer.
President Mathewson outlined AMA’s
organizational stance on this issue in his
March 2011 MA column, citing several areas
of concern for the Academy. Following is a
deeper exploration of those position
statements.
The AMA has an impeccable safety record
over generations.
It’s been estimated that aeromodelers
conduct more than 3.5 million flights per
year, with a safety record that is unequaled by
any other discipline using the National
Airspace System (NAS). Although there has
been a small number of incidents throughout
the past 75 years, the number of those
incidents involving injury to nonparticipants
has been extremely small, and even fewer
incidents involved full-scale aircraft.
Yes, there has been a very small number
of accidents and even injuries in the past 75
years of model flying. And although any
incident is one too many, astronomically few
incidents have involved full-scale aircraft.
We have to ask, Why is this incredible
safety record not being recognized for the
significant and defining accomplishment that
it is?
AMA has proven to be an outstanding selfpolicing
organization.
The Academy is a self-governing
association that has woven safety and
common sense into a comprehensive Safety
Code, to which all members must comply.
And they do. The vast majority of AMA
comprises conscientious and responsible
pilots who use self-policing as a method to
ensure safe operations.
And what you can do to help
preserve model aviation for
future generations
On February 19, Sen. James Inhofe (Oklahoma)
successfully sponsored Bill S.223 in the Senate with an
amendment specifying a “Special Rule for Model Aircraft,”
which provides an exemption from regulation for models that
operate within the following parameters.
• Are flown specifically for recreational, sport, competition, or
academic purposes.
• Are operated in accordance with a community-based set of
safety guidelines within the programming of a nationwide
community-based organization.
• Are limited to 55 pounds or fewer unless certified through a design, construction,
inspection, flight test, and operational safety program that is administered by a
community-based organization.
“On behalf of our 140,000 members, I want to thank Senator Inhofe for helping
to preserve model aviation,” said AMA President Dave Mathewson. “With the
Senator’s help, we hope model aviation will continue to provide that impetus for
future generations of engineers, pilots, and astronauts.”
Mathewson also expressed appreciation for Chairman Jay Rockefeller and
Ranking Republican Kay Bailey Hutchinson’s assistance in shepherding the bill
with the model aircraft provision through the Senate. As of this writing, the bill has
moved to the House of Representatives. MA
—MA Staff
Senator Inhofe Champions AMA Cause
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:40 AM Page 19
We have earned our reputation as being effectively safety
driven and wonder why we need to “fix” something that is far
from broken.
Model aircraft operations are distinctly different from sUAS
aviation.
The root of the issue might be that aeromodeling is being
unjustifiably included in federal oversight of the increasingly
prevalent activity of sophisticated, commercial, public-use sUAS in
the NAS.
The AMA applauds all manner of innovation being pursued by
government, academic, military, and commercial enterprises.
Exciting things are being developed in unmanned aircraft in these
areas.
But model aircraft are different from commercial, public-use
sUAS. No AMA member is allowed to pursue model aircraft
operations outside the scope of our Safety Code or for commercial
purposes and still be considered to be under the auspices of the
AMA.
The Academy and its members strongly condemn careless or
reckless use of either model aircraft or sUAS, which endangers
people or property. We are hobbyists and sportsmen and
sportswomen, educators, and scientists. We fly for recreational and
educational purposes only.
Why is model aviation being swept up into regulations that are
much more applicable to commercial sUAS pursuits?
We should all be concerned about the tax dollars that are being
spent on federal efforts to create regulation for model aircraft
when there are far more serious concerns facing the FAA.
We are in challenging financial times. Government
expenditures are under scrutiny as never before. National political
leaders recently issued a call for a more streamlined, practical, and
common-sense approach to regulations.
Recent federal elections saw a large swing in power in the
House of Representatives. Nearly everyone in this new class of
legislators ran on a platform of less government regulation and less
government spending.
The FAA has a tremendous set of challenges, in keeping our
NAS safe and viable. Some might argue that it has far more serious
problems than putting a clamp on aeromodeling, and we couldn’t
agree more. Yes, we, too, want a safe NAS—as safe as it can
practically be.
We have to ask, Aren’t there bigger issues to deal with than
expending time, talent, and tax dollars on an extremely low risk to
NAS safety?
