Drone Pilots Association

Earldgrayjr · Sep 2, 2015

I am sure there are many associations that people belong to that represent UAV pilots/operators. This is one organization that is very aggresive in the area of pilot rights and getting the FAA to do something, but at the same time do something sane.

About

IMHO with all that is happening with "drones" in the news, everyone that flys should join one or more organizations just to keep informed (and what ever your opinion is) to make sure your voice is heard.

FlexFanatic · Sep 2, 2015

Earldgrayjr said:
I am sure there are many associations that people belong to that represent UAV pilots/operators. This is one organization that is very aggresive in the area of pilot rights and getting the FAA to do something, but at the same time do something sane.

IMHO with all that is happening with "drones" in the news, everyone that flys should join one or more organizations just to keep informed (and what ever your opinion is) to make sure your voice is heard.

Do you have any links to some associations we should be considering?

Earldgrayjr · Sep 2, 2015

FlexFanatic said:
Do you have any links to some associations we should be considering?

Sorry. I meant to include a link. I updated the original post.

Dirby · Sep 2, 2015

is the AMA doing anything about this?

Earldgrayjr · Sep 2, 2015

Yes. They do.

Academy of Model Aeronautics - Government Relations

JonW · Sep 2, 2015

That drone association looks promising. But also looks like nothing new has been posted on their page in a long time. Do you think it's dead?

Earldgrayjr · Sep 2, 2015

JonW said:
That drone association looks promising. But also looks like nothing new has been posted on their page in a long time. Do you think it's dead?

I don't think so. It is free (or at least was when I did) to join, and I know the have filed suit to get something done, so likely good to join.

JonW · Sep 2, 2015

Earldgrayjr said:
I don't think so. It is free (or at least was when I did) to join, and I know the have filed suit to get something done, so likely good to join.

I did join. Let's hope it's still alive

Walter · Sep 2, 2015

A rep from the AMA testified at a legislative hearing in Calif. a few days ago. He did a great job telling our story and why we should be able to fly. They want to shut UAV pilots down in Calif. labeling them "Death Traps". I kid you not!

KRVer · Sep 2, 2015

Just received this from AMA regarding RC aircraft use in California:

On August 27, 2015 the California State Senate followed the State Assembly's lead in passing California SB 142. AMA spoke out in opposition to this bill in a letter to the Senate and the bill's sponsors, and testified further before the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management and the Senate Judiciary Committee on August 18. Despite these efforts the California legislature passed SB 142, legislation that may pose a significant threat to recreational model aviation.

While originally intended to address privacy concerns the bill was amended in late June and, as such, now potentially subjects model aviation enthusiasts to possible law suits and civil sanctions for even an inadvertent excursion over the property of a neighbor that borders their flying field, schoolyard, park, or even their backyard.

This bill currently is sitting on Governor Brown's desk waiting for his action. Time is short. The governor has until September 12, 2015 to either sign or veto this proposed legislation.

Please act now. Go to Academy of Model Aeronautics - Government Relations and let Governor Brown know that, as a recreational aeromodeler, you believe that this bill is too broad and overreaching and can only have a negative impact on model aviation.

Read SB 142.

Thanks for your help on this important issue.

Lawrence Tougas
AMA District X Vice President