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To My Fellow RC Enthusiasts,

After reading “In The Air” in the February 2011 edition of Model Aviation, I decided to write you all this letter. Please share it with your membership at your next monthly meeting.

Our world seems to become more and more paranoid with each passing day and sometimes with good reason. On page 9 of the February 2011 Model Aviation, the excerpts of a discussion between AMA Pres. Dave Matthewson and the FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety, Peggy Gilligan were printed. They spoke of the proposed regulations for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems and, more importantly, its potential impact on model aviation. Before I go any further, I want it understood that the feelings and views expressed are mine alone and are not endorsed by the AMA in any way. However, please note that the expression on that woman’s face says to me she couldn’t care less about the views and concerns of the model aviation industry and its enthusiasts. Furthermore, if you read the article and between the lines (which I hope you have), she is saying our input will have no impact on the FAA’s decisions and that we will have to comply with whatever changes are coming or find a new hobby. I applaud Dave Matthewson for being able to maintain his professionalism during this interview.

My message to all RC enthusiasts is the same as it’s always been. The AMA is putting up the good fight to protect our hobby but we also must do our part in this battle. Walt Kelly once said “We have seen the enemy and he is us”! In other words, we are our own worst enemies. We are all human and everyone makes mistakes but to blatantly circumvent your club rules and the rules of the AMA seems like attempted suicide to me. This also impedes the AMA’s ability to fight the good fight and helps the other side in its efforts to point fingers. What’s my point? Follow the rules and regulations of your club and the AMA to the letter. The sharks are circling so don’t give them anything to bite at! Let’s band together, do the right thing, and protect our hobby! As I said before, these are my views alone and I hope you all agree. Anyone who doesn’t should probably do two things; get an eye exam and find a new hobby as this one is under attack and will be gone before too long if we don’t do something about it right now. In the words of Klatu, “We Will Be Waiting For Your Answer”.

If nothing more, thank you for reading this letter.

Sincerely yours,

Ken Karpinski Sr.

Asst. Vice Pres.

Dist. III 2/10/11

Dear Large Model Aircraft Inspector,

On January 25, 2011, AMA’s Executive Council (EC) approved an update to the Large Model Aircraft program. This program includes some significant changes that you need to be aware of and should familiarize yourself with prior to your next inspection. To review the document go tohttp://www.modelaircraft.org/files/520-a.pdf.

One of the most prominent changes is the weight increase to 125 pounds for prop-driven models (LMA) and 100 pounds for turbine-powered models (LTMA). There are four classifications referenced within the program: LMA-1, LMA-2, LTMA-1 and LTMA-2.

Classifications LMA-1 and LTMA-1 (55 pounds to 77.2 pounds) will allow for a self-inspection by the owner of the LMA or a Large Model Aircraft Inspector (LMAI). It will require two demonstration flights in front of two observers. The owner can serve as one of the observers, as long as he/she is not the pilot of the model. The other observer has to be an AMA Contest Director (CD), Leader Member (LM) or Large Model Aircraft Inspector (LMAI).

Classifications LMA-2 and LTMA-2 will require inspection by an LMAI, followed by demonstration flights observed by the inspector.

Please note that all required documentation (as outlined in the program) has to be received by AMA HQ no later than 30 days after being issued for the permit to be valid! AMA HQ will send a receipt notification to the owner listed on the Permit to Fly and update the Web site listing. This document can be found in the Members Only section.

Best regards,

Ilona Maine

Safety & Member Benefits

Academy of Model Aeronautics

SA 86. Mr. INHOFE submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 223, to modernize the air traffic control system, improve the safety, reliability, and availability of transportation by air in the United States, provide modernization of the air traffic control system, reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows:

(g) Special Rule for Model Aircraft.--

(1) IN GENERAL.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law relating to the incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems into FAA plans and policies,, including this section, the Administrator shall not promulgate any rules or regulations regarding model aircraft or aircraft being developed as model aircraft if such aircraft is--

(A) flown strictly for recreational, sport, competition, or academic purposes;

(B) operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines and within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization; and

(C) limited to not more than 55 pounds unless otherwise certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program currently administered by a community-based organization.

(2) MODEL AIRCRAFT DEFINED.--For purposes of this subsection, the term ``model aircraft'' means a nonhuman-carrying (unmanned) radio-controlled aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere, navigating the airspace and flown within visual line-of-sight of the operator for the exclusive and intended use for sport, recreation, competition, or academic purposes.

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/bills/?billtype=S.&billnumb=223&congress=112

Bill S. 223

1/27/2011--Introduced.

FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act - Reduces the authorization of appropriations for FY2010 for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) operations.

Increases the authorization of appropriations for FY2010 for: (1) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment, (2) civil aviation research and development, and (3) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2011 for: (1) FAA operations, (2) FAA air navigation facilities and equipment, (3) civil aviation research and development, (4) airport planning and development and noise compatibility planning and programs, and (5) certain other aviation programs.

Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011 for administrative expenses for certain airport programs.

