AMA to spend $250,000 on FPV
07-30-2014, 10:26 AM
#1
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (17)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AMA to spend $250,000 on FPV
http://www.modelaircraft.org/aboutam...ecmotions.aspxAt the Exec Council meeting on July 19th AMA passed motion V to spend $250,000 - yes, that's a quarter of a million dollars to conduct some kind of training program for ''commercial'' drone pilots. (see above link). As I understand it this idea was discussed at the AMA convention in California last January so Muncie has been working on this idea for the last (6) months or so - so much for transpiracy! so here are a few questions-A) What exactly is the $250,000 for? I am told that AMA plans to hire more people. What are they going to be doing and what else is the money going to be used for?B) Who is going to do the training? Based on the FAA's Notice of Interpretation the instructor pilots will be ''commercial'' and therefore not covered by AMA insurance - is AMA planning to pay for this separate insurance? Part of the $250,000?C) Is AMA going to be paid for this service? We are a Non Profit Corporation so what are the lawyers saying?D) When motion V was voted on the vote was a (6) to (6) tie. Our President Bob Brown cast the deciding vote so I guess we know where he stands.E) This is seems like a ''major departure'' for AMA and as such the membership should have some input. If nothing else it would seem like the Leader Members should have been asked for input. We the membership need to demand that Bob Brown step up and explain just what is going on here and why this activity is good for AMA at this point in time.
07-30-2014, 12:17 PM
#2
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Aguanga,
CA
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LOL! The AMA marketeers seem to have taken the storyline from the old flick "The Producers" as a planning exemplar. Difference is, the plot twist that made "Springtime For Hitler" a hit hasn't materialized for AMA escapades, e.g., PPP and the end-run-around FAA play.
cj
cj
08-05-2014, 07:13 PM
#4
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (17)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Charley, Sorry about that. Here isthe correct link.http://www.modelaircraft.org/aboutam...ecmotions.aspxAl
08-05-2014, 07:46 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Round Hill, VA
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Charley, Let me try again!http://www.modelaircraft.org/aboutam...ecmotions.aspx
You have to be amember and logged in atthe AMA site to read the posting.
All it says is: "MOTION V: Moved by A. Argenio (I) and seconded by E. Williams (II) that Headquarters continue with the small UAS program and allocate $250,000 over 18 months for implementation.
MOTION passed: 7-Y; 6-N (III, V, VII, VIII, X and XI)"
I have no idea what the program is. Is there a link to any AMA posting that describes this program?
08-06-2014, 09:54 AM
#7
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (17)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The key words in the motion are ''Continue with the small UAS program and allocate $250.000'' As I said in my initial post this activity has been going on since earlier this year. BOB BROWN NEEDS TO HAVE THE BACKBONE TO STEP UP HERE AND TELL THE MEMBERSHIP HOW HE IS SPENDING OUR MONEY!
08-06-2014, 02:57 PM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Round Hill, VA
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The key words in the motion are ''Continue with the small UAS program and allocate $250.000'' As I said in my initial post this activity has been going on since earlier this year. BOB BROWN NEEDS TO HAVE THE BACKBONE TO STEP UP HERE AND TELL THE MEMBERSHIP HOW HE IS SPENDING OUR MONEY!
08-07-2014, 10:27 AM
#9
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (17)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A lot of people like real estate agents and farmers etc would like to use drones in their line of work. These would be ''Small Unmaned Aircraft Systems'' just like our FPV vehicles. How will these people learn to fly these machines? That's where AMA comes in and that's what the $250,000 is for! AMA is setting up a training program for these "commercial'' users with our money.
08-07-2014, 01:04 PM
#10
I think the bigger concern is the AMA being involved with "drones" at all. Front page of MSN today had a story about a drone falling into old faithful at yosemite. Is this the type of stuff the AMA wants to be part of? Maybe they're looking at it as a business thing, THEN START A SEPARATE CORP and make sure we don't get lumped into the group of people who could care less about joining the AMA. Flying R/C planes line of sight and flying a quad copter three miles away entails dramatically different risk factors. I think FPV is super cool, but not cool enough to jeopardize losing the privilege of flying R/C.
