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

Thu Jan 21 11:55:46 AKST 2016

That’s for the Mile High Club . . . 

-Keith Hoard

-klhoard at outlook.com

From: Paul Lukas [mailto:paul.lukas at live.com] 
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 14:53
To: Keith Hoard <klhoard at outlook.com>; Dana Beaton <danamaenia at me.com>
Subject: RE: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

After "G" comes "H" for hobby?  If we want to keep the alphabetical thing
going.  Of course, no one ever wants to talk about what happened to Class
"F" airspace...

Paul

"To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence."
      -Mark Twain

  _____  

To: danamaenia at me.com <mailto:danamaenia at me.com> 
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:48:41 -0600
CC: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> 
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog
From: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> 

You also need to think of other AMA users like glider and jets. I imagine
most fields are already in Class G airspace, so carving out our fair share
shouldn’t be a problem.

Call it Class “M” airspace and have the FAA restrict any non-participating
aircraft from entering without prior permission of the establishing agency
(club or field owner).

Then leave us the hell alone. 

Sent from Outlook Mail <http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550987>  for
Windows 10 phone

From: Dana Beaton <mailto:danamaenia at me.com> 
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 14:35
To: Keith Hoard <mailto:klhoard at outlook.com> 
Cc: General pattern discussion <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> 
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

What class of airspace are you asking for Keith and do we really need that
much?  If we ask for the same airspace access as licensed private or
commercial pilots have, then we will need to get those tickets.  Even if we
do, our Small UAS will not be certified for all the same kinds of flight
operations that manned aircraft are certified for.  OTOH, if we only really
need 900’-1,000’ to cover the top of the aerobatic box, that may be a
reasonable exception to ask for given that we can demonstrate our Small UAS
model aircraft can be operated safely within that flight envelope when
operated within the guidelines of our Community Based Organization.  We can
show all that and have the documentation and track record to make that
request credible.

Just keeping it real Keith.  You are on to something and I believe it is the
right track.  We need to get our AMA fields on the map just like glider
ports, heliports, balloons, etc.  Just another friendly part of the
neighborhood.  We can ask AMA if they can attempt this for us as members,
right?

On Jan 21, 2016, at 3:09 PM, Keith Hoard <klhoard at outlook.com
<mailto:klhoard at outlook.com> > wrote:

Why cant we be granted 2000 AGL?  We're frickin’ full fledged tax payin’
grown up users of the stinkin’ National Airspace System, right? 

If the FA&A has upgraded our planes to Full Scale Status, then they need to
provide us the proper airspace protections we deserve.

Sent from  <http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550987> Outlook Mail for
Windows 10 phone

From:  <mailto:danamaenia at me.com> Dana Beaton
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 13:54
To:  <mailto:klhoard at outlook.com> Keith Hoard;
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

BINGO!!!  Way to go Keith!

Hint, we’ll never be granted 2,000’ AGL.  But if we could get airspace
exceptions up to say, 900’-1,000’ AGL, that would solve a lot of problems
for all.

On Jan 21, 2016, at 2:20 PM, Keith Hoard via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

If that were true, then full-scale could never land . . . 

The only way out I can see is to get our own airspace, say ½ mile radius up
to 2000 feet centered on every AMA field and published with the FAA.  There
are already NOTAMS for designated UAS activity published in the regular
system, so there is no reason we couldn’t get our own permanent NOTAM
published for each field.

Instead of acting like the victims here, the AMA needs to start demanding
our own chunks of the NAS.  If we are now full-fledged users of the NAS,
then we need to start acting like it.

“Give me a Vector, Victor . . . “

-Keith Hoard

- <mailto:klhoard at outlook.com> klhoard at outlook.com

I agree with Dan. 

Furthermore, the term "navigable airspace" extends up from the ground.
Full-scale airplanes do NOT always have a glass "floor" of 500 feet, as some
would think. 

J

On Jan 21, 2016, at 8:40 AM, Dana Beaton via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

The definition discussion is closed. If it flies in navigable airspace, it
is an aircraft. If the pilot is not on board, it is a UAS. The term includes
the ground station, support systems and the aircraft itself. They are taking
a systems approach to regulating Small UAS. RC models are now Small UAS when
flown in the NAS. This is what we have to deal with now, what AMA has to
deal with as they fight to preserve our hobby. We need to get our heads
around the new realities if we are to remain relevant to hold on to what we
can. Respectfully, Dana

Sent from my iPhone

On Jan 21, 2016, at 8:23 AM, Dr. Mike Harrison via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

To engage the definition of a drone, especially the way you intend would be
suicidal for us.  The misinterpretations would be catastrophic.  I would
stay away from such.

