[AlaskaRC] FAA looking at possibly regulating model aircraft

Wed May 13 10:26:55 AKDT 2009

We hope we can still fly are park flyers.

Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 10:02:07 -0800
To: alaskarc at lists.alaskarc.org
From: mjhall at alaskarcs.com
Subject: Re: [AlaskaRC] FAA looking at possibly regulating model aircraft

The last time this came up it was because of a model scaring a flight crew of a 727 going into JFK. The FAA at that time told the AMA they had the power to regulate RC but chose not to at that time because of the problems associated in attempting to, but if "we" didn't clean up our act, they would. That's the root of certain AMA safety rules concerning flying near airports, etc. In those days there was no where near the number of UAV's flying as there is today, and the FAA's problem today has changed. It would be difficult for them (the FAA) to tell one group (the military) flying an "RC" of one type with a 3 foot wing span that there was strict rules to comply with, and tell the other group (us) with a like size "RC" there's no regulation. We DO need to watch this.

At 09:41 5/13/2009, you wrote:

Something to be aware of - it's been in the works for a while, but this
is a good explanation from Tony about where the AMA is in the process
and what we as modelers should be aware of and looking for.

For those who might be unfamiliar, as UAV flights are increasing over
the US, the FAA is looking for a way to more closely regulate them.

Begin forwarded message:

Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 11:43:25 -0400
From: "Tony" <tony at radiosouthrc.com>
To: "'General pattern discussion'" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Fw: Rules Coming?

There is a lot that everyone will need to learn about this issue.  The
ARC
was made up of about 25 industry (read that as commercial) people from
full-scale to manufacturers of UAS.  We (AMA) had ONE seat on this
committee.  The AMA pushed for keeping everything just as it is right
now,
accentually making model aircraft exempt from any rules.

The problem is that the commercial guys say, "hey, they can fly (meaning
AMA) without restrictions, why can't we?"  This is the fight that AMA
has
been dealing with for a year now.  

The original concept of this group was to come to consensus about
issues.
Well, that didn't work, so basically we were outvoted by the rest of the
group.  However, any member of the ARC could write an explanation as to
why
they were against such rules, giving reasons so that the FAA could
consider
this when they review these proposals.  That is what we have done.  Many
manufacturers want to limit us in many ways, and one of those is to
limit
aircraft to 100MPH, 400 ft altitude and no turbines!  Obviously, AMA is
against anything that would effect what modelers are doing now.  

Now, it is up to the FAA to look at these proposed rules and either 

A.  Pass them as written

B.  Modify them 

C.  Trash it all and start over

Once the FAA gets into it, they will give an NPRM (notice of Proposed
Rule
Making) and will receive comments from any interested parties (THAT BE
US!)
at that time.

You can be sure that AMA is on top of this and we have a plan in place
to
flood the FAA with letters and e-mails should they propose something
against
our interests!  My best suggestion to everyone is to visit the AMA
website
for updated info often and read MODEL AVIATION when it comes to your
door.  

Tony Stillman, President

Radio South, Inc.

139 Altama Connector, Box 322

Brunswick, GA  31525

1-800-962-7802

www.radiosouthrc.com

  _____  

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[ mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of John
Konneker
Sent: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 9:59 AM
To: jpavlick at idseng.com; Discussion List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Fw: Rules Coming?

Hey John,
Mike Dorna had sent some of us a link to the proposal earlier this week
and
Don Mathewson talks about the process
that generated it in his "President's Perspective" column in the current
June issue of MA, page 5.
>From John's column it sounds like when the NPRM comes out and public
>comment
is invited the AMA will probably 
be asking members to let their feelings be known.
Interesting stuff.
JLK

  _____  

Date: Wed, 13 May 2009 06:00:40 -0700
From: jpavlick at idseng.com
To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Fw: Rules Coming?

Guys,

 Bob sent this link to me and thought everyone would be interested. Many
of
you have probably seen this already but in case you haven't, take a
look...

John Pavlick

--- On Wed, 5/13/09, Bob Pastorello <rcaerobob at cox.net> wrote:

From: Bob Pastorello <rcaerobob at cox.net>
Subject: Rules Coming?
To: "John Pavlick" <idsmail at sbcglobal.net>
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 11:51 AM

Hello, John.  Long time no hear, hope you're doing well in pattern land.

I recently found this new thread on RCU dealing with a rule-making
proposal
from the FAA.  May be of interest to pattern people....

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8760851

Bob Pastorello
www.rcaerobats.net < http://www.rcaerobats.net/> 
rcaerobob at cox.net

-- 
Tom

_____________________________________________________________________

       |  ,  |               Tom Simes - President
---------(@)---------        Alaska Radio Control Society
        --|--                AMA Chartered Club #1998
          '                  president at alaskarc.org
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Marty Hall
Fairbanks, Alaska
mjhall at alaskarcs.com

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