SPECTRUM: Keep model aircraft hobbyists flying

Last week, Congress passed a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) authorization and provided continuity to the aviation community, including model aircraft hobbyists. But in the months ahead, Congress will still need to work on a longer-term authorization for the FAA that will set the agency’s goals and policy priorities for years to come. As Congress works on this bill, it’s important that they take a close look at the safety guidelines and educational efforts that community-based organizations like the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) provide.

AMA is the largest organization of model aircraft enthusiasts in the world. I’m one of 469 AMA members in Alaska and almost 200,000 members nationwide. Flying model aircraft has been a part of my life since I was 13 years old. I learned to fly remote control planes through a college course and was later mentored by fellow AMA member Bob Stevens. I consider myself lucky to be able to fly in Alaska, home to some of the most beautiful flying fields in the country.

Since its founding in 1936, AMA has been committed to educating its members and those new to the hobby on how to fly model aircraft and drones responsibly and in the right places, through a set of community-based safety guidelines. AMA’s decades of experience have shown that the best way to promote safety isn't to impose new regulations on recreational users; it's to educate them about best practices and safe operation.

AMA’s safety guidelines help ensure that all model aircraft and drone enthusiasts know where and how to fly safely. If you are new to the hobby, we recommend sticking to a few basic safety guidelines:

* Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible unless operating within an established community-based safety program or through a waiver from the FAA.

* Remain well clear of, and do not interfere with, manned aircraft operations. You must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times.

* Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property.

* Contact the airport or control tower before flying within five miles of an airport.

* Consider seeking help from a local community-based organization, like AMA, to learn to fly.

As part of our ongoing commitment to educating hobbyists, and recognizing the growing interest in the flying of drones, AMA expanded its educational efforts in 2014 by helping to launch the “Know Before You Fly” campaign. This campaign, created in partnership with other UAS industry leaders and the FAA, works to put important safety information and flying tips in the hands of newcomers to the hobby from across the country, even those that are not members of a community-based organization like AMA. In 2015, the State of Alaska became the first state to sign on as an official supporter of the Know Before You Fly campaign.

As Congress gets to work on a longer-term FAA reauthorization, I urge them to remember the importance and effectiveness of a community-based approach to managing the hobbyist community. I want everyone to experience the joy of flying like I have, but that will only be possible if we all work together to educate the public, and keep our skies safe.

Steve Colligan is President of the Alaska Drone Racing League, a member of the Alaska Legislative Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and as AMA Government Affairs representative, was elected Mat-Su Borough Assemblyman. Steve is a resident of Wasilla.