Mike 

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ron Hansen via
NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2016 6:58 AM
To: 'Paul Lukas' < <mailto:paul.lukas at live.com> paul.lukas at live.com>;
'General pattern discussion' < <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>; 'Anthony Cornacchione' <
<mailto:acornacchione at hotmail.com> acornacchione at hotmail.com>;
<mailto:jpavlick at idseng.com> jpavlick at idseng.com; 'John Pavlick' <
<mailto:jpavlick26 at att.net> jpavlick26 at att.net>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

Paul,

That was the statement that really got me pissed too.

The other thing that troubles me is every time they show a picture of a
drone they show a quad copter.  Do they realize that the FAA is also
regulating airplanes of basically all sizes?  I think not.

In my view a drone should be defined as an aircraft (plane, heli, quad,
etc.) that is equipped with a camera and gyro whether or not it can be
piloted out of visual range using first-person-viewer technology.  All other
aircraft under 55 lbs should be unregulated by the government.

The AMA is clearly not doing a good job of educating congress on what a
drone really is.

This Senator was also not aware that the FAA just started requiring
registration.

I guess we will have to pass the legislation to find out what is in it!!!!

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Paul Lukas via
NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Wednesday, January 20, 2016 1:10 AM
To: 'Anthony Cornacchione'; 'General pattern discussion';
<mailto:jpavlick at idseng.com> jpavlick at idseng.com; 'John Pavlick'
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

“We probably don’t need to worry about the commercial users
because those
users are going to be very careful, but for the hobbyist, or the kid, that
can now go and purchase it, and you see the probabilities of an accident
waiting to happen”.

Paraphrased but the most frightening words I’ve ever heard.  My blood ran
cold when he said this.  What commercial sUAS company is located in Florida
that wants hobbyists out of the way?

The argument about “drones” vs. “plankers” is moot.  These people don’t see
or care about the difference.

I looked up the Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee. It is
headed up by Sen. Thune from South Dakota.  I’m going to write Sen. Thune a
letter (since his website would only give me 500 characters
)  The AMA may
be talking to the FAA, but they are not talking to congressmen and senators
as far as I’ve seen.  These are the people that will give the FAA the
ammunition to end it all.  I might be overreacting, but I live a mile inside
the Washington, DC FRZ and they just shut down 14 some odd AMA clubs in the
DC SFRA (technically in September, 2015, but enforced in December).  If
Senator Nelson has his way, I don’t think it will end there.

Paul “I haven’t been grounded this long since I was 12” Lukas

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Anthony
Cornacchione via NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Tuesday, January 19, 2016 6:52 PM
To:  <mailto:jpavlick at idseng.com> jpavlick at idseng.com; John Pavlick <
<mailto:jpavlick26 at att.net> jpavlick26 at att.net>; General pattern discussion
< <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

It's going to get worse.  The one thing we've been clinging to is the
language in a 4 year old Reauthorization Act that expires in two months.
Here's some senate floor action. Pay attention around the 430 mark to the
end. 

 <http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4576550/senator-nelsons-speech-drones>
http://www.c-span.org/video/?c4576550/senator-nelsons-speech-drones

On Jan 17, 2016, at 12:58 AM, John Pavlick via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

But Matt, I AM building AND contributing to the nonsensical
 uh, what you
said! LOL

John Pavlick

Cell: 203-417-4971

<image001.png>

Integrated Development Services

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Matthew
Kebabjian via NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 11:48 PM
To: John Gayer; General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

I thought youse guys had no time to build. This nonsensical diatribe over
the past month or so might hint otherwise.

Matt Kebabjian

On Jan 16, 2016, at 6:43 PM, John Gayer via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

That unit of measure being undefined with a possibility of the delay being
zero, I suggest using the holy hand grenade to eliminate the intruder.

On 1/16/2016 3:19 PM, DaveL322 via NSRCA-discussion wrote:

I believe the appropriate unit of measure for the "return time" is 1
migration cycle for an african swallow.

Regards,

Dave

Sent on a Sprint Samsung Galaxy Note® 3

-------- Original message --------
From: Phil Spelt via NSRCA-discussion
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>

Date: 01/16/2016 16:14 (GMT-05:00) 
To: Keith Hoard  <mailto:klhoard at outlook.com> <klhoard at outlook.com>,
nsrca-discussion  <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
<nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> 
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog 

How long do we have to wait for them to surface, Keith?  A week  --  2
weeks?  How long?

Do we have free reign with them after they surface?

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

  _____  

We must give them the “float test”.

Throw them and their multi-rotors in the AMA pond in Muncie.  If they float,
then they're a witch.  If they don’t return to the surface, then they're OK.

