39 Comments

  1. Very interesting!
    Thank you for sharing

  2. I have been flying fixed wing, line of sight Model aircraft (not drones) for 55 years.The issues that we are dealing with now only came about as the result of the “drone phenomenon” and specifically a generation of people who are not modellers and have no business being identified as a part of the modelling hobby. The few bad apples in this barrel are the reason for this entire issue! I know that there is no use in raising a stink about it but I for one thoroughly resent being identified as a “drone user”!

    1. Robert, I agree with you. I have only been flying for about ten years. Me and 2 buddies fly at our local high school field. We practice good safety procedures, we don’t fly over people or when there is a school function. We just mind our own business and have fun on saturday mornings. We don’t belong to a club and have no desire to join a club. It doesn’t seem fair that we should be forced to join a club just for the safety of these big commercial companies who want to fly their drones for profit.

      1. amen. Enough of this gov sticking their nose in CITIZENS lives. As usual they are more worried about corporations instead of We the people.

    2. Just another way AMA gets to visit and rub their elbows with the DC trash in Washington. I will not be tracked because AMA has no balls to stand up for the real modelers

    3. The tipping point to me was when the FAA made us register, for every model we fly at the “Drone Zone” oh yeah and put the number on all your planes. Yes, another thing, the silly test “Trust” you cannot fail by design. “If you fly a Drone,you must pass the test” I have never flown a drone, but still had to take the test and keep the proof “a copy” with me if “asked by law enforcement officers” every time I fly.

    4. That is !000% right and the AMA has dun nothing to stop it or Help us big teak has more people at the table than us and they would like to push us out like when they took some of our channels for the phone company for Pagers

  3. I disagree that we have to have it. It is absolutely unnecessary for traditional model aircraft, the amount of aircraft is not increasing it is decreasing. This is absolutely unnecessarily. Also it is because of big money we lost out.

  4. The FAA was mandated to integrate UAS into the NAS. There should be ADSB solutions, not unique to UAS solutions. ADSB isn’t required for airplanes except for inside specific airspace (for instance inside Class B & C airspace). Why are UAS different?

    1. You are demonstrating part of the problem – the government throws around so many acronyms nobody know what they are even talking about anymore.

  5. Radio Control model flying and drone flying are two completely different things. If all of the energy had been put into showing how different these activities are instead of trying to find a way to include drone flyers into our hobby maybe we wouldn’t have been dragnetted into this situation. But AMA thought they saw an opportunity to boost membership and hoped the FAA would force drone flyers to join AMA as part of their rule. That told the FAA that we see drone flying as equal to modeling so…. now we are all drone pilots.

    1. Dan, I am curious as to how you feel Drones and traditional RC aircraft are so different? Please elaborate, and thank you for helping me understand.

  6. Wish it was written in text. Or at least offer a Cliff Notes version.

  7. I have a problem with the FAA classifying our model aircraft as drones and subject to the same rules. Even control line aircraft are included which is absurd.
    The 8oz exemption is too light, why not a more reasonable 6 pound limit (for example) provided the user has insurance (ie., an AMA member). Consider that a car weighs more and can cause much more damage and is closer to people and property (to make a point)
    It should allow flying under 400′ in areas away from airfields, built up areas (etc) less than (say) 1000′ from the flying area
    There should also be distinctions for large models and if the model is flown out of visual range. Laws can be introduced regarding carrying cameras and any such to protect privacy. It may be more complex but that is what our tax dollars pay for

    cheers
    Jim

  8. I’ve been flying RC for over 30 years at an AMA sanctioned club. Like many clubs we have diminishing membership and having drone pilots joint our club has been a lifesaver for the club. Although I don’t see remote ID as being a problem at our field, I do see it as a disencentive for young people to get into the hobby as now they have one more hoop to jump through just to fly and they are dealing with the US government which is never fun. I’d also like to add that this is just one more example of the government making laws when they haven’t done their own homework to meet the deadlines.