It is ill-advised to curtail model aviation, given its
valuable contribution to priming the pipeline of
aviation talent and resources.
It is well documented that aviation is suffering
from a decline of interest as a career. Global
economics and our nation’s future lie in connecting
people and markets as quickly and as efficiently as
possible. Aviation is a strong component of what
makes America’s business and global stature the
envy of the world.
Participating in model aviation is a surefire
way to ignite a passion in young people to explore
the lifetime of opportunities that the fields of
aviation and aerospace provide. From space shuttle
commanders to airline captains to fighter pilots to
corporate aviators and more, many have gotten
their starts in aviation with an early introduction to
aeromodeling.
Science, technology, engineering, and math are
found in model aviation, as they are in aviation in
general. It is a national imperative to excite our youth
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Academy’s Government Relations
Web site (www.modelaircraft.org/gov) is
where you can learn about issues
facing your organization in regards to
the regulation of aeromodeling. It’s
also where you can find out who your
federal representatives are and how to
write to them.
Let our government know where
you stand. What could be more
American? MA
—MA Staff
20 MODEL AVIATION
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:59 AM Page 20
April 2011 21
Photos courtesy MA staff
to pursue these disciplines. We offer what the nation desperately
needs.
We ask, What better way to cultivate tomorrow’s engineers,
scientists, technologists, and aviators than through exposure at an
early age to the fun of model aviation?
Our record is exemplary, our value to society is large, and our
future is bright.
The Academy and its members should understand that nothing
they have done has precipitated this federal-government action. FAA
representatives have repeatedly said as much.
The fact is that AMA and aeromodelers have almost everything
right. We have an impeccable record and a very tight culture of selfpolicing,
and we have generally comported ourselves in the manner
of the responsible modelers and citizens that we claim to be.
A new generation of aeromodelers now looks to us to provide
them with support and guidance, and we will continue to do so—
despite whatever restrictions might be placed on our hobby and sport.
In the meantime, all members are encouraged to rally around
this issue and let their voices be heard at the federal level. Visit
our Government Relations Web pages to learn more and learn
how to communicate with your state and federal representatives,
to protest what we see as unwarranted infringements on our wellearned
right to fly model aircraft. MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]
Sources:
AMA Government Relations
www.modelaircraft.org/gov
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 11:07 AM Page 21
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21
18 MODEL AVIATION
Where We Stand by Jay Smith
LAST MONTH’S issue of MA featured a
strong call to all who love aeromodeling to
express their concerns about what appears
to be pending federal regulations on model
aviation. After two years of working with
FAA representatives, AMA leadership has
concluded that we might be on a path to
onerous and unnecessary restrictions on
various aspects of operating model
aircraft.
By law, the FAA is unable to disclose
the exact language that will be in its rule
for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) until it is released as a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). That is
anticipated to happen in the late summer.
But according to those in AMA who
are deeply involved with this issue, there
will most certainly be some regulation
addressing aeromodeling operations. And
on its face, the proposed rule will likely
pose a distressing effect on model
aviation.
“AMA stands on its record of safe,
responsible aeromodeling using a
remarkably successful system of voluntary
compliance,” said AMA President Dave
Mathewson. “We’ve operated with the
most enviable safety record in all of
aeronautics for generations.”
Will the new rules be debilitating to
model aviation? Will they affect one
particular modeling discipline more than
others?
AMA’s Government Relations and
Regulatory Affairs Representative Rich
Hanson said:
“The truth is, we just don’t know for
certain, at this point, what the FAA will
restrict. However, we aren’t standing idle
given this threat. We’ve convened a
workgroup to address our operations and
what we may have to do via new standards
to comply with what we suspect to be likely
regulations on our hobby and sport.”
Rich is leading a team of Academy
experts—the Standards Workgroup—
which has been meeting weekly for more
than two years with FAA representatives
and among themselves to work through
safety concerns and operations standards.
That team has been extremely diligent.
You can view the roster on the AMA’s
Government Relations Web site.
In a report that it delivered to the FAA in
March 2009, the FAA Aviation Rulemaking
Committee (ARC) recommended that there
be a provision in the rule to allow model
aircraft operations—that are conducted in
accordance with an FAA-accepted set of
standards—to be exempt from the
regulation. The FAA leadership has
consistently held that this continues to be its
approach to aeromodeling.
