Most AMA members, and those involved in the aeromodeling hobby know that the FAA has been working on a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for several years. Although the AMA is very committed to continuous safety within the hobby, we are also committed to our members, and the aeromodeling community. The AMA has been clear since day one that our goal is to work cooperatively with the FAA in ensuring model aircraft continue to operate safely in the National Airspace System (NAS) while also making sure the rules imposed do not keep aeromodelers from enjoying their sport.
In our efforts to safeguard the hobby the AMA sought Congressional support in developing legislation that would protect model aviation from burdensome regulation. AMA worked directly with the Congressional leadership and their staffs in developing a provision that recognizes community-based safety programming as a viable means for managing this activity while establishing the minimum criteria for the safe operation of model aircraft in the national airspace. Congress adopted this provision and recently passed it as part of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, which will be signed very soon by President Obama.
We see this as a great step in the right direction. The AMA would like to thank everyone that was involved in drafting the bill, and that took the time to write, email or call their congressional leaders. Together, we have accomplished a great milestone. We have had an overwhelming amount of praise from our members, which we appreciate. Continuous member support is always a top priority for the AMA, and we appreciate all of your feedback and willingness to help us with this congressional campaign.
Here are just some of the comments we have received with the announcement of the bill:
- Thank you for all you have been doing to protect the sports flyers such as myself and thousands of others.
- That’s really great news. Thanks for all; the hard work by the AMA leadership to see that model aviation rights are preserved.
- This is excellent news, it does put the ball in our court, we have to be vigilant and not let anything stupid happen, we also have to be aware of any suspicious activity.
- Fantastic news, well done and thank you for all your hard work!
- Ref Congress helping us out…I can’t believe it!……….Thank you Bob Brown and everyone else that wrote to their Senator and Congressman.
- Good. Too much Govt. Even in my hobby.
- Thank you for this Great News! Let us all dedicate ourselves to the safe enjoyment of our hobby so that we never create any excuse for government regulation. I want to pass along a very sincere ”Thank You” to the AMA and to everyone who participated in working with the FAA to represent all of us who love model airplanes. The Academy went to bat for us, and I appreciate it more than I can say.
- Score one for us. Thank you so much for all you have done. This issue did scare the heck out of me.
- Fantastic! Great job from the AMA! Thanks to all of you who kept an eye on this one and brought the issue home, safe and sound.
- That is great news on the exemption for aeromodeling bill! Please extend my thanks to the AMA officers and staff! Job extremely well done to all!
- My grandson and I spend a LOT of quality time together building and flying (he is a junior member) – I also have a LOT of money invested in airplanes, engines, etc. – so I’m VERY concerned.
- From a Marine I give all of you my highest compliment, Y’all would make Gyrenes. I was worried about even more Big Bother intrusion into this fine hobby. Being a RC soarer and Sport flier I figured the govt. would intrude in everything else now too. It seems there might be an awareness in D.C. of the 99% that just want to live and play in peace within the Safety Code (that goes without saying doesn’t it). Akin to the boot camp adage to do the right thing even when you know no one is watching. thanks again
- This is AWESOME NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best Regards
We thank you for your excitement, and hope you will continue to help us fight for you! Please continue to visit the AMA government relations page for updates and information on how you can show your support.