Implications of House AIRR Act (HR 2997) on model and full scale aviation

[JP8eaa]

Today I received an email from the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics ) asking me to write to my representatives to support House AIRR Act (HR 2997) because it contains language to strengthen the Special Rule for Model Aircraft, intended to reverse recent FAA actions that impose burdens on radio controlled model airplanes. I'm talking about the nice balsa wood models. (If drones didn't exist we wouldn't be having this conversation.)


I am also a full scale private pilot. I imagine several AMA members are also.


The AIRR Act also contains language to privatize air traffic control, an action that many in general aviation consider a significant long-term threat to the general aviation community. The AOPA and EAA are both opposed to the bill.


Question: Which of my hobbies am I supposed to kill so the other survives?


I suggest AMA, EAA, and AOPA get together for the benefit of all. An obvious solution is to split the AIRR Act into two separate bills because both topics are distinct.


If that isn't possible, then I suggest that all three organizations not make blanket statements about what we should support or oppose, but instead provide all facts so we can intelligently decide in this era of overreaching regulations in all areas.


P.S. EAA AirVenture is coming up and the AMA will be there. Good opportunity for them to talk. Hint hint.

[dougbush]

I would also like to see those organizations work together. However, I don't think model aircraft flying is vulnerable or likely to be killed by any regulations the FAA would promulgate, whereas general aviation is already struggling, and could easily be "killed" as we know it by airline-controlled privatization and user fees (typically linked with privatization). So, I suggest you support GA.

What is the "burden" on model airplane flyers that most concerns you?

[JP8eaa]

What is the "burden" on model airplane flyers that most concerns you?

That's a good question. There are several concerns:

1. Possible legal enforcement action against our private pilot license. According to some interpretations, model (toy) airplanes are considered aircraft, so an infraction with a model airplane can put your full-scale license at risk. Examples include busting a pop up TFR and someone reporting you as being "reckless." Of course it doesn't have to be an actual infraction, just a perceived one, and you've got yourself a legal and financial nightmare.

2. Unnecessary weight and expense. There are some agencies and municipalities (all the way down to the
local level) that are *considering* burdensome regulations as a knee-jerk reaction to the drone fad. These include restrictions on where you can fly and requirements for geofencing, onboard GPS devices or ADS-B out in all "aircraft". Unfortunately, balsa and tissue models get lumped in with much more capable drones. This is analagous to requiring expensive ADS-B for a $20,000 airplane. As a modeler, you build your own balsa model to save money and use your best building skills to shave 1 ounce of weight, then you'll be required to install a $50, 3 ounce device.

3. The hassle factor of having to pay a fee and register your model airplanes with the FAA is a turn off to many in the hobby. A recent court decision undid this regulation, but it could come back at any time.

4. The AMA reported that they had spent $1 million in one year just on government relations activities trying to protect the hobby. This was unheard of just a few years ago. Membership dues have increased, and there are better uses for a million dollars per year.

5. Setting a dangerous precedent. Number 2 (above) hasn't been enacted yet, but just like full-scale aviation, model aviation is only one law away from some well-meaning but ill-informed politician making some hobbyists (esp. the younger ones) want to just sit home and play video games.

[Mack Dickson]

You can rest assured the highest levels of EAA leadership are in active talks with AMA to determine why they have made the decision to support this bill, even after they signed onto a letter with over 100 other GA organizations opposing it.

As you noted, both EAA and AOPA strongly oppose this bill for the long-term threat it poses to GA. Below is a link to some resources explaining why we oppose ATC privatization.

https://www.eaa.org/en/eaa/aviation-...-privatization

We urge both EAA and AMA members to call their members of Congress and demand they vote against this bill. You may use this number: (855) 265-9002 to be directly connected to their offices.

Don’t hesitate to contact me at govt@eaa.org if you have further questions or concerns.

Mack Dickson
EAA Senior Government Advocacy Specialist

[dougbush]

That's a good question. There are several concerns:

1. Possible legal enforcement action against our private pilot license. According to some interpretations, model (toy) airplanes are considered aircraft, so an infraction with a model airplane can put your full-scale license at risk. Examples include busting a pop up TFR and someone reporting you as being "reckless." Of course it doesn't have to be an actual infraction, just a perceived one, and you've got yourself a legal and financial nightmare.

2. Unnecessary weight and expense. There are some agencies and municipalities (all the way down to the
local level) that are *considering* burdensome regulations as a knee-jerk reaction to the drone fad. These include restrictions on where you can fly and requirements for geofencing, onboard GPS devices or ADS-B out in all "aircraft". Unfortunately, balsa and tissue models get lumped in with much more capable drones. This is analagous to requiring expensive ADS-B for a $20,000 airplane. As a modeler, you build your own balsa model to save money and use your best building skills to shave 1 ounce of weight, then you'll be required to install a $50, 3 ounce device.

3. The hassle factor of having to pay a fee and register your model airplanes with the FAA is a turn off to many in the hobby. A recent court decision undid this regulation, but it could come back at any time.

4. The AMA reported that they had spent $1 million in one year just on government relations activities trying to protect the hobby. This was unheard of just a few years ago. Membership dues have increased, and there are better uses for a million dollars per year.

5. Setting a dangerous precedent. Number 2 (above) hasn't been enacted yet, but just like full-scale aviation, model aviation is only one law away from some well-meaning but ill-informed politician making some hobbyists (esp. the younger ones) want to just sit home and play video games.

Each of those concerns applies to manned aviation as well. Every single one! Seems like the groups should work together to preserve flying freedoms for all.

i can't even think of an argument (on either side) why model aircraft should be treated differently, but let's take the first concern. Suppose you inadvertently fly your balsawood RC plane over a stadium full of sports fans. Please explain why that shouldn't raise doubts at the FAA about your ability to keep clear of TFRs as a private pilot?