During the past two years the AMA has
worked directly with the FAA Unmanned
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/24/11 8:15 AM Page 18
April 2011 19
Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in an
effort to develop an acceptable set of
standards. If successful, these standards
will provide an alternative means of
complying with the sUAS regulation
and a path by which modelers can
continue to enjoy the hobby much the
way they do today. However, the success
of this effort is not necessarily a foregone
conclusion. The final outcome will most
likely be unknown when the NPRM is
published for public comment in the Federal
Register this summer.
President Mathewson outlined AMA’s
organizational stance on this issue in his
March 2011 MA column, citing several areas
of concern for the Academy. Following is a
deeper exploration of those position
statements.
The AMA has an impeccable safety record
over generations.
It’s been estimated that aeromodelers
conduct more than 3.5 million flights per
year, with a safety record that is unequaled by
any other discipline using the National
Airspace System (NAS). Although there has
been a small number of incidents throughout
the past 75 years, the number of those
incidents involving injury to nonparticipants
has been extremely small, and even fewer
incidents involved full-scale aircraft.
Yes, there has been a very small number
of accidents and even injuries in the past 75
years of model flying. And although any
incident is one too many, astronomically few
incidents have involved full-scale aircraft.
We have to ask, Why is this incredible
safety record not being recognized for the
significant and defining accomplishment that
it is?
AMA has proven to be an outstanding selfpolicing
organization.
The Academy is a self-governing
association that has woven safety and
common sense into a comprehensive Safety
Code, to which all members must comply.
And they do. The vast majority of AMA
comprises conscientious and responsible
pilots who use self-policing as a method to
ensure safe operations.
And what you can do to help
preserve model aviation for
future generations
On February 19, Sen. James Inhofe (Oklahoma)
successfully sponsored Bill S.223 in the Senate with an
amendment specifying a “Special Rule for Model Aircraft,”
which provides an exemption from regulation for models that
operate within the following parameters.
• Are flown specifically for recreational, sport, competition, or
academic purposes.
• Are operated in accordance with a community-based set of
safety guidelines within the programming of a nationwide
community-based organization.
• Are limited to 55 pounds or fewer unless certified through a design, construction,
inspection, flight test, and operational safety program that is administered by a
community-based organization.
“On behalf of our 140,000 members, I want to thank Senator Inhofe for helping
to preserve model aviation,” said AMA President Dave Mathewson. “With the
Senator’s help, we hope model aviation will continue to provide that impetus for
future generations of engineers, pilots, and astronauts.”
Mathewson also expressed appreciation for Chairman Jay Rockefeller and
Ranking Republican Kay Bailey Hutchinson’s assistance in shepherding the bill
with the model aircraft provision through the Senate. As of this writing, the bill has
moved to the House of Representatives. MA
—MA Staff
Senator Inhofe Champions AMA Cause
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:40 AM Page 19
We have earned our reputation as being effectively safety
driven and wonder why we need to “fix” something that is far
from broken.
Model aircraft operations are distinctly different from sUAS
aviation.
The root of the issue might be that aeromodeling is being
unjustifiably included in federal oversight of the increasingly
prevalent activity of sophisticated, commercial, public-use sUAS in
the NAS.
The AMA applauds all manner of innovation being pursued by
government, academic, military, and commercial enterprises.
Exciting things are being developed in unmanned aircraft in these
areas.
But model aircraft are different from commercial, public-use
sUAS. No AMA member is allowed to pursue model aircraft
operations outside the scope of our Safety Code or for commercial
purposes and still be considered to be under the auspices of the
AMA.
The Academy and its members strongly condemn careless or
reckless use of either model aircraft or sUAS, which endangers
people or property. We are hobbyists and sportsmen and
sportswomen, educators, and scientists. We fly for recreational and
educational purposes only.
Why is model aviation being swept up into regulations that are
much more applicable to commercial sUAS pursuits?
We should all be concerned about the tax dollars that are being
spent on federal efforts to create regulation for model aircraft
when there are far more serious concerns facing the FAA.
We are in challenging financial times. Government
expenditures are under scrutiny as never before. National political
leaders recently issued a call for a more streamlined, practical, and
common-sense approach to regulations.