AMA, what the hell are you doing? Do you think you're gonna get this new giant revenue stream? Is it worth having big brother kill our hobby? That blood will be on your hands. Shocking that the "Company" that provides insurance for modelers is naive enough to get in bed with this stuff. People who buy a quadcopter from the internet and fly it in down town Seattle are NOT going to join the AMA! But having you endorse them lumps all of us together when legislation is put in place to make it an illegal activity.
AMA, what the hell are you doing? Do you think you're gonna get this new giant revenue stream? Is it worth having big brother kill our hobby? That blood will be on your hands. Shocking that the "Company" that provides insurance for modelers is naive enough to get in bed with this stuff. People who buy a quadcopter from the internet and fly it in down town Seattle are NOT going to join the AMA! But having you endorse them lumps all of us together when legislation is put in place to make it an illegal activity.
08-07-2014, 01:20 PM
#11
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Usually the guidelines in Canada and the USA are so very close at times they seem to mimic each other. It made me wonder why the US is having so much trouble with this whole UAS/UAV and FPV issue. I compared the two different approaches. In Canada MAAC wants nothing to do with any part of the commercial end of this new technology. Fly within the model associations (MAAC) guidelines and safety code and your considered a model and come under the organizations umbrella. If you fly otherwise or for any kind of commercial enterprise well it’s outside of MAAC’s sphere of influence and falls directly under the federal aviation jurisdiction. In other words if you fly it as a model/hobby under the guidelines set by MAAC you are of no concern to the aviation authorities as we have operated for many years.
The AMA for what ever reason made a choice to become involved in part to the small other than hobby UAS/UAV and FPV segment. They have less ability/authority to make rules involving the commercial aspects and have no power to enforce anything they come up with. On top of that the ones that fly outside the hobby organization certainly don’t want their involvement in making policy/rules or guidelines that would effect their operations. All the AMA has to do is withdraw from this nightmare and simply go back to being a hobby based organization. The past guidelines allowed freedom from FAA oversight. In fact it was agreeable enough that there was no need to make additional rules regarding the hobby flyer observing the AMA guidelines and safety code. Like has been said before you cannot stop someone who is intent on breaking the rules so let the rule makers deal with them. Let the FAA deal with all things outside the hobby sphere.
It’s working so far here in Canada MAAC and any legitimate hobby flyer in no way supports those who threaten the hobby by their actions. Maybe after a few find out there is no support from the hobby crowd and get dragged through the courts things may change. I don’t see things changing until it starts to hit them in their wallets. Its already obvious reasoning with them is not even an option.
What will happen will happen it’s in the hands of the Feds now and the few objections by so small a minority I doubt will have any effect on the outcome.
The AMA for what ever reason made a choice to become involved in part to the small other than hobby UAS/UAV and FPV segment. They have less ability/authority to make rules involving the commercial aspects and have no power to enforce anything they come up with. On top of that the ones that fly outside the hobby organization certainly don’t want their involvement in making policy/rules or guidelines that would effect their operations. All the AMA has to do is withdraw from this nightmare and simply go back to being a hobby based organization. The past guidelines allowed freedom from FAA oversight. In fact it was agreeable enough that there was no need to make additional rules regarding the hobby flyer observing the AMA guidelines and safety code. Like has been said before you cannot stop someone who is intent on breaking the rules so let the rule makers deal with them. Let the FAA deal with all things outside the hobby sphere.
It’s working so far here in Canada MAAC and any legitimate hobby flyer in no way supports those who threaten the hobby by their actions. Maybe after a few find out there is no support from the hobby crowd and get dragged through the courts things may change. I don’t see things changing until it starts to hit them in their wallets. Its already obvious reasoning with them is not even an option.
What will happen will happen it’s in the hands of the Feds now and the few objections by so small a minority I doubt will have any effect on the outcome.