  9. Very good discussion. You said you are flying your models in a FRIA. Where is that location? I didn’t think the FAA had approved any FRIAs yet

    1. I am curious about the FAA’s requirement for manufacturers to comply with RemoteID laws since last Septemter (2022). Is any RTF model airplane that is sold in the USA in 2023 with the transmitter and an already installed receiver a RemoteID enabled aircraft now? Do I have to do anything once I receive the airplane to make this work? How do I know it is there or works? Do I have to do something after Sept 2023 or would I be all set with that particular RTF model? I sure hope the prices for modules for retro-fitting aircraft will go down. I want to build models from scratch once I know how to fly them.

  10. A couple of drones were near commercial airplanes. I have a cheap drone and try to fly it in the house. O.K. Then I tuck it outside to see it fly. It dis
    apperd from sight 0nly to find out that it was in back of me. I stopped the motor and it came down behind me. That is probably what happened with those drones. They got away from some one not use to the drone. Now we are to pay for this with goverment control.

    e

  11. Actually, this is all about control. The FAA has been incensed about the 336 “Rule for Model Aircraft” since it started. The FAA and AMA have been fighting a decades long struggle for control over airspace, regulating, frequencies, and other issues. With “Drones”, the FAA saw enough paranoia from the uninformed (Congress) to get Part 336 removed. Strictly about politics and control. AMA no longer has it, FAA does. They now have unenforceable rules and regulations they are relying on local law enforcement to enforce.

  12. Essentially, FAA started all this over drones potential use as a terroist weapon, then the idiots (few they may be) that helped “prove”that potential thru their conduct while “flying”. Aircraft modelers, whatever experience level or type of airplane, have proven we are safe, etc. Altho we flyers have our idiots also, they never last long in the hobby because we’re prettty much self-monitering thru club programs and/or peer pressure. As aircraft modelers, we are nothing like drone people, every aspect of both are completely different. I highly resent being included with drone “pilots”, and being included in that group is a flat out insult! I agree that AMA has truly climbed in bed with big money and those in FAA/government who needed another “kingdom”. As long as anything government is involved nothing good comes of it…ever! “Hi, I’m from the government and I’m here to help”!!

  13. Big Brother and Big Busine$$ need us pesky little hobbyists to get out of the way of “progress”. We surely wouldn’t want one of our little RC planes in conflict with a Pizza delivery drone operating near our local city park or ballfield, now would we? It’s just another instance where the big boys get to push the little guys out of operation.

  14. This is an awful way to guarantee someone watches your entire video. You ask a question that everyone wants to know the answer to – and then say you will get to it after a long exposition of introductory material. That is unfair to viewers who don’t have the time to wait through the entire video to know an important answer. Cheap shot.

  15. “Drones” is an outdated term. In latest communications it is “unmanned aircraft” or UA’s. Distinction. Most, if not nearly all drones are operated. Note that people who fly “drones” are referred to as operators. It requires no flying skill to operate “drones”. Going forward, if you fly LOS (line of sight) anywhere other than a FRIA, RID will be required. RID has and is a focus on public safety. There will be those that don’t comply, but that is a personal decision and risk to be evaluated.

    By the way, as of today there are 4 approved 501(c)3 organizations approved as CBO’s. Here is an address to the FAA page where they are recorded.

    https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreationalfliers/faa-recognized-community-based-organizations

    Connect with one of those organizations. Form a FRIA, Fly at a FRIA and be free from all this talk of “how much will it cost?”.

    Fly more in 2023 and have fun!!

    1. I wish it was that easy to form a FRIA.
      From the FAA website:
      “Only FAA-recognized Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and educational institutions such as primary and secondary schools, trade schools, colleges, and universities are eligible to request the establishment of a FRIA.”

    2. Unfortunately, individuals cannot form a FRIA.
      From FAA: Only FAA-recognized Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and educational institutions such as primary and secondary schools, trade schools, colleges, and universities are eligible to request the establishment of a FRIA.

  16. You are all so right about the government sticking their noses into our hobby. We should let anyone fly anything wherever they want without consequence or responsibility for their actions. If the pilot is following the necessary rules, don’t worry about anything. If the pilot wants to cause trouble at airports or places with large crowds they should be monitored.

  17. The tipping point to me was when the FAA made us register, for every model we fly at the “Drone Zone” oh yeah and put the number on all your planes. Yes, another thing, the silly test “Trust” you cannot fail by design. “If you fly a Drone,you must pass the test” I have never flown a drone, but still had to take the test and keep the proof “a copy” with me if “asked by law enforcement officers” every time I fly.