Recent federal elections saw a large swing in power in the
House of Representatives. Nearly everyone in this new class of
legislators ran on a platform of less government regulation and less
government spending.
The FAA has a tremendous set of challenges, in keeping our
NAS safe and viable. Some might argue that it has far more serious
problems than putting a clamp on aeromodeling, and we couldn’t
agree more. Yes, we, too, want a safe NAS—as safe as it can
practically be.
We have to ask, Aren’t there bigger issues to deal with than
expending time, talent, and tax dollars on an extremely low risk to
NAS safety?
It is ill-advised to curtail model aviation, given its
valuable contribution to priming the pipeline of
aviation talent and resources.
It is well documented that aviation is suffering
from a decline of interest as a career. Global
economics and our nation’s future lie in connecting
people and markets as quickly and as efficiently as
possible. Aviation is a strong component of what
makes America’s business and global stature the
envy of the world.
Participating in model aviation is a surefire
way to ignite a passion in young people to explore
the lifetime of opportunities that the fields of
aviation and aerospace provide. From space shuttle
commanders to airline captains to fighter pilots to
corporate aviators and more, many have gotten
their starts in aviation with an early introduction to
aeromodeling.
Science, technology, engineering, and math are
found in model aviation, as they are in aviation in
general. It is a national imperative to excite our youth
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Academy’s Government Relations
Web site (www.modelaircraft.org/gov) is
where you can learn about issues
facing your organization in regards to
the regulation of aeromodeling. It’s
also where you can find out who your
federal representatives are and how to
write to them.
Let our government know where
you stand. What could be more
American? MA
—MA Staff
20 MODEL AVIATION
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:59 AM Page 20
April 2011 21
Photos courtesy MA staff
to pursue these disciplines. We offer what the nation desperately
needs.
We ask, What better way to cultivate tomorrow’s engineers,
scientists, technologists, and aviators than through exposure at an
early age to the fun of model aviation?
Our record is exemplary, our value to society is large, and our
future is bright.
The Academy and its members should understand that nothing
they have done has precipitated this federal-government action. FAA
representatives have repeatedly said as much.
The fact is that AMA and aeromodelers have almost everything
right. We have an impeccable record and a very tight culture of selfpolicing,
and we have generally comported ourselves in the manner
of the responsible modelers and citizens that we claim to be.
A new generation of aeromodelers now looks to us to provide
them with support and guidance, and we will continue to do so—
despite whatever restrictions might be placed on our hobby and sport.
In the meantime, all members are encouraged to rally around
this issue and let their voices be heard at the federal level. Visit
our Government Relations Web pages to learn more and learn
how to communicate with your state and federal representatives,
to protest what we see as unwarranted infringements on our wellearned
right to fly model aircraft. MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]
Sources:
AMA Government Relations
www.modelaircraft.org/gov
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 11:07 AM Page 21
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21
18 MODEL AVIATION
Where We Stand by Jay Smith
LAST MONTH’S issue of MA featured a
strong call to all who love aeromodeling to
express their concerns about what appears
to be pending federal regulations on model
aviation. After two years of working with
FAA representatives, AMA leadership has
concluded that we might be on a path to
onerous and unnecessary restrictions on
various aspects of operating model
aircraft.
By law, the FAA is unable to disclose
the exact language that will be in its rule
for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) until it is released as a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). That is
anticipated to happen in the late summer.
But according to those in AMA who
are deeply involved with this issue, there
will most certainly be some regulation
addressing aeromodeling operations. And
on its face, the proposed rule will likely
pose a distressing effect on model
aviation.
“AMA stands on its record of safe,
responsible aeromodeling using a
remarkably successful system of voluntary
compliance,” said AMA President Dave
Mathewson. “We’ve operated with the
most enviable safety record in all of
aeronautics for generations.”
Will the new rules be debilitating to
model aviation? Will they affect one
particular modeling discipline more than
others?
AMA’s Government Relations and
Regulatory Affairs Representative Rich
Hanson said:
“The truth is, we just don’t know for
certain, at this point, what the FAA will
restrict. However, we aren’t standing idle
given this threat. We’ve convened a
workgroup to address our operations and
what we may have to do via new standards
to comply with what we suspect to be likely
regulations on our hobby and sport.”
