Academy Says It Strengthens The Special Rule For Model Aircraft

AMA is strongly supporting the House version of the FAA reauthorization bill (HR 2997), formally known as the 21st Century Aviation Innovation Reform & Reauthorization (AIRR) Act, and they are asking for the community's help to get it across the finish line. The House is finalizing this legislation now and is expected to have a floor vote soon.

The AIRR Act directs the FAA to take a forward-looking and modern approach to aviation in all forms, including model aircraft and manned aviation. The AMA believes this legislation advances aviation across the board, creates opportunity for 21st century innovations and, most importantly, keeps our skies safe for all.

With regard to model aviation, the AMA says the AIRR Act preserves and strengthens the Special Rule for Model Aircraft and affirms the importance of a community-based approach to managing the recreational community.

Specifically, the AIRR Act provides a clear definition of a community-based organization (CBO) and tasks the FAA with developing a process for recognizing CBOs. This legislation also maintains the current notification requirement for flying near airports, rather than a more restrictive and unrealistic approach that would require permission. In addition, the bill expands the protections of the Special Rule to allow model aircraft to be used as a teaching tool for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

It is important to note that AMA will continue to work throughout the FAA reauthorization process to further refine and improve the AIRR Act.

The AMA is asking its member to support of the AIRR Act by contacting Members of Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives today and urging them to vote in favor of the AIRR Act, saying the legislation "is not only favorable for our hobby, it’s good for everyone in the aviation community."

(Source: AMA news release)

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