Great Info About US FAA Regulations for Multirotors

[Chuck]

The FBI have no place in base security, and it may be mistaken for a bird or object/reflection too small to wrooy with so it would probably only be reported by some hard nosed security forces guy glancing upward at the right time. Most bases would probably have restricted airspace due to security and even more importantly their landing strips and helipads, but perhaps not all.

True, the FBI had no place in base security. But something originating from off base, is a different matter. Don't know about Air Combat Command today, but back when I was a SAC bomber crew member, "hard nose security" was the order of the day. Even the assigned crew could not violate the "two man rule", as far as the red circle around an "uploaded" bomber or tanker on alert status. So I know for certain how they would have reacted to a drone penetrating base airspace. Thanks to Curtis E LeMay....

 

[GJH105775]

The problem comes when "Joe Doaks" flying his Syma in his backyard, exceeds the 400 foot vertical threshold, thinking he's safe because it's in airspace above his backyard. What gets him jammed up, is when he posts a video bragging about doing it, on Youtube, or other social media. That's an "in your face" dare to the FAA.

Perhaps, but in many cases you are allowed to fly over 400'. For non-commercial fliers this guideline has often been confused as regulation, however as long as you are not flying in regulated airspace and taking reasonable precautions you are fine.


I will openly admit that I have and regularly fly well over 400' AGL in my go flying spot. This is an area often traveled by ultralites and single/twin engine planes that fly much lower than commercial planes (lower than even they are allowed).

I have never gotten within a mile of a plane, nor violated any airspace regulations while doing so simply because I am taking reasonable precautions.

True, the FBI had no place in base security. But something originating from off base, is a different matter. Don't know about Air Combat Command today, but back when I was a SAC bomber crew member, "hard nose security" was the order of the day. Even the assigned crew could not violate the "two man rule", as far as the red circle around an "uploaded" bomber or tanker on alert status. So I know for certain how they would have reacted to a drone penetrating base airspace. Thanks to Curtis E LeMay....

If you cross the red line by a millimeter you'll still get make their day when you eat the dirt. Talked to a 3p0 guy who just loves for people to cross the line Hahahahah

 

[ringolong]

Academy of Model Aeronautics
Member Communication

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Dear Members,

Our hobby has faced many challenges this year as we address an increase in government intervention and proposed regulations. AMA has been aggressively advocating for our hobby, and during the past few weeks, we've been happy to report successful progress.

Today, our members have yet another AMA government advocacy victory to celebrate.

There has been confusion among our members as to whether operations above 400 feet are permitted by the FAA. AMA has remained steadfast that the Special Rule for Model Aircraft (Section 336 of the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act) permits operations above 400 feet if conducted within our safety program requiring the pilot to be an AMA member, to avoid and not interfere with manned aircraft, and to keep the model in visual line of sight of the pilot/observer.

In January of this year, the AMA requested that the FAA clarify the 400-foot issue in writing. We are happy to share that in a recent letter to the AMA, the FAA recognized AMA's role as a community-based organization and acknowledged our safety program, including allowing flight above 400 feet under appropriate circumstances.

In this letter, dated July 7, 2016, the FAA states:

"...model aircraft may be flow consistently with Section 336 and agency guidelines at altitudes above 400 feet when following a community-based organization's safety guidelines."

"Community-based organizations, such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics, may establish altitude limitations in their safety guidelines that exceed the FAA's 400 AGL altitude recommendation."

Essentially, this letter confirms that sailplanes, large model aircraft, turbines, and other disciplines can responsibly operate above 400 feet if the AMA member is operating within our safety programming. Equally important, the FAA again acknowledges AMA as a community-based organization.

This victory falls on the heels of other successful AMA efforts, including an AMA member exemption from the FAA's Final sUAS Rule (Part 107), the removal of problematic text in the 2016 FAA Reauthorization Bill, and preserving the Special Rule for Model Aircraft through 2017.

These successes do not transpire easily and our advocacy efforts are not over. We will continue to work with the FAA toward reducing the burden of registration requirements on AMA members. Throughout the next 14 months, we will continue to work with Congress toward a long-term reauthorization bill that will further strengthen the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.

We want to extend our appreciation to all of our members and donors for your support throughout this process. To read the letter from the FAA clarifying the 400-foot guidance, visit www.modelaircraft.org/gov.

Thank you,

AMA Government Relations Team



http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5b...01c72&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe1f117573630175771d71&r=0

 

[Chuck]

Perhaps, but in many cases you are allowed to fly over 400'. For non-commercial fliers this guideline has often been confused as regulation, however as long as you are not flying in regulated airspace and taking reasonable precautions you are fine.


I will openly admit that I have and regularly fly well over 400' AGL in my go flying spot. This is an area often traveled by ultralites and single/twin engine planes that fly much lower than commercial planes (lower than even they are allowed).

I have never gotten within a mile of a plane, nor violated any airspace regulations while doing so simply because I am taking reasonable precautions.

If you cross the red line by a millimeter you'll still get make their day when you eat the dirt. Talked to a 3p0 guy who just loves for people to cross the line Hahahahah

The more things change, the more they stay the same. As we used to say: "To err is human. To forgive is not SAC policy...."

 

[BL Swagger]

Do any of y'all register your racing quads with FAA? I believe if it is over 500 grams then they say you need to register it. (If I am wrong please correct me)

 

[Rick M]

.55 lbs (~249 grams) is the threshold for requiring FAA registration in the US.