Rich is leading a team of Academy
experts—the Standards Workgroup—
which has been meeting weekly for more
than two years with FAA representatives
and among themselves to work through
safety concerns and operations standards.
That team has been extremely diligent.
You can view the roster on the AMA’s
Government Relations Web site.
In a report that it delivered to the FAA in
March 2009, the FAA Aviation Rulemaking
Committee (ARC) recommended that there
be a provision in the rule to allow model
aircraft operations—that are conducted in
accordance with an FAA-accepted set of
standards—to be exempt from the
regulation. The FAA leadership has
consistently held that this continues to be its
approach to aeromodeling.
During the past two years the AMA has
worked directly with the FAA Unmanned
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/24/11 8:15 AM Page 18
April 2011 19
Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in an
effort to develop an acceptable set of
standards. If successful, these standards
will provide an alternative means of
complying with the sUAS regulation
and a path by which modelers can
continue to enjoy the hobby much the
way they do today. However, the success
of this effort is not necessarily a foregone
conclusion. The final outcome will most
likely be unknown when the NPRM is
published for public comment in the Federal
Register this summer.
President Mathewson outlined AMA’s
organizational stance on this issue in his
March 2011 MA column, citing several areas
of concern for the Academy. Following is a
deeper exploration of those position
statements.
The AMA has an impeccable safety record
over generations.
It’s been estimated that aeromodelers
conduct more than 3.5 million flights per
year, with a safety record that is unequaled by
any other discipline using the National
Airspace System (NAS). Although there has
been a small number of incidents throughout
the past 75 years, the number of those
incidents involving injury to nonparticipants
has been extremely small, and even fewer
incidents involved full-scale aircraft.
Yes, there has been a very small number
of accidents and even injuries in the past 75
years of model flying. And although any
incident is one too many, astronomically few
incidents have involved full-scale aircraft.
We have to ask, Why is this incredible
safety record not being recognized for the
significant and defining accomplishment that
it is?
AMA has proven to be an outstanding selfpolicing
organization.
The Academy is a self-governing
association that has woven safety and
common sense into a comprehensive Safety
Code, to which all members must comply.
And they do. The vast majority of AMA
comprises conscientious and responsible
pilots who use self-policing as a method to
ensure safe operations.
And what you can do to help
preserve model aviation for
future generations
On February 19, Sen. James Inhofe (Oklahoma)
successfully sponsored Bill S.223 in the Senate with an
amendment specifying a “Special Rule for Model Aircraft,”
which provides an exemption from regulation for models that
operate within the following parameters.
• Are flown specifically for recreational, sport, competition, or
academic purposes.
• Are operated in accordance with a community-based set of
safety guidelines within the programming of a nationwide
community-based organization.
• Are limited to 55 pounds or fewer unless certified through a design, construction,
inspection, flight test, and operational safety program that is administered by a
community-based organization.
“On behalf of our 140,000 members, I want to thank Senator Inhofe for helping
to preserve model aviation,” said AMA President Dave Mathewson. “With the
Senator’s help, we hope model aviation will continue to provide that impetus for
future generations of engineers, pilots, and astronauts.”
Mathewson also expressed appreciation for Chairman Jay Rockefeller and
Ranking Republican Kay Bailey Hutchinson’s assistance in shepherding the bill
with the model aircraft provision through the Senate. As of this writing, the bill has
moved to the House of Representatives. MA
—MA Staff
Senator Inhofe Champions AMA Cause
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:40 AM Page 19
We have earned our reputation as being effectively safety
driven and wonder why we need to “fix” something that is far
from broken.
Model aircraft operations are distinctly different from sUAS
aviation.
The root of the issue might be that aeromodeling is being
unjustifiably included in federal oversight of the increasingly
prevalent activity of sophisticated, commercial, public-use sUAS in
the NAS.
The AMA applauds all manner of innovation being pursued by
government, academic, military, and commercial enterprises.
Exciting things are being developed in unmanned aircraft in these
areas.
But model aircraft are different from commercial, public-use
sUAS. No AMA member is allowed to pursue model aircraft
operations outside the scope of our Safety Code or for commercial
purposes and still be considered to be under the auspices of the
AMA.
