According To The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) And The Academy Of Model Aeronautics (AMA), You Bet They Are!

In a recent press release from the FAI, they say multirotor drones have transitioned from a rare object accessible only to a few, to a widely distributed product affordable by many. Drones have become incredibly popular in the space of a few years thanks to the miniaturization of on-board electronic devices and advanced flight systems.

In this context, it was logical that the FAI, and particularly its Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM), actively contribute to their development, and even more natural to include them in its activities given their huge potential in terms of participants and types of event. This has now happened and drone model aircraft are officially part of CIAM following the publication of a CIAM draft rule document for sportive and recreational activities with drones and especially multi-rotors (rotorcraft with more than two rotors).

CIAM is now identifying correspondents in a maximum of FAI member countries in order to establish an informal CIAM group tasked to find out the best way to spread this sport internationally; to discuss topics such as the impact of Civil Aviation Authorities Regulations on drone model aircraft activities and to evaluate the CIAM draft rule document based on feedback from events organized with drones.

In a conversation with ANN, AMA president, Bob Brown, who is also a CIAM delegate for the USA, tells us the AMA has been working with the multirotor craft as a recreational hobby for the last couple of years. Brown points out that this new activity seems to be particular popular with a younger age group that are anxious to join in recreational use of their aircraft in an organized fashion. In particular, he says drone competitions have already started in the United States.

The AMA is one of aviation’s oldest aeronautical organizations, and Brown says that multirotor model aircraft easily fit into the recreational use guidelines promoted by AMA. He told us it won’t be long before we see more organized recreational drone activities.

And speaking of activities, the 2015 National Drone Racing Championships are scheduled to be held at Tanzanite Park in Sacramento, CA during the week of July 13. Learn more about this exciting event on the link provided below.

(Image from File)

FMI: www.dronenationals.com  www.modelaircraft.org