08-07-2014, 03:19 PM
#12
Usually the guidelines in Canada and the USA are so very close at times they seem to mimic each other. It made me wonder why the US is having so much trouble with this whole UAS/UAV and FPV issue. I compared the two different approaches. In Canada MAAC wants nothing to do with any part of the commercial end of this new technology. Fly within the model associations (MAAC) guidelines and safety code and your considered a model and come under the organizations umbrella. If you fly otherwise or for any kind of commercial enterprise well it’s outside of MAAC’s sphere of influence and falls directly under the federal aviation jurisdiction. In other words if you fly it as a model/hobby under the guidelines set by MAAC you are of no concern to the aviation authorities as we have operated for many years.
The AMA for what ever reason made a choice to become involved in part to the small other than hobby UAS/UAV and FPV segment. They have less ability/authority to make rules involving the commercial aspects and have no power to enforce anything they come up with. On top of that the ones that fly outside the hobby organization certainly don’t want their involvement in making policy/rules or guidelines that would effect their operations. All the AMA has to do is withdraw from this nightmare and simply go back to being a hobby based organization. The past guidelines allowed freedom from FAA oversight. In fact it was agreeable enough that there was no need to make additional rules regarding the hobby flyer observing the AMA guidelines and safety code. Like has been said before you cannot stop someone who is intent on breaking the rules so let the rule makers deal with them. Let the FAA deal with all things outside the hobby sphere.
It’s working so far here in Canada MAAC and any legitimate hobby flyer in no way supports those who threaten the hobby by their actions. Maybe after a few find out there is no support from the hobby crowd and get dragged through the courts things may change. I don’t see things changing until it starts to hit them in their wallets. Its already obvious reasoning with them is not even an option.
What will happen will happen it’s in the hands of the Feds now and the few objections by so small a minority I doubt will have any effect on the outcome.
The AMA for what ever reason made a choice to become involved in part to the small other than hobby UAS/UAV and FPV segment. They have less ability/authority to make rules involving the commercial aspects and have no power to enforce anything they come up with. On top of that the ones that fly outside the hobby organization certainly don’t want their involvement in making policy/rules or guidelines that would effect their operations. All the AMA has to do is withdraw from this nightmare and simply go back to being a hobby based organization. The past guidelines allowed freedom from FAA oversight. In fact it was agreeable enough that there was no need to make additional rules regarding the hobby flyer observing the AMA guidelines and safety code. Like has been said before you cannot stop someone who is intent on breaking the rules so let the rule makers deal with them. Let the FAA deal with all things outside the hobby sphere.
It’s working so far here in Canada MAAC and any legitimate hobby flyer in no way supports those who threaten the hobby by their actions. Maybe after a few find out there is no support from the hobby crowd and get dragged through the courts things may change. I don’t see things changing until it starts to hit them in their wallets. Its already obvious reasoning with them is not even an option.
What will happen will happen it’s in the hands of the Feds now and the few objections by so small a minority I doubt will have any effect on the outcome.
08-07-2014, 03:46 PM
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Round Hill, VA
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A lot of people like real estate agents and farmers etc would like to use drones in their line of work. These would be ''Small Unmaned Aircraft Systems'' just like our FPV vehicles. How will these people learn to fly these machines? That's where AMA comes in and that's what the $250,000 is for! AMA is setting up a training program for these "commercial'' users with our money.
Do any of the AMA leaders have a clue?
08-07-2014, 05:36 PM
#14
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dennis
08-07-2014, 05:58 PM
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Round Hill, VA
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, the current state of the media is pathetic. But the FAA will only go after the individual who broke the rules. So we, as true recreation hobbyists who follow the rules, have very little to fear.
08-08-2014, 11:23 AM
#16
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Jackson, MI
Posts: 2,102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My fear is the AMA will do what many colleges and universities do: use their knowledge, expertise and personnel to do research-and-development on projects, then spin them off to the corporate interests.