The Academy and its members strongly condemn careless or
reckless use of either model aircraft or sUAS, which endangers
people or property. We are hobbyists and sportsmen and
sportswomen, educators, and scientists. We fly for recreational and
educational purposes only.
Why is model aviation being swept up into regulations that are
much more applicable to commercial sUAS pursuits?
We should all be concerned about the tax dollars that are being
spent on federal efforts to create regulation for model aircraft
when there are far more serious concerns facing the FAA.
We are in challenging financial times. Government
expenditures are under scrutiny as never before. National political
leaders recently issued a call for a more streamlined, practical, and
common-sense approach to regulations.
Recent federal elections saw a large swing in power in the
House of Representatives. Nearly everyone in this new class of
legislators ran on a platform of less government regulation and less
government spending.
The FAA has a tremendous set of challenges, in keeping our
NAS safe and viable. Some might argue that it has far more serious
problems than putting a clamp on aeromodeling, and we couldn’t
agree more. Yes, we, too, want a safe NAS—as safe as it can
practically be.
We have to ask, Aren’t there bigger issues to deal with than
expending time, talent, and tax dollars on an extremely low risk to
NAS safety?
It is ill-advised to curtail model aviation, given its
valuable contribution to priming the pipeline of
aviation talent and resources.
It is well documented that aviation is suffering
from a decline of interest as a career. Global
economics and our nation’s future lie in connecting
people and markets as quickly and as efficiently as
possible. Aviation is a strong component of what
makes America’s business and global stature the
envy of the world.
Participating in model aviation is a surefire
way to ignite a passion in young people to explore
the lifetime of opportunities that the fields of
aviation and aerospace provide. From space shuttle
commanders to airline captains to fighter pilots to
corporate aviators and more, many have gotten
their starts in aviation with an early introduction to
aeromodeling.
Science, technology, engineering, and math are
found in model aviation, as they are in aviation in
general. It is a national imperative to excite our youth
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Academy’s Government Relations
Web site (www.modelaircraft.org/gov) is
where you can learn about issues
facing your organization in regards to
the regulation of aeromodeling. It’s
also where you can find out who your
federal representatives are and how to
write to them.
Let our government know where
you stand. What could be more
American? MA
—MA Staff
20 MODEL AVIATION
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:59 AM Page 20
April 2011 21
Photos courtesy MA staff
to pursue these disciplines. We offer what the nation desperately
needs.
We ask, What better way to cultivate tomorrow’s engineers,
scientists, technologists, and aviators than through exposure at an
early age to the fun of model aviation?
Our record is exemplary, our value to society is large, and our
future is bright.
The Academy and its members should understand that nothing
they have done has precipitated this federal-government action. FAA
representatives have repeatedly said as much.
The fact is that AMA and aeromodelers have almost everything
right. We have an impeccable record and a very tight culture of selfpolicing,
and we have generally comported ourselves in the manner
of the responsible modelers and citizens that we claim to be.
A new generation of aeromodelers now looks to us to provide
them with support and guidance, and we will continue to do so—
despite whatever restrictions might be placed on our hobby and sport.
In the meantime, all members are encouraged to rally around
this issue and let their voices be heard at the federal level. Visit
our Government Relations Web pages to learn more and learn
how to communicate with your state and federal representatives,
to protest what we see as unwarranted infringements on our wellearned
right to fly model aircraft. MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]
Sources:
AMA Government Relations
www.modelaircraft.org/gov
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 11:07 AM Page 21
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/04
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21
18 MODEL AVIATION
Where We Stand by Jay Smith
LAST MONTH’S issue of MA featured a
strong call to all who love aeromodeling to
express their concerns about what appears
to be pending federal regulations on model
aviation. After two years of working with
FAA representatives, AMA leadership has
concluded that we might be on a path to
onerous and unnecessary restrictions on
various aspects of operating model
aircraft.
By law, the FAA is unable to disclose
the exact language that will be in its rule
for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(sUAS) until it is released as a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). That is
anticipated to happen in the late summer.
But according to those in AMA who
are deeply involved with this issue, there
will most certainly be some regulation
addressing aeromodeling operations. And
on its face, the proposed rule will likely
pose a distressing effect on model
aviation.
