Includes Significant Modifications To The Special Rule For Model Aircraft

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is calling on its members to urge their elected representatives in Washington to vote "no" on the proposed FAA Reauthorization Bill because of changes to the Special Rule for Model Aircraft ... also known as Section 336 ... that the organization says are "significant".

On its Blog, the AMA Government Relations Team says that while some of the changes to Section 336 are positive and include items championed by the AMA. But when taken as a whole, the organization says that the rules in the new bill will put additional and unnecessary restrictions on the model aircraft community.

"As written, this bill puts our community under the authority of the FAA, which means the agency can, at any time, impose additional regulations on model aircraft. In addition, the bill specifically imposes a 400’ altitude limit on model aircraft operating within the programming of a community-based organization (CBO), which could potentially curtail long-standing AMA competitions and events that support local charities and non-profits. These and other changes will make it even more difficult to fly and will stifle the broader benefits of model aviation to STEM education and the broader aviation community," the AMA said in the post.

"Through AMA’s persistence and advocacy, there are some helpful elements included in this bill. There are provisions that clear up the previous ambiguity for those flying first-person view (FPV), allowing FPV under the guidelines of a community-based organization (CBO). It would also allow the FAA to designate CBOs and provides a clear definition of a CBO. Lastly, there is no explicit requirement for remote identification and tracking in this bill.
It is important for you to know that this bill has not yet been voted into law. This is a critical moment and Congress needs to hear from our members on the harm this bill would do to our safe, long-standing hobby."

The AMA is calling on its members to contact their representatives in Washington to urge them to vote "no" on the bill. A vote in the U.S. House of Representatives may come as early as Wednesday.

(Image from file)

FMI: Blog Post