Proposal Runs Afoul Of Federal Authority Over The Nation’s Airspace...

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) sent a letter to the Orlando City Council in opposition to a proposed ordinance relating to the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones. AMA writes that: “In seeking to restrict where drones and model aircraft can fly in the City of Orlando, proposed ordinance no. 2016-87 attempts to regulate airspace, which is the sovereign authority of the U.S. government.”

Only the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can regulate the airspace. The FAA’s Office of the Chief Counsel released a State and Local UAS Fact Sheet last December detailing the agency’s federal regulatory framework and authority over the nation’s airspace. The UAS Fact Sheet also highlights the importance of consistent regulation.
 
The AMA letter continues: “In addition to running afoul of federal authority, proposed ordinance no. 2016-87 is unnecessary and duplicative. There are already existing federal regulations that protect against careless and reckless flying. Temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) restrict access to airspace over some sensitive facilities and events, such as Disney World in Orlando. There is an existing federal registration system for drones and model aircraft, and only the FAA can require registration.”

In conclusion, AMA writes, “While perhaps well-intended, this ordinance is bad for business, education, and the existing community of responsible UAS enthusiasts. We hope you strongly consider voting against the proposed ordinance.”
 
For more than 80 years, AMA has successfully managed the recreational model aircraft community by creating strict safety guidelines and training programs for its 200,000 members around the country and more than 16,000 members in Florida. Thanks to these well-established educational programs and community-based safety guidelines, AMA members have a strong safety record.
 
AMA also co-founded the Know Before You Fly campaign with the commercial UAS industry in order to provide safety information to those purchasing drones, especially around the holidays.

FMI: www.modelaircraft.org/files/AMA-Orlando-12-3-16.pdf, www.modelaircraft.org