“AMA stands on its record of safe,
responsible aeromodeling using a
remarkably successful system of voluntary
compliance,” said AMA President Dave
Mathewson. “We’ve operated with the
most enviable safety record in all of
aeronautics for generations.”
Will the new rules be debilitating to
model aviation? Will they affect one
particular modeling discipline more than
others?
AMA’s Government Relations and
Regulatory Affairs Representative Rich
Hanson said:
“The truth is, we just don’t know for
certain, at this point, what the FAA will
restrict. However, we aren’t standing idle
given this threat. We’ve convened a
workgroup to address our operations and
what we may have to do via new standards
to comply with what we suspect to be likely
regulations on our hobby and sport.”
Rich is leading a team of Academy
experts—the Standards Workgroup—
which has been meeting weekly for more
than two years with FAA representatives
and among themselves to work through
safety concerns and operations standards.
That team has been extremely diligent.
You can view the roster on the AMA’s
Government Relations Web site.
In a report that it delivered to the FAA in
March 2009, the FAA Aviation Rulemaking
Committee (ARC) recommended that there
be a provision in the rule to allow model
aircraft operations—that are conducted in
accordance with an FAA-accepted set of
standards—to be exempt from the
regulation. The FAA leadership has
consistently held that this continues to be its
approach to aeromodeling.
During the past two years the AMA has
worked directly with the FAA Unmanned
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/24/11 8:15 AM Page 18
April 2011 19
Aircraft Program Office (UAPO) in an
effort to develop an acceptable set of
standards. If successful, these standards
will provide an alternative means of
complying with the sUAS regulation
and a path by which modelers can
continue to enjoy the hobby much the
way they do today. However, the success
of this effort is not necessarily a foregone
conclusion. The final outcome will most
likely be unknown when the NPRM is
published for public comment in the Federal
Register this summer.
President Mathewson outlined AMA’s
organizational stance on this issue in his
March 2011 MA column, citing several areas
of concern for the Academy. Following is a
deeper exploration of those position
statements.
The AMA has an impeccable safety record
over generations.
It’s been estimated that aeromodelers
conduct more than 3.5 million flights per
year, with a safety record that is unequaled by
any other discipline using the National
Airspace System (NAS). Although there has
been a small number of incidents throughout
the past 75 years, the number of those
incidents involving injury to nonparticipants
has been extremely small, and even fewer
incidents involved full-scale aircraft.
Yes, there has been a very small number
of accidents and even injuries in the past 75
years of model flying. And although any
incident is one too many, astronomically few
incidents have involved full-scale aircraft.
We have to ask, Why is this incredible
safety record not being recognized for the
significant and defining accomplishment that
it is?
AMA has proven to be an outstanding selfpolicing
organization.
The Academy is a self-governing
association that has woven safety and
common sense into a comprehensive Safety
Code, to which all members must comply.
And they do. The vast majority of AMA
comprises conscientious and responsible
pilots who use self-policing as a method to
ensure safe operations.
And what you can do to help
preserve model aviation for
future generations
On February 19, Sen. James Inhofe (Oklahoma)
successfully sponsored Bill S.223 in the Senate with an
amendment specifying a “Special Rule for Model Aircraft,”
which provides an exemption from regulation for models that
operate within the following parameters.
• Are flown specifically for recreational, sport, competition, or
academic purposes.
• Are operated in accordance with a community-based set of
safety guidelines within the programming of a nationwide
community-based organization.
• Are limited to 55 pounds or fewer unless certified through a design, construction,
inspection, flight test, and operational safety program that is administered by a
community-based organization.
“On behalf of our 140,000 members, I want to thank Senator Inhofe for helping
to preserve model aviation,” said AMA President Dave Mathewson. “With the
Senator’s help, we hope model aviation will continue to provide that impetus for
future generations of engineers, pilots, and astronauts.”
Mathewson also expressed appreciation for Chairman Jay Rockefeller and
Ranking Republican Kay Bailey Hutchinson’s assistance in shepherding the bill
with the model aircraft provision through the Senate. As of this writing, the bill has
moved to the House of Representatives. MA
—MA Staff
Senator Inhofe Champions AMA Cause
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:40 AM Page 19
We have earned our reputation as being effectively safety
driven and wonder why we need to “fix” something that is far
from broken.
