Model Aircraft Flyers And Pilots Of Full Scale Aircraft Are Running Into Similar Problems With FAA Rules Application

Model aviation is the foundation of many of the aviation advances we enjoy today. In the history of aviation, early experiments started with miniature aircraft and, even today, sophisticated aircraft are commonly first produced in a scaled-down version for initial testing. Modelers call the big guys “full scale” and they are now running into some of the same “full scale” concerns with the FAA rulemaking process as the full scale flyers.

The most popular aspect of model aviation today is flying remotely controlled (RC) aircraft. Because of the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) used by the military and the smaller versions available in hobby shops and other stores, it seems like most everybody is lumped into the definition of UAS.

The growth of model aviation has been enhanced by the fact that people who enjoy it know how to do it properly. The great majority of RC flyers belong to an organization known as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). This organization publishes a set of safety guidelines that have aided RC flyers in being knowledgeable, safe, and most of all, good neighbors. However, in a bushel of good apples it is always possible to find 1 or 2 bad ones; such is the case in model aviation.

Model aircraft flying was addressed many years ago in the FAA advisory circular, AC 91.57, and things have been going well until the recent transgression of those few who do not act in a responsible manner with remote-controlled aircraft. Unfortunately, this has led the FAA to take action that hurts the good guys more than it does the bad guys.

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 has words in it that address model aviation. These words are there in an attempt to protect modelers from excess regulations, but FAA interpretation of these words is causing just the opposite to happen. In the FAA’s interpretation and application of references to model aviation in the Act, the FAA has narrowed its view of what is allowed and not allowed to such an extent that the legitimate model airplane flyers are going to get hurt.

Flyers of full scale aircraft have seen this same technique used when it comes to the issuance of FAA orders and rules interpretations. The most recent examples are proposed changes to the FAA order for issuing operating limitations on certain experimental aircraft.

The AMA and the model aircraft community have a comprehensive set of safety rules that are regularly followed that address what the FAA is concerned about. The AMA and the model aircraft community feel that current regulations, plus some simpler more focused rules that do not affect model aircraft as a whole, are enough to prosecute any rogue flyer that flies in the wrong space and endangers air safety.

All pilots are welcome at model aircraft flying fields and will probably be amazed at all that goes on in a safe and sane manner. For more information on what’s happening in the world of model aviation visit the AMA website to learn more about model aviation and the rules interpretations that could greatly injure this recreational activity. Join in to help AMA protect their flying privileges.

More news coming on a court ruling overturning the FAA ban of Equusearch using their UAS to help locate missing persons…Check the Wednesday, July 23rd issue of Aero-News for details.

FMI www.modelaircraft.org