AMA Government Relations:
- AMA Continues Work With the FAA December 30, 2024By Tyler Dobbs, Interim Executive Director and Senior Director of Government Affairs | tylerd@modelaircraft.org Securing Altitude Relief in Class G Airspace AMA continues to work with the FAA to secure altitude relief for model aviation fixed flying site operations in Class G airspace. After years of discussions, collaboration, and advocacy, […]Ben Flesher
- Temporary Flight Restrictions Issued for UAS Activity in Areas of New Jersey & New York December 20, 2024MUNCIE, IN – 12/20/2024 – In response to recent reports of drone sightings, multiple small Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) have been issued over critical infrastructures in the states of New Jersey and New York, which temporarily prohibit Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations at or below 400 feet within the TFR’s radius […]Lucas Rodden
- Navigating AMA Events: A Guide November 25, 2024AMA has been hard at work with the FAA to lessen RID and altitude restrictions for our members. Understanding what options are available for your upcoming event, whether it be sanctioned or unsanctioned, may prove confusing for some members and Event Managers/Contest Directors. Below you will find more detailed information […]Holly Silvers
- FRIA Process Moves to Government Affairs October 23, 2024As many AMA members and clubs are now aware, FAA-Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) permit modelers who do not wish to purchase a Remote ID module to remain compliant with the FAA’s Remote ID Rule. By flying within the geographic boundaries of a FRIA (or a similar exemption), they are relieved […]Lucas Rodden
- House Passes H.R.2864 – Countering CCP Drones Act September 12, 2024On September 9, 2024, the House of Representatives passed H.R.2864 – Countering CCP Drones Act. The bill adds telecommunication and video equipment and related services from DJI Technologies to a list of communication equipment and services that pose a risk to the national security of the United States. This list […]Holly Silvers
- Increase in VIP TFR NOTAMs July 22, 2024A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is a type of Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by the FAA that defines an area with restricted air operations because of hazardous conditions, special events, space operations, security, and VIP travel. Currently, due to the 2024 presidential election, many members are noticing an […]Holly Silvers
- Filing a NOTAM July 19, 2024By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org ALTHOUGH MANY hobbyists will never need to do so, the requirement to issue a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) is becoming more common within the AMA community. Sanctioned event altitude waivers, sanctioned event Remote ID exemptions, and AMA clubs’ FAA Airspace Authorizations […]Academy of Model Aeronautics
- Supreme Court Limits Authority of Federal Agencies July 3, 2024On June 28, 2024, the United States Supreme Court overturned the Chevron Deference Doctrine, a precedent from 1984, which allowed federal agencies to interpret ambiguous laws. This ruling means that Congress will need to be more specific when drafting and passing legislative language, and courts will interpret ambiguity in laws […]Chrystal Pearson
- Congress Looks to Ban DJI Drones June 24, 2024The House of Representatives recently passed a bill to essentially ban DJI drones in the United States. This bill is currently making its way through the Senate and could later be signed into law. The proposed legislation would add DJI to a list maintained by the Federal Communications Commission under […]Holly Silvers
- AMA Safety Culture Continues to Be the Gold Standard June 3, 2024By Tyler Dobbs, Government Affairs Director | tylerd@modelaircraft.org SINCE 1936, AMA has led the model aviation industry in both innovation and safety in the National Airspace System (NAS). Because of this dedication to safety, our members and organization are well respected among both the UAS and full-scale aviation industries. In […]Ben Flesher