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<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: </b>November 16, 2015<b><u></u><u></u></b></p>
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<b>CONTACT: </b>Allison Haley, <a href="mailto:media@modelaircraft.org" target="_blank">media@modelaircraft.org</a>, <a href="tel:%28202%29%20777-3509" value="+12027773509" target="_blank">(202) 777-3509</a><u></u><u></u></p>
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<a name="15111f945b674bdb_15111e9e97943617__GoBack"></a><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">AMA APPLAUDS ALASKA’S DRONE OPERATOR SAFETY AND PRIVACY GUIDELINES<u></u><u></u></span></b></p>
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<b>MUNCIE, Ind.</b> – <i>Dave Mathewson, executive director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), today made the following statement on
</i><a href="http://www.alaskadrones.org/" target="_blank"><i>Alaska’s drone operator safety and privacy guidelines</i></a><i>, released by the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Legislative Task Force:
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“We applaud Alaska’s UAS Legislative Task Force for taking a comprehensive approach to its safety and privacy guidelines that builds off existing federal and state laws, as well as the experience of the organized hobbyist community. AMA has been represented
on the task force since its inception and provided input as the committee offered legislation and policy recommendations for UAS operations.
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“Throughout the years, AMA has a long history working with Alaska policymakers to educate the public about safety guidelines and best practices for recreational flyers. Last year, the state legislature recognized AMA as an official community-based organization
and our central role in helping to educate this community about safe and responsible use of UAS.
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“Since 1936, AMA and its members have been committed to safety. AMA members already follow a strict privacy policy that prohibits model aircraft from aerial surveillance and capturing images where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. In addition, our
members follow AMA’s National Model Aircraft Safety Code, which was used as a model for Alaska’s new guidelines.<u></u><u></u></p>
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“Education is critical. That’s why AMA, along with the unmanned aircraft industry and the FAA, launched the ‘<a href="http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/" target="_blank">Know Before You Fly</a>’ campaign last year to ensure that newcomers to UAS technology have the safety information
they need before taking to the skies. We were honored when the state of Alaska <a href="http://knowbeforeyoufly.org/2015/11/the-state-of-alaska-joins-know-before-you-fly/" target="_blank">
joined</a> as a supporter earlier this month. Alaska’s commitment to helping all UAS users fly safely aligns perfectly with the mission of the campaign and we look forward to continuing our work together.”<u></u><u></u></p>
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<i>The Academy of Model Aeronautics, founded in 1936, continues to be devoted to national airspace safety. It serves as the nation’s collective voice for approximately 180,000 modelers in 2,400 clubs in the United States and Puerto Rico. Headquartered in Muncie,
Indiana, AMA is a membership organization representing those who fly model aircraft for recreation and educational purposes. For more information, visit
</i><a href="http://www.modelaircraft.org" target="_blank"><i>www.modelaircraft.org</i></a><i>. <u></u>
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