Sent from  <http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550987> Outlook Mail for
Windows 10 phone

From:  <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> Ed Alt via NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 12:25
To:  <mailto:vogel.peter at gmail.com> Peter Vogel;
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> NSRCA List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

The multi-rotor scourge is in no way comparable to helis.  Heli's require
smarts, skill, patience.  They exist for entirely different reasons than do
autonomous multi-rotor stuff.  This is entirely different.  It's a
completely incompatible activity at an RC field if a dozen or so Joe Blow's
show up with them.  They aren't hobbyists and you will scarcely get
converts. 

Ed

  _____  

Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2016 18:17:35 +0000
From:  <mailto:vogel.peter at gmail.com> vogel.peter at gmail.com
To:  <mailto:burtona at atmc.net> burtona at atmc.net;
<mailto:ed_alt at hotmail.com> ed_alt at hotmail.com;
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

Same arguments were made regarding helicopters at many fields.  

Fundamentally, if a multi rotor pilot comes to the field (and they have),
I'm going to welcome them and teach them the rules of the field (which
includes the AMA safety code and how to react when full scale flys by low on
their way to the airfield 6 miles down the road, or the police helicopter
flies by very low doing speed control on hwy 101).  

It's our only hope: embrace and educate.  The alternative is shun and lose
all opportunity to discourage unsafe/irresponsible use.  

If you educate one in responsible use, there's a possibility they will
spread that knowledge to others in the community of multi rotor pilots.  

Peter+

Sent from  <https://aka.ms/qtex0l> Outlook Mobile

On Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 10:05 AM -0800, "Ed Alt via NSRCA-discussion" <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

Dave:

Yeah, I know that idiots are the problem.  Until we figure out how to fix
stupid, we should separate ourselves from the stuff that those idiots are
drawn to. There's no particular reason for some clown from the non-modeling
public to come to an AMA flying field.  Nothing much to video, right?  We'll
never, ever attract them to the AMA in any kind of meaningful numbers and
actually, God help us if we did.  Good flying fields are hard enough to come
by.  Do you really want to be competing for air time against dozens of bozos
who might show up just to fly a multi-rotor?  No thanks. 

Ed

  _____  

From:  <mailto:burtona at atmc.net> burtona at atmc.net
To:  <mailto:ed_alt at hotmail.com> ed_alt at hotmail.com;
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Subject: RE: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog
Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2016 12:48:12 -0500

Multi rotors are not the problem. Idiots are the problem. We have a few
idiots flying every type of model. I've seen an idiot chasing after a small
full scale trying to get close. That was with some kind of sport airplane.
Would you keep a guy away from an AMA field if he brought out a Giant scale,
a pattern plane, and a multi rotor to fly all of them. I'm of the opinion
I'd rather have multi rotors at an AMA field environment rather than a mall
parking lot or somewhere else just a stupid.

Dave

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ed Alt via
NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 11:31 AM
To: John Gayer; Larry Diamond; NSRCA List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

This is why it's a mistake to continue to allow multi-rotor (actual) drones
at any AMA flying field.  It doesn't matter that most AMA members are very
responsible.  It takes perhaps only one full scale incident and we could be
done.  I think that if you've got them, take them somewhere else.  

Ed

  _____  

To:  <mailto:ldiamond at diamondrc.com> ldiamond at diamondrc.com;
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Date: Sat, 16 Jan 2016 09:19:42 -0700
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog
From:  <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org

The only time there will be a problem is with full-scale incidents. You then
have a pilot saying he was at 600 feet and this "drone" shot past him
vertically and it looked like the "drone" was trying to hit him. Then the
only issue is who was flying the model. That is relatively simple at an AMA
field given a description of the model.

A few incidents like that and we will have a hard 400 foot limit (or lower).

John

On 1/16/2016 3:25 AM, Larry Diamond via NSRCA-discussion wrote:

The 400’ foot discussion has been interesting to follow.

Think about how they would enforce this if it were regulation and you were
at a flying site.

1)      If they show up to the flying site, they would be conspicuous with
equipment trying to document the fact you are above 400’. They must have
physical evidence for it to stand up in court if the citation is issued. You
simply bring your plan down to 400’ or don’t fly.

2)      If they were off site, it is no different than issuing speeding
tickets. They must have evidence the plane they document belongs to you and
they must be able to demonstrate a violation occurred and the history to
show it is you without question. This will not be enforceable if they can’t
testify you were physically flying the drone over 400’.

a.       Example: An enforcement officer locks there radar on you for
speeding. The officer is charged with the responsibility of maintaining a
visual on you (history) or have video to show your vehicle was the one
speeding. If it is only a video correlation, they must be able to
demonstrate (testify) it was you driving and not somebody else, typically
pulling you over within a couple of minutes. If this can’t be demonstrated
(testified) to the level of beyond reasonable doubt, the charge/citation
will not stick and it will be dismissed.

