AMA Issues Statement on FAA's Final Remote ID Rule

Tyler Dobbs, Director of Government Affairs at AMA, has issued a statement on the organization's behalf regarding the FAA’s final rule on remote identification of UA.

“The final remote ID rule prioritizes the safety and security of the national airspace, while also accommodating the longstanding, safe hobby of flying model aircraft. The rule sets forth requirements that will allow seasoned aviators and burgeoning pilots to continue enjoying our hobby responsibly. Flying model aircraft has proven to be an effective tool for generating interest in high-demand STEM-related fields, such as aviation, engineering and aerospace.

“The final rule allows UAS without remote identification to be operated within FAA-Recognized Identification Areas. This option for meeting remote identification requirements has been included in the final rule as a long-term solution. AMA maintains nearly 2,400 fixed flying sites across the country where our members have flown safely and responsibly for decades. All unmanned aircraft at these locations are flown within visual line of sight of the operator, making it easy to ensure safety and identify the operator.

“The final rule also includes a sensible solution for operating outside of FAA-Recognized Identification Areas with the use of remote identification broadcast modules. This option eliminates the internet connectivity requirement that was included in the proposed rule and allows for retrofitting existing model aircraft.

“We are pleased the FAA reversed the proposal to require model aircraft owners to register each of their model aircraft separately. Now, unmanned aircraft operators flying under the Exception for Limited Recreational Operations can continue to simply register per individual with the FAA.

“Thankfully, this final rule addresses many of the concerns expressed by tens of thousands of hobbyists during the rulemaking process. We look forward to continuing our work alongside the FAA, and others in the aviation community, to ensure safety for all.”

FMI: www.modelaircraft.org