Monday, April 25, 2011

Proof that the AMA has a vendetta against one of its members

I asked my District Website if they would post info about the AMA elections since nominations are due June 16. As an AMA member I thought it was an important issue.

Response from Bob Brown, AMA District VP:

"The following gentleman is the one we want nothing to do with...right?"

Hope this proves I am not lying about what is going on.
Do not trust the current leadership (District VP's are the leaders),

In as much as the AMA may become the only way to fly for fun in the future, this needs to be know by everyone here who is a recreational flyer.

Full email received includes my question:

"The following gentleman is the one we want nothing to do with...right?

Bob Brown


On Apr 24, 2011, at 11:23 PM, Duane Brocious <dbcisco@hotmail.com> wrote:

>
> This is an enquiry e-mail from Duane Brocious (dbcisco@hotmail.com)
> Follow up on previous question; from AMA:
> Nominations Due for AMA President, Executive Vice President, and Vice Presidents in Districts III, VII, and XI
> Nominations for the offices of president, executive vice president and vice presidents in Districts III, VII, and XI are due at the Headquarters of the Academy of Model Aeronautics by June 16, 2011. Any AMA Open Member may submit a nomination.
>
> Can this be posted on our website.
> Thanks
> Duane

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Latest Notice from the FAA on (s)UAS operations published 3/28/2011

Haven't seen this posted anywhere yet.

This is the current information and interim guidance on air traffic policies and prescribes procedures for the planning, coordination, and services involving the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the NAS.

It is in effect from March 28th 2011 until March 27th 2012.

Notwithstanding all the discussion of NPRMs, ARCs and Congess, this is The Official FAA policy for (s)UAS operations in the USA until further notice.

Complete document available HERE 


"Types and Authority
Current FAA policy for UAS operations is that no person may operate a UAS in the NAS without specific authority.
(1) Public.
(a) FAA policy restricts COAs to public operations as defined in title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 1, Definitions & Abbreviations.
(b) For UAS operating as public aircraft, the authority is the COA.
(2) Civil.
(a) Civil applicants must apply for a Special Airworthiness Certificate–Experimental Category.
(b) For UAS operating as civil aircraft, the authority is special airworthiness certificates.
(3) Hobbyist.
(a) Hobbyists should follow the guidance contained in Advisory Circular (AC) 91-57.
(b) For model aircraft, the authority is AC 91-57."

Friday, April 22, 2011

Why all the secrecy?

Everyone involved in the FAA regulatory process is saying it is illegal for them to comment.
However, U.S. Code ( Here and Here ) says the opposite:


"The FAA may close an ARAC meeting or a portion of an ARAC meeting only for reasons such as when information to be discussed—
Is classified or best kept secret in the interests of national defense or foreign policy.
Discloses trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person that are privileged and confidential."

Congress has already investigated the FAA over the misuse of secrecy in 2001.

Note: ARAC = Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee