April 2012 President's Perspective

AMA President Bob Brown
H.R.658, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, was passed by Congress. This represents the most postive government effort ever generated by the Academy on behalf of the modelers in the United States.
Many members have spent much effort on this issue. However, special thanks must be offered to our AMA Government and Regulatory Affairs Advocate, Rich Hanson, our government liasion, Mitch Rose, and our Executive Director, Dave Mathewson. The bipartisan bill was assisted by the following members of Congress and their staffs:

Senator Jim Inhofe (R-OK)
Representative John Mica (R-FL)
Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-TX)
Representative Tom Petri (R-WI)
Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA)

Our efforts would not have been recognized had it not been for the thousands of members who communicated with the government officials. The letter-writing campaign and other communication was valuable. Although I would like to say the issue has been resolved, that is not the case. The airspace governed by the FAA includes that which is used for aeromodeling. Our Congressional effort certainly creates a positive environment with which to create dialogue with the FAA, but many variables will have to be considered. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) will be published in the near future. The rumor mill is running rampant with comments pertaining to the negative content directed toward aeromodeling. The Academy has specific plans for response to the NPRM. As a modeler, please continue your vigilance on this issue. Campaigns with Congress and the FAA will probably be needed. You must be ready to join the effort! NOTAMs and TFRs Another point of government intervention lies with NOTAM/TFR (Notice To Airmen/Temporary Flight Restrictions). The upcoming political campaign will probably increase these NOTAMs. At this time, the Academy has been unsuccessful in its attempt to resolve the issue, but Rich Hanson continues to meet with officials in hopes of working out a resolution that would have less impact on model flying. E-Fest 2012 We have just returned from one of the nation’s most enjoyable indoor meets, E-Fest. Thanks goes to Hobbico for its staff’s friendship and hospitality. We appreciated all who stopped at the AMA booth and offered positive comments. Each year it seems as though more unbelievable new items come to fruition. This year’s new offering appears to be the electric ducted-fan micro model. All I can say is wow! MA
Bob Brown AMA Executive Vice President [email protected]