Model aircraft operations are distinctly different from sUAS
aviation.
The root of the issue might be that aeromodeling is being
unjustifiably included in federal oversight of the increasingly
prevalent activity of sophisticated, commercial, public-use sUAS in
the NAS.
The AMA applauds all manner of innovation being pursued by
government, academic, military, and commercial enterprises.
Exciting things are being developed in unmanned aircraft in these
areas.
But model aircraft are different from commercial, public-use
sUAS. No AMA member is allowed to pursue model aircraft
operations outside the scope of our Safety Code or for commercial
purposes and still be considered to be under the auspices of the
AMA.
The Academy and its members strongly condemn careless or
reckless use of either model aircraft or sUAS, which endangers
people or property. We are hobbyists and sportsmen and
sportswomen, educators, and scientists. We fly for recreational and
educational purposes only.
Why is model aviation being swept up into regulations that are
much more applicable to commercial sUAS pursuits?
We should all be concerned about the tax dollars that are being
spent on federal efforts to create regulation for model aircraft
when there are far more serious concerns facing the FAA.
We are in challenging financial times. Government
expenditures are under scrutiny as never before. National political
leaders recently issued a call for a more streamlined, practical, and
common-sense approach to regulations.
Recent federal elections saw a large swing in power in the
House of Representatives. Nearly everyone in this new class of
legislators ran on a platform of less government regulation and less
government spending.
The FAA has a tremendous set of challenges, in keeping our
NAS safe and viable. Some might argue that it has far more serious
problems than putting a clamp on aeromodeling, and we couldn’t
agree more. Yes, we, too, want a safe NAS—as safe as it can
practically be.
We have to ask, Aren’t there bigger issues to deal with than
expending time, talent, and tax dollars on an extremely low risk to
NAS safety?
It is ill-advised to curtail model aviation, given its
valuable contribution to priming the pipeline of
aviation talent and resources.
It is well documented that aviation is suffering
from a decline of interest as a career. Global
economics and our nation’s future lie in connecting
people and markets as quickly and as efficiently as
possible. Aviation is a strong component of what
makes America’s business and global stature the
envy of the world.
Participating in model aviation is a surefire
way to ignite a passion in young people to explore
the lifetime of opportunities that the fields of
aviation and aerospace provide. From space shuttle
commanders to airline captains to fighter pilots to
corporate aviators and more, many have gotten
their starts in aviation with an early introduction to
aeromodeling.
Science, technology, engineering, and math are
found in model aviation, as they are in aviation in
general. It is a national imperative to excite our youth
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
The Academy’s Government Relations
Web site (www.modelaircraft.org/gov) is
where you can learn about issues
facing your organization in regards to
the regulation of aeromodeling. It’s
also where you can find out who your
federal representatives are and how to
write to them.
Let our government know where
you stand. What could be more
American? MA
—MA Staff
20 MODEL AVIATION
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 10:59 AM Page 20
April 2011 21
Photos courtesy MA staff
to pursue these disciplines. We offer what the nation desperately
needs.
We ask, What better way to cultivate tomorrow’s engineers,
scientists, technologists, and aviators than through exposure at an
early age to the fun of model aviation?
Our record is exemplary, our value to society is large, and our
future is bright.
The Academy and its members should understand that nothing
they have done has precipitated this federal-government action. FAA
representatives have repeatedly said as much.
The fact is that AMA and aeromodelers have almost everything
right. We have an impeccable record and a very tight culture of selfpolicing,
and we have generally comported ourselves in the manner
of the responsible modelers and citizens that we claim to be.
A new generation of aeromodelers now looks to us to provide
them with support and guidance, and we will continue to do so—
despite whatever restrictions might be placed on our hobby and sport.
In the meantime, all members are encouraged to rally around
this issue and let their voices be heard at the federal level. Visit
our Government Relations Web pages to learn more and learn
how to communicate with your state and federal representatives,
to protest what we see as unwarranted infringements on our wellearned
right to fly model aircraft. MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]
Sources:
AMA Government Relations
www.modelaircraft.org/gov
04sig1_00MSTRPG.QXD 3/1/11 11:07 AM Page 21
