Category Archives: AMA

FAA Issues – Drone Rules

Posted on by

Press Release – U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Two Much-Anticipated Drone Rules to Advance Safety and Innovation in the United States

For Immediate Release

December 28, 2020
Contact: pressoffice@faa.gov

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced final Drone Rules for Unmanned Aircraft (UA), commonly known as drones. The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots.

Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules support technological and operational innovation and advancements.

“These final rules carefully address safety, security and privacy concerns while advancing opportunities for innovation and utilization of drone technology,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao.

Remote ID (PDF) is a major step toward the full integration of drones into the national airspace system. Remote ID provides identification of drones in flight as well as the location of their control stations, providing crucial information to our national security agencies and law enforcement partners, and other officials charged with ensuring public safety. Airspace awareness reduces the risk of drone interference with other aircraft and people and property on the ground.

Equipping drones with Remote ID technology builds on previous steps taken by the FAA and the drone industry to integrate operations safely into the national airspace system. Part 107 of the federal aviation regulations currently prohibits covered drone operations over people and at night unless the operator obtains a waiver from the FAA. The new FAA regulations jointly provide increased flexibility to conduct certain small UAS without obtaining waiver.

“The new rules make way for the further integration of drones into our airspace by addressing safety and security concerns,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “They get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages.”

The Remote ID rule (PDF) applies to all operators of drones that require FAA registration. There are three ways to comply with the operational requirements:

1. Operate a standard Remote ID drone that broadcasts identification and location information of the drone and control station;

2. Operate a drone with a Remote ID broadcast module (may be a separate device attached to the drone), which broadcasts identification, location, and take-off information; or

3. Operate a drone without Remote ID but at specific FAA-recognized identification areas.

The Operations Over People and at Night rule (PDF) applies to Part 107 operators. The ability to fly over people and moving vehicles varies depending on the level of risk a small drone operation presents to people on the ground. Operations are permitted based on four categories, which can be found in the executive summary (PDF) accompanying the rule. Additionally, this rule allows for operations at night under certain conditions.

The final rule requires that small drone operators have their remote pilot certificate and identification in their physical possession when operating, ready to present to authorities if needed. This rule also expands the class of authorities who may request these forms from a remote pilot. The final rule replaces the requirement to complete a recurrent test every 24 calendar months with the requirement to complete updated recurrent training that includes operating at night in identified subject areas.

Both rules will become effective 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The Remote ID rule includes two compliance dates. Drone manufacturers will have 18 months to begin producing drones with Remote ID, with operators having an additional year to start using drones with Remote ID.

For general inquiries on these new regulations and other UAS inquiries, please call 844-FLY-MY-UA or email the FAA.

Coronavirus and Flying

Posted on by

Coronavirus and flying your own aircraft.

Coronavirus and flying.  If you haven’t heard, Coronavirus is causing a few issues with aviation events, like Sun ‘n Fun (go to their website to get the details), which have been postponed or cancelled.

And of course, there are non-aviation events around the world that are being closed, postponed or cancelled.  It appears that traveling on airlines and crowds are two of the big issues.  Most of the “news” right now is about Coronavirus and flying on the airlines. The risks associated with large terminals with hundreds or thousands of people in close proximity.

While that is a problem for the majority of the public, there is more to aviation than just the airlines. Which brings up how important personal aviation is now! General aviation is a great way to fill in the gaps of travel.

Sure, we all need to practice safe behaviors and “social distancing” to protect ourselves and others.  Which is why flying your own aircraft is a way to actually keep you away from the crowds. For example, you only fly with known passengers and crew instead of people you have never met. It really gives a pilot a lot more control in this situation.

Just think, no more long security lines, mingling with hundreds or even thousands of other people, waiting to get on a commercial flight.

Remember, small local airports have fewer people and easier access.  Think about it, you can usually go through the gate to your airplane and fly out without much, if any, personal contact.  Yes, walking through the FBO there may be people, but its a lot fewer than at the commercial terminals.

Even in a time when the rest of the media would have us stay isolated and locked inside our homes, maybe it wouldn’t hurt to sneak out to the airport, stay away from crowds and go fly around the pattern, maybe make a few landings, just to relax and clear your head. Oh and don’t forget to wash your hands.

coronavirus and flying

EAA CREATING HANDS-ON ‘BUILD-AND-FLY’ R/C MODEL BUILDING

Posted on by

EAA CREATING HANDS-ON ‘BUILD-AND-FLY’ R/C MODEL BUILDING, FLYING OPPORTUNITIES FOR KIDS

BUILD-AND-FLY – Program created in partnership with Academy of Model Aeronautics and AMA Clubs

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (September 27, 2019) — Bringing hands-on aviation activities to young people is the goal as the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) unveil the new “Young Eagles Build and Fly” program to engage youth in hands-on building and flying of radio-control aircraft.

The initiative provides EAA chapters the opportunity to purchase a specially designed SIG LT-40 eKadet kit, all building materials, electronics, and accessories that are needed to complete and fly the radio-controlled model. Thanks to the generous support of the Burgher Fund and discounts provided by SIG Manufacturing and Horizon Hobby, the complete project is available to EAA Chapters for just $500, approximately one-third the usual retail price.

“The Build and Fly program meets the challenges of providing hands-on engagement for youth who have an interest in flight,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of publications, programs, and marketing. “Fundamental building skills, aircraft design, theory of flight, and flight training are all involved in a fun project that supplies a true sense of accomplishment when completed. It is also another ‘next step’ possibility for Young Eagles who are flown by EAA chapters throughout the country.”

EAA chapters will partner with their local AMA Club to create a “build project” and a learn-to-fly program for interested youth. Participants will discover how to both build and fly this popular radio-controlled trainer in hopes they will continue their pursuit of aviation. The easy-to-fly LT-40 eKadet is an American-designed and manufactured kit that, when completed, has a nearly six-foot wingspan that can be flown at AMA club flying fields to continue the engagement with youth.

“The path from RC modeling to full-scale aviation is a long-established and successful one,” said Chad Budreau, AMA executive director. “AMA clubs nationwide have the facilities and enthusiasm to welcome and engage a new generation of fliers. We eagerly join with EAA and our partners to make this program a widespread success.”

The “Young Eagles Build and Fly” program is now available to EAA chapters. Additional details are also available at EAA.org/BuildandFly or through EAA and AMA headquarters.

About AMA

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is the world’s largest model aviation association, representing a membership of more than 185,000 from every walk of life, income level and age group. AMA’s purpose is to promote development of model aviation as a recognized sport and worthwhile recreation activity. It is open to anyone interested in model aviation and is the official national body for model aviation in the United States. More information is available at www.modelaircraft.org.

 

About EAA

EAA embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 230,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with www.twitter.com/EAA.

-30-