Revises procedural requirements for imposition of aircraft passenger facility charges (PFCs). Establishes an alternative PFC collection pilot program.

Revises the federal share of costs for certain airport improvement projects.

Directs the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to establish a pilot program for up to three states to participate in the airport improvement program (AIP) state block grant program.

Directs the Secretary to establish a pilot program to carry out up to six environmental mitigation demonstration projects at public-use airports.

Directs the FAA Administrator to establish an airport sustainability working group.

Establishes: (1) an Air Traffic Control Modernization Oversight Board, and (2) the position of Chief NextGen Officer who shall implement all Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT).

Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) consider whether the provision of NextGen air traffic services by nongovernment providers would promote safety and improve efficiency of the National Airspace System, and (2) make recommendations for the realignment of FAA services and facilities to assist in the transition to next generation facilities.

Revises FAA personnel management system requirements with respect to the mediation, alternative resolution, and binding arbitration of disputes between the FAA Administrator and FAA employees about implementation of proposed changes to the system.

Requires the FAA Administrator to report on navigation performance and area navigation operations and procedures required to maximize the efficiency and capacity of NextGen commercial operations at 35 Operational Evolution Partnership airports.

Requires the FAA Administrator to report to Congress on the program and schedule for integrating automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) technology into the National Airspace System.

Requires the FAA Administrator to: (1) establish and track National Airspace System performance metrics, and (2) report to Congress on financing proposals to fully fund the development and implementation of the NextGen system in a manner that does not increase the federal deficit.

Requires the FAA Administrator to develop a plan to accelerate the integration of unmanned aerial systems into the National Airspace System.

Directs the Air Traffic Organization evaluate the Airport Surface Detection Equipment-Model X program and airport surveillance technologies and associated collaborative surface management software for potential contributions to the NextGen initiative and surface management.

Requires the FAA Administrator to establish a process for including FAA employees who are likely to be affected by the deployment of air traffic control modernization projects (including NextGen) in the planning, development, and deployment of such projects.

Establishes the FAA Task Force on Air Traffic Control Facility Conditions.

Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with up to five states to establish state ADS-B equipage banks.

Directs the FAA Admini ...

AMA and aeromodelers everywhere outraged at terrorist’s plan to attack Pentagon, Capitol with RC model converted into a UAV

M U N C I E - The Academy of Model Aeronautics is shocked and outraged by the actions of a 26-year-old Massachusetts man arrested this week on federal charges for his intent to use an RC model airplane reconfigured as a UAV, similar to a military drone, for an explosive-laden attack on the U.S. Capitol and Pentagon. The suspect is not an AMA member nor has he been confirmed as being a model aviation enthusiast.

“When an otherwise safe and wholesome hobby becomes the focal point in a planned terrorist attack, we are as outraged as all citizens,” said AMA Interim President Mark Smith. “Like all Americans, we appreciate the professionalism of the FBI in this case. The AMA’s 143,000 aeromodelers throughout the country pledge to keep a vigilant eye in their communities on any suspicious activity involving RC aircraft.”

To read the FBI’s affidavit on the case, go here. To read the media release from the Department of Justice, go here.

Rezwan Ferdaus, a U.S. citizen from Ashland MA, and a physics graduate from Northeastern University, was arrested after lengthy monitoring and a sting operation by the FBI this week. Ferdaus had acquired three RC jets, an F-86 Sabre and two F-4 Phantoms, plus explosives and cell phones wired like IEDs. He kept them in a storage facility to work on. It isn’t known at this time if Ferdaus was able to fly the airplanes or if he had assistance. The public, according to the bureau, was never in danger.

Though Ferdaus’ plan was to convert a commercially available model aircraft into a GPS-guided unmanned aerial vehicle, there is a strong distinction between a hobbyist’s model aircraft and UAVs designed for commercial or military use. “Modelers everywhere are outraged by the literal hijacking of model aircraft for such a nefarious purpose,” said Rich Hanson, AMA’s Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs representative and former Vietnam helicopter pilot. “Our 143,000 members follow a strict safety code, always fly within sight, and remain clear of frangible property or people. When we hear this sort of item and activity labeled as a ‘model’ we are concerned that our recreational and educational hobby is being misrepresented.”

To date, the FBI has not released photos of the actual RC airplanes, only photos such as below of models that are “similar.” “The public will see these photos and think ‘model” when it is the internal configuration, capabilities, and use of the plane that defines it,” continued Hanson.

This subversive plot has also been condemned by the National Aeronautic Association. “The Academy of Model Aeronautics and its 143,000 members are the embodiment of education, professionalism, hobby pursuit, and friendly competition in the United States,” said Jonathan Gaffney, president and CEO. “While this individual has never been associated with the AMA or modeling, we have the utmost confidence in AMA to work with the authorities in any way possible to assist in this investigation.”

The Academy of Model Aeronautics is celebrating its 75th year in 2011. For generations it has posted what is arguably the safest record in all of aeronautics while providing a hobby and sport which has been the incubator of numerous luminaries in aviation and aerospace.