That's not what a hobby-based organization should do, and they need to explain what's going on. I'm contacting my District Rep, and I urge everyone else to do likewise!
That's not what a hobby-based organization should do, and they need to explain what's going on. I'm contacting my District Rep, and I urge everyone else to do likewise!
08-08-2014, 12:52 PM
#18
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Jackson, MI
Posts: 2,102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What is the annual budget of the AMA? That answer would give us the percentage this new program would cost.
This was in the April EC minutes:
This was in the April EC minutes:
eLearning Related to sUAS
Education is a major part of the AMA FAA initiative. AMA’s eLearning system was introduced to the membership at the Expo this year. E. Loy reported that since then, they have been creating a course called ‘Introduction to sUAS’. A version of the course will be made available to the entire public, but there will be a testing module that is for AMA members only. AMA members that go through the course and familiarize themselves with the content will have the opportunity to complete an assessment (quiz/test), which could allow them to have a sUAS Course notation on their membership card. This would identify that the individual is aware of basic safety concerns, ethics and is an informed pilot. Headquarters is hoping to have the course ready for testing by June 2014.
B Pritchett reported that the Education Department is in the process of putting together a University Model Aviation Student Club (UMASC). D. Mathewson stated Council can expect a conceptual outline (via email) within the next few weeks.
Education is a major part of the AMA FAA initiative. AMA’s eLearning system was introduced to the membership at the Expo this year. E. Loy reported that since then, they have been creating a course called ‘Introduction to sUAS’. A version of the course will be made available to the entire public, but there will be a testing module that is for AMA members only. AMA members that go through the course and familiarize themselves with the content will have the opportunity to complete an assessment (quiz/test), which could allow them to have a sUAS Course notation on their membership card. This would identify that the individual is aware of basic safety concerns, ethics and is an informed pilot. Headquarters is hoping to have the course ready for testing by June 2014.
B Pritchett reported that the Education Department is in the process of putting together a University Model Aviation Student Club (UMASC). D. Mathewson stated Council can expect a conceptual outline (via email) within the next few weeks.
08-08-2014, 01:01 PM
#19
It's interesting to see how people can twist a simple statement. The statement says
Somebody twisted it to say
I'm going to highlight something really important from the real quote:
If you had kept up with the actual AMA news, you would know what that means. Since you are here speculating, here is some help:
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...0uas%20program
Rafael
" that Headquarters continue with the small UAS program and allocate $250,000 over 18 months for implementation."
Somebody twisted it to say
AMA to spend $250,000 on FPV
I'm going to highlight something really important from the real quote:
" that Headquarters continue with the small UAS program and allocate $250,000 over 18 months for implementation."
If you had kept up with the actual AMA news, you would know what that means. Since you are here speculating, here is some help:
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourcei...0uas%20program
Rafael
08-08-2014, 01:06 PM
#20
Senior Member
My Feedback: (2)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Jackson, MI
Posts: 2,102
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rafael, what's the point of your link, which shows a google page to many AMA links?
Far better if you gave an actual link to a page that explains the 'small UAS program'.
Far better if you gave an actual link to a page that explains the 'small UAS program'.
08-08-2014, 03:18 PM
#23
Rafael
08-08-2014, 03:43 PM
#24
Well, well, well. So, besides building elaborate offices and stocking them with expensive computer systems, and then throwing expensive parties, now they plan to spend $250,000 on "research"? Those crazy guys!
Last edited by Airplanes400; 08-08-2014 at 03:49 PM.
08-08-2014, 04:46 PM
#25
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (17)
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Bellevue, WA
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RAFAEL,This has everything to do with FPV. FPV is a ''small UAS'' and this is all about the AMA setting up a program to teach the commercial users all about understanding these systems as well as teaching them how to operate same. If you think that this effort is ''work the AMA is doing against the FAA moving into our hobby'' as you put it you are dead wrong. Like some have said already get in contact with your District VP and have him explain this mess because you are not going to find it on the AMA website.