Were the 400’ policy does get enforced with certainty will be a post mortem
event. i.e. midair collision
 Outside of this type of event, it will be very
difficult to police and enforce.

It is one thing to have a policy out there. It is much different when the
policy is executed and then tested in the court system.

Over simplified but the point is clear for me.

As my favorite comedian always says, “It is only my opinion, I could be
wrong”.

Larry

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Dana Beaton
via NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 9:48 PM
To: Peter Vogel  <mailto:vogel.peter at gmail.com> <vogel.peter at gmail.com>
Cc: John Pavlick  <mailto:jpavlick26 at att.net> <jpavlick26 at att.net>; General
pattern discussion  <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
<nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

I hear you but every time the 400' thing comes up again it's in the wrong
direction and the reassurances carry no weight whatsoever in light of what
has been published for us to observe to date.  The distinctions will be
costly for any one individual to make if unlucky to find oneself in a
process.  While our risk may be low flying at our club fields, times have
definitely changed...

The ERAU UAS course is also a real eye-opener in many respects.  I think it
is still open if anyone is interested.  

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 15, 2016, at 9:27 PM, Peter Vogel < <mailto:vogel.peter at gmail.com>
vogel.peter at gmail.com> wrote:

6.e uses the word "should", not "must" and that's a very important legal
distinction, making that a guideline, not a requirement.  Further, as they
said on Sunday, they are aware they got that wrong and are working with the
AMA to fix it.

Peter+

On Fri, Jan 15, 2016 at 7:10 PM, Dana Beaton via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

6.e is a real eye-opener, and a lot less ambiguous than 91-57 was in its
original form. Will be interesting to see what AMA gas to say about it.
Thanks for the link!

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 15, 2016, at 7:59 PM, Mking via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

Has anyone from the AMA commented on the new FAA Advisory Circular 91-57A
Change 1?

<http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-57A_Ch_1.p
df>
http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-57A_Ch_1.pd
f

Marty King

A&P/IA

 <mailto:mking at kingaeroaviation.com> mking at kingaeroaviation.com

King Aero Aviation, Inc.

574-304-5781

Shop:

24751 US 6

Nappanee, Indiana 46550

Office:

56632 Boss Blvd

Elkhart, Indiana 46516

 <http://www.kingaeroaviation.com/> www.kingaeroaviation.com

On Jan 15, 2016, at 8:32 PM, John Pavlick via NSRCA-discussion <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
wrote:

And to that end I PROMISE not to shoot anyone unless they actually break
into my house. Now is it OK if I buy some 30 round mag’s for my AR-15? LOL

John Pavlick

Cell: 203-417-4971

<image001.png>

Integrated Development Services

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ed Alt via
NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 7:09 PM
To: Dave Lockhart
Cc: General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

But Dave, did you like your doctor?  The promise was "if you like your
doctor, you can keep your doctor".

On Jan 15, 2016, at 7:06 PM, Dave Lockhart < <mailto:davel322 at comcast.net>
davel322 at comcast.net> wrote:

I have lots of video promising I can keep my doctor

From: NSRCA-discussion [ <mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org>
mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ed Alt via
NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 6:42 PM
To: Peter Vogel < <mailto:vogel.peter at gmail.com> vogel.peter at gmail.com>;
John Gayer < <mailto:jgghome at comcast.net> jgghome at comcast.net>; NSRCA List <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog

Anyone get that on video?  It's just hearsay until they put it into their
regulations.  Meanwhile, we're signing up to a promise not to exceed 400'.
It would be nice to have that video for the trial.  lol

  _____  

Date: Fri, 15 Jan 2016 15:39:07 -0800
To:  <mailto:jgghome at comcast.net> jgghome at comcast.net;
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Update - UAS Registration Frequently Asked
Questions | AMA Government Relations Blog
From:  <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org

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 <
<mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> 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:
<http://www.faa.gov/go/uastfr> 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

 <http://www.faa.gov/uas/publications/model_aircraft_operators/> 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.

*
<http://www.faa.gov/exit/?pageName=More%20information%20about%20safety%20and
%20training%20guidelines&pgLnk=http://www.modelaircraft.org/> More
information about safety and training guidelines
*
<http://www.faa.gov/exit/?pageName=Visit%20knowbeforeyoufly.org&pgLnk=http:/
/www.knowbeforeyoufly.org/> 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:

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/>
http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amagov/2016/01/11/update-uas-registration-f
requently-asked-questions/

Sa.

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