Agency Is Performing Spot Checks At Local Flying Fields

The AMA Club of Northern Virginia has posted a Facebook message warning its members to not use FPV goggles when flying any model aircraft in the National Capital Area as outlined by new rules imposed by the FAA.

According to the Special Rule for Model Aircraft be flown within unaided visual line of sight (LOS) of the pilot. The definitions for visual line of sight published by the FAA specifically identifies that first person view (FPV) goggles do not qualify for maintaining LOS.

“Visual line-of-sight: While flying your drone you must be able to see it at all times using only your natural vision (which includes glasses and contacts, but not first person view goggles or binoculars).”

Until further notice, all FPV multi-rotor and wing races, practice sessions, and recreational flight activities at Poplar Ford and Lorton are suspended, according to the post.

"The FAA has begun doing field checks in the region in the last two weeks, and we expect enforcement actions against anyone or any club found to be violating the rules. Any willful individual violations at NVRC fields will result in suspension of club flying privileges. It has been made clear that any club violations will cause NVRC to immediately lose AMA charter status. This would place the club in violation of our binding agreement with Fairfax County for use of the two fields, and result in NVRC becoming a static modeling club only," wrote Jonathan Pruett, president of the NVRC.

Pruett said the board is preparing a waiver request to the FAA to return to our previous FPV policies at Poplar Ford field. We are working with the AMA in this process, and expect that filing to be officially submitted in March. Per members' previous experience with the FAA waiver approval process in the SFRA, it is likely we will not be able to resume FPV activities at NVRC fields until the fall.

(Source: Facebook post. Image from file)

FMI: www.facebook.com/groups/uavLegalNews/permalink/1496851023774281/