Academy Of Model Aeronautics Supports The Tradition Of Recreational Flying Under Cloud Of Potential Federal Regulations

As the FAA continues to craft regulations for the recreational use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), and as the DOT's Registration Task Force releases its recommendations for UAS registration, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) reminds the public and model aviation community of its dedication to protecting the model aircraft hobby and supporting its more than 185,000 members – no matter what or where they fly.
 

On Monday, the task force released its recommendations for small UAS registration. The AMA holds strong to its opinion that these recommendations, as written, would make the registration process an unnecessary and unjustified burden to its 185,000 members, who have operated harmoniously within the aviation community for decades and who provide their personal contact information when joining the AMA.
 
Since it was founded in 1936, and with the launch of its Discover Flight campaign, AMA has remained committed to helping model aircraft enthusiasts discover their passion for flying. As technology has advanced, AMA, its members and its industry partners are embracing these changes; supporting the evolution of model aviation in hobby, sport and business; and helping everyone realize they, too, can fly model aircraft.
 
As technology becomes more sophisticated, AMA maintains its stance that the registration of some UAS that meet an appropriate threshold of weight, capability and other safety-related characteristics makes sense. However, AMA stresses that regulation should not become a prohibitive burden for recreational users who safely and responsibly fly for fun and educational purposes.
 
“AMA has always regarded safe and responsible flying as its top priority,” said Rich Hanson, director of Government and Regulatory Affairs for AMA, who represented AMA on the FAA Registration Task Force. “While we understand the desire for some level of regulation to prevent irresponsible flying practices, we are passionate about protecting our hobby and the unhindered ability of our members to fly recreationally.”

Current AMA guidelines already instruct members to label their aircraft with important identifying information before sending them into the sky, and the association’s safety guidelines are available to all AMA members. An AMA membership also includes additional protections, such as liability insurance and advocacy on important issues. In addition, its more than 2,400 flying clubs and 3,000 flying fields located throughout the continental United States have made safe opportunities to fly virtually endless.
 
AMA also prides itself on being the voice of its membership, advocating for their rights and being a liaison between its members and government agencies, zoning boards and parks departments to promote a shared sky and keep the hobby thriving.
 
This supportive community, brought together through a shared passion, is one of the most valuable aspects of an AMA membership, as well as a highlight of the recently launched Discover Flight campaign. The Discover Flight campaign helps communicate why there’s never been a more important, or exciting, time to embrace the adventure and hobby of model aviation.
 
Discover Flight aims to bring the possibilities of model aviation to life, opening up this exciting world to flyers across the country. The campaign shows the true value of the hobby – an entire community of individuals passionate about model aircraft and the joy they experience from exploring the open skies. It also spotlights the many benefits of an AMA membership, including educational programming, mentorship, scholarships, competitive opportunities and liability protections. No matter the skill level or degree of involvement, the AMA community offers something for everyone.
 
AMA places top priority on the support it provides to its membership – which includes everyone from celebrities and NASA astronauts to engineers and students. And, as federal regulations await, the AMA is committed to continuing fighting for and upholding the tradition of model aviation for future generations.

(Source: AMA news release)

FMI: www.discoverflight.org