Agency Praises AMA Role In Raising Model Aircraft Safety Awareness

In honor of the second annual National Model Aviation Day August 16, the FAA salutes the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) for fostering model aircraft safety and helping AMA members understand how to operate safely.

The AMA established National Model Aviation Day in 2013 to celebrate the hobby of flying model aircraft and share it with the public. AMA maintains a comprehensive safety program for its members and fosters a positive and cooperative environment for the aero-modeling community and the FAA.

“Safe model aircraft operations bring the joy of recreational or hobby flying to more people than ever before,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We commend AMA for its outstanding work. AMA’s detailed procedures promote safe model operations and serve as an excellent resource for AMA members and non-members alike.”

In January, the FAA and AMA signed an agreement for AMA to serve as a focal point for the aero-modelling community, the hobby industry and the FAA to communicate relevant and timely safety information. AMA also agreed to foster a “positive and cooperative environment” with modelers toward the FAA and any applicable regulations.

For its part, the FAA reviews and advises on the AMA safety program to address any issues or concerns. The FAA also is educating its field employees about the latest aero-modelling technologies, operating requirements, and AMA’s safety program, to foster a reciprocal cooperative attitude toward the AMA.

The FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 contains a definition of “model aircraft,” and includes requirements that they be flown within sight of the operator, be operated only for hobby or recreational purposes, and not interfere with manned aircraft. The statute also mandates that model aircraft operators flying within five miles of an airport notify the airport operator and air traffic control tower.

FMI: http://nationalmodelaviationday.org, www.modelaircraft.org/files/105.pdf, www.faa.gov