  18. Park flyer sales started this as they promoted flying at places other than your local AMA field. Drone pilots included.
    Like every other goofy law it only affects those of us who play by the rules.

  19. Thank you for the update.

  20. Isaiah 40:31-“…they shall mount up with wings as eagles”. Any interference with the practice of religion is in violation of our Constitutional Right to “Freedom of Religion”. Those who are in any government position that requires an oath to protect and defend “The Constitution of The United States” are in violation of their “Oath of Office”. I have 7 sailplanes,4 of which are not powered and can not carry fancy IFF electronics at all…I do not comply with IDIOTIC FAA regulations-P.A.T.C.O. Lcl 343 MKG-Muskegon.

    1. First the FAA made us register, for every model we fly at their web site “Drone Zone” oh yeah and put the number on all your planes. Second , another thing, the silly test “Trust” you cannot fail it by design. “If you fly a Drone,you must pass the test” I have never flown a drone, but still had to take the test and keep the proof “a copy” with me if “asked by law enforcement officers” every time I fly.

  21. First the FAA made us register, for every model we fly at their web site “Drone Zone” oh yeah and put the number on all your planes. Second , another thing, the silly test “Trust” you cannot fail it by design. “If you fly a Drone,you must pass the test” I have never flown a drone, but still had to take the test and keep the proof “a copy” with me if “asked by law enforcement officers” every time I fly.

  22. I do not see a problem for me. I support two RC flying clubs and always fly in ( or take off in) an approved flying site. I try to keep my airplanes in sight. Some times they land out of sight ( pilot error) but I have yet to interfere with a commercial or private pilot aircraft with my RC models.

    The multi-rotor models are frequently flown from my flying sites in what I consider interfering with public safety. However most of the ones that I have seen flown out of sight have the capability to auto hover or return to take off place. I think these should have a means to track them but who will do that? A new government employee???? More jobs for unskilled homeless people???

  23. I am so unhappy with AMA and this whole drone business. Full scale aircraft do not required to have transponders and can get permission to fly in restricted airspace tracked with traditional radar. AMA should have told the FAA that we would in no way cooperate on any level with line of sight flying…PERIOD. I’m wondering if we can flood the FAA screens with so much junk from our transponders that they will want them turned off to stop the clutter…. how about it you electronic geniuses…. cheap multiple transponders flown by as many people as AMA could muster. How about it AMA…..Show them the error in their ways.

  24. One thing that stands out is the term “community based organization” it was/is a leftist term coined by then President OBama from his past as an activist.
    During his administration is when this all began and AMA jumped in with both feet. The left leaning politicians are the ones who like big government and feel their power comes from controlling American citizens. This is a perfect example.. we don’t need the government to tell us we can’t fly models without them knowing.
    Only way we can win flying in our back yards and parks without bowing down to AMA is to vote.
    Every two years their is either a Presidential or midterm election.
    Contact your representatives. Tell them you need to see a bill giving you the freedom to fly without controls or you will vote for the other guy.
    The best fight is not to be an AMA member IMHO

  25. From what I can tell if you are a member of a model club flying from an authorized flying site you don’t need to register the models as they are flying in a controlled space a place where you have insurance a safe place to fly and other modelers that can help the inexperienced flyers. It affects people who for whatever reason don’t want to join a club and want to fly illegally from parks and football ovals.
    Unless I have missed something!!

  26. I have been flying r/c for over 25 years now. I have easily a dozen fixed-wing airplanes and don’t like to have them called “drones” either. But we still have to face reality. I appreciate what the AMA has accomplished so far in the difficult job of dealing with the FAA and Congress and have hopes for yet further logical advancements for our hobby in the months/years to come. “Change” is always difficult, but it is going to happen whether we agree with it or not, especially with the technology and culture tsunami we’ve seen in the last couple of decades. It’s good to have dedicated people who understand where we are coming from and where we want to go.

  27. A “drone” is simply a remotely or autonomously controlled unmanned aircraft. Don’t like the term much for RC airplanes either but they needed to use a term that covers everything and speaks to those who are the majority of users now.

  28. Where the hell do I get a fricking RID module? I can’t even find them anywhere online.

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