[NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

[John Gayer]

This is what the AMA says about the 400 foot barrier on the FAQs page:


*Q: Am I permitted to fly above 400 feet? What if I had to check a box 
saying otherwise on the federal registration website?*

A: Yes. AMA members who abide by the AMA Safety Code, which permits 
flights above 400 feet under appropriate circumstances, and are 
protected by the Special Rule for Model Aircraft under the 2012 FAA 
Modernization and Reform Act. Checking the box on the federal 
registration webpage signifies an understanding of the 400 foot 
guideline. This is an important safety principle that all UAS operators 
need to be aware of, and is the same guideline established in AC 91-57 
published in 1981. However, the placement of this guideline on the FAA 
website is intended as an educational piece and more specifically 
intended for those operating outside of AMA’s safey program.  We have 
been in discussions with the FAA about this point and the agency has 
indicted that it will be updating its website in the next week to make 
clear that this altitude guideline is not intended to supplant the 
guidance and safety procedures established in AMA’s safety program.


Sounds clear, right? No 400 foot barrier need apply.
However, the following is what you have to "read, understand and 
follow", according to the FAA.


  Acknowledgement of Safety Guidance

  *

    I will fly below 400 feet

  *

    I will fly within visual line of sight

  *

    I will be aware of FAA airspace requirements:www.faa.gov/go/uastfr
    <http://www.faa.gov/go/uastfr>

  *

    I will not fly directly over people

  *

    I will not fly over stadiums and sports events

  *

    I will not fly near emergency response efforts such as fires

  *

    I will not fly near aircraft, especially near airports

  *

    I will not fly under the influence

Learn More <http://www.faa.gov/uas/publications/model_aircraft_operators/>
I have read, understand and intend to follow the safety guidance.


Under the "learn more" link, we find the following:


    Model Aircraft Operations Limits

According to the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 as (1) the 
aircraft is flown strictly for hobby or recreational use; (2) the 
aircraft is operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety 
guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based 
organization; (3) the aircraft is limited to not more than 55 pounds 
unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, 
flight test, and operational safety program administered by a 
community-based organization; (4) the aircraft is operated in a manner 
that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft; (5) 
when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft 
provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control 
tower…with prior notice of the operation; and (6) the aircraft is flown 
within visual line sight of the operator.

  * More information about safety and training guidelines
    <http://www.faa.gov/exit/?pageName=More%20information%20about%20safety%20and%20training%20guidelines&pgLnk=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emodelaircraft%2Eorg%2F>
  * Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org
    <http://www.faa.gov/exit/?pageName=Visit%20knowbeforeyoufly%2Eorg&pgLnk=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eknowbeforeyoufly%2Eorg%2F>


This implies that the 400 foot barrier is not a limit for model aircraft 
and also refers you back to the AMA FAQs above.  Since the "learn more" 
link eventually refers you back to the AMA position on 400 feet under 
the "more info about safety"  link, it very fuzzily appears to be 
supporting the position that we can still fly pattern without lying to 
the FAA even though we appear to be agreeing to such a limit in the 
"Acknowledgement".

Guess I'll register.



On 1/15/2016 3:56 PM, Patternpilot One via NSRCA-discussion wrote:
> Here is what I got from Mark Radcliff just after  midnight Monday morning.
>
> He was at the Expo.  It has been posted all over Facebook.
>
>
> http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov/2016/01/11/update-uas-registration-frequently-asked-questions/ 
>
>
> Sa.
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> NSRCA-discussion mailing list
> NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
> http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion

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