Resources

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Key elements of AMA’s Safety Code include the requirement to see and avoid manned aircraft and maintain model aircraft operations within visual line of sight.

In addition to operating within our safety programming, AMA members should comply with any and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

On October 5, 2018, the U.S. President signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 into law. The Exception for Limited Recreational Operations of Unmanned Aircraft established by section 349 contains eight statutory requirements that recreational and educational fliers must adhere to operate recreational UAS (model aircraft).

1. The aircraft is flown strictly for recreational, or educational purposes.

2. The aircraft is operated in accordance with or within the programming of a community-based organization’s set of safety guidelines that are developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. 3. The aircraft is flown within the visual line of sight of the person operating the aircraft or a visual observer co- located and in direct communication with the operator. 4. The aircraft is operated in a manner that does not interfere with and gives way to any manned aircraft.

5. In Class B, Class C, or Class D airspace or within

the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class

E airspace designated for an airport, the operator obtains prior authorization from the Administrator or designee before operating and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions.

6. In Class G airspace, the aircraft is flown from

the surface to not more than 400 feet above ground

level and complies with all airspace restrictions and prohibitions.

7. The operator has passed an aeronautical knowledge and safety test described in subsection (g) and maintains proof of test passage to be made available to the Administrator or law enforcement upon request.

8. The aircraft is registered and marked in accordance with chapter 441 of this title and proof of registration is made available to the Administrator of designee or law enforcement upon request.

Model Operations Within Controlled Airspace

When flying in controlled airspace (Classes B, C, D, and E), all model aircraft and drone operations must be authorized by the FAA, unless operating at a fixed flying site (AMA Chartered Club field). You should use the FAA “B4 You Fly” smartphone app to determine what airspace you are in before you fly other than at an AMA Chartered Club flying field. For members flying at a fixed flying site in controlled airspace, there must be an established Letter of Agreement (LOA) with FAA air traffic control (ATC) in place which serves as an authorization. When flying in controlled airspace, outside of an AMA fixed site, operators must obtain authorization through an authorized Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC) provider. LAANC is available to recreational UAS operators to quickly receive authorization to fly and can only be used for daylight operations at or below 400 feet. For more info MODELAIRCRAFT.ORG/LAANC

Register your drone/unmanned aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in just a few minutes using a quick online registration system. Registration is required for recreational drones weighing 0.55 pounds (250 grams) or more and all drones flying under Part 107.

What is TRUST?

TRUST, or The Recreational UAS Safety Test, is a free online training required before you can fly your unmanned aircraft for recreational purposes.

Visit TrustFAA to find a test provider. The training and testing takes about 30 minutes. You can continue with your registration, but don’t forget to take TRUST before your first flight.