AMA Government Relations:
- FCC Proceedings & AMA comments September 15, 2026AMA continues to engage on several recent FCC proceedings that could have significant implications for model aviation, including proposals affecting the importation, marketing, and availability of UAS and critical components. AMA representatives are currently in Washington, D.C., meeting with members of Congress, the Department of Defense, and other stakeholders to […]Lucas Rodden
- Comments Requested: Two FCC Proceedings Could Affect Model Aviation August 25, 2026AMA is urging members to submit comments in two Federal Communications Commission (FCC) proceedings that could affect recreational model aviation: ET Docket No. 21-232 and PS Docket No. 26-189. Each proceeding addresses a separate proposal and requires its own comment. AMA previously asked members to comment on Docket No. 26-189, […]Lucas Rodden
- Make Your Voice Heard: FCC Seeks Comments on UAS Importation and Marketing August 17, 2026As of August 3, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on a proposal that could prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain foreign-produced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and UAS critical components. While the proposal is focused on addressing legitimate fears for national security, AMA is […]Lucas Rodden
- Expansion of Tariffs on UAS August 14, 2026On August 13, 2026, the White House issued a Presidential Proclamation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, imposing new import tariffs on UAS and core UAS components following a Department of Commerce investigation into domestic supply chain security. Dates & Potential Impact As written, the action establishes new ad valorem tariffs across completed aircraft as […]Lucas Rodden
- Updates on FCC decision July 29, 2026In December 2025, the FCC issued DA 25-1086, adding certain foreign-produced UAS and “critical UAS components” to the FCC Covered List following national security determinations authorized by Congress. Of course, the immediate concern is that the broad language of the order, which covers all foreign-made UAS components, including batteries, transmitters, […]Lucas Rodden
- FCC Publishes Actions on C-UAS Measures July 6, 2026On July 2, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a series of actions on behalf of US security agencies which implement portions of the SAFER SKIES Act. This legislation was enacted earlier this year and expands certain counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) authorities for qualified state, local, Tribal, and territorial (SLTT) […]Lucas Rodden
- FCC Covered List Updates June 18, 2026On June 15, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced that certain “toy drones” will be removed from the agency’s “Covered List,” which restricts listed devices and components from FCC approval for import and sale. The exact criteria can be reviewed on the FCC’s announcement and establish a narrow set of […]Lucas Rodden
- Temporary Flight Restrictions – FIFA World Cup May 29, 2026On Thursday, May 28, the FAA released a statement detailing upcoming Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) associated with the FIFA World Cup. These TFRs will be centered on major sporting stadiums in host cities and will generally extend one mile from the venue. Recreational flight operations within these areas will be prohibited unless operators have […]Lucas Rodden
- FAA Releases Proposed Rule Related to Critical Infrastructures May 6, 2026The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) related to Section 2209, which focuses on the designation of critical infrastructure and the potential restriction of unmanned aircraft operations around those sites. This rulemaking stems from legislation passed in 2016 that directed the FAA to develop […]Ben Flesher
- FAA Drone Safety Day 2026 April 21, 2026The Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) annual safety awareness campaign, Drone Safety Day, will take place on April 25, 2026. This annual outreach initiative focuses on promoting safe and responsible operation of unmanned aircraft and increasing public awareness of airspace rules. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has supported these safe […]Lucas Rodden