NAA, AMA, Issue Statements After Suspect Apprehended
The National Aeronautic Association, the Aero
Club of the United States and partner with the Academy of Model
Aeronautics in the advancement of model aviation in the United
States, issued a statement Thursday strongly condemning the alleged
planning of the use of model aircraft for the purposes of domestic
terrorism as outlined in the arrest of an individual by the
FBI.
“The Academy of Model Aeronautics and its 143,000 members
are the embodiment of education, professionalism, hobby, and
friendly competition in the United States,” said Jonathan
Gaffney, President and CEO of NAA. “To think that this
individual could attempt to use this sport for anything resembling
terrorism is disgraceful. While this individual has never been
associated with the Academy or modeling, we have the utmost
confidence in AMA to work with the proper authorities in any way
possible to assist in this investigation."
A 26-year-old Massachusetts man was on arrested this week on
federal charges for his intent to use an RC model airplane
reconfigured as a UAV, similar to a military drone, for an
explosive-laden attack on the U.S. Capitol and Pentagon. The
suspect is not an AMA member nor has he been confirmed as being a
model aviation enthusiast.
“When an otherwise safe and
wholesome hobby becomes the focal point in a planned terrorist
attack, we are as outraged as all citizens,” said AMA Interim
President Mark Smith. “Like all Americans, we appreciate the
professionalism of the FBI in this case. The AMA’s 143,000
aeromodelers throughout the country pledge to keep a vigilant eye
in their communities on any suspicious activity with RC
aircraft.”
“Modelers everywhere are outraged by the literal
high-jacking of model aircraft for such a nefarious purpose,”
said Rich Hanson, AMA’s Government Relations and Regulatory
Affairs representative and former Vietnam helicopter pilot.
“Our ... members follow a strict safety code, always fly
within site, and remain clear of frangible property or people. When
we hear this sort of item and activity labeled as a
‘model’ we are very concerned that our recreational and
educational hobby is being misrepresented.”
In a statement to the media, the Department of Justice said
"(t)he public was never in danger from the explosive devices, which
were controlled by undercover FBI employees (UCs). The defendant
was closely monitored as his alleged plot developed and the UCs
were in frequent contact with him."