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

Fri Jan 15 15:10:21 AKST 2016

Well, the "400' thing..." certainly ain't all they got wrong!!! 

Phil Spelt, KCRC Emeritus, Secretary 
AMA 1294, Scientific Leader Member 
SPA L-18, Board Member 
(865) 435-1476v (865) 604-0541c 

----- Original Message -----

Yep. This was brought up directly with the FAA guy at the AMA Expo, he indicated that they got the 400' thing wrong and will be working to clarify their guidance. The guidance on the web site right now is for people not flying under an approved set of rules from a community based organization like the AMA. 

Peter+ 

On Fri, Jan 15, 2016 at 3:32 PM, John Gayer via NSRCA-discussion < nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org > wrote: 

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 
    * 

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 
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 
    * Visit knowbeforeyoufly.org 

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: 

<blockquote>

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 

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-- 
Director, Fixed Wing Flight Training 
Santa Clara County Model Aircraft Skypark 
Associate Vice President, Academy of Model Aeronautics District X 
Treasurer, National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics (NSRCA) 

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