Originally Posted by
Chris P. Bacon
IMHO "traditional RC modeling" is not about the aircraft, but the operation of the RC aircraft.
I think AC No. 91-57A is well done, all encompassing, and sums up the past, present, and future of "traditional RC modeling" the way I would like to see it preserved.
http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/m.../AC_91-57A.pdf
The issue with AC 91-57A is it still categorizes the design, development, testing, and marketing of what are intended to be model aircraft as a commercial operation, i.e., not hobby/recreation. It also means that sponsored pilots are not operating as hobby pilots.
So in order to be in compliance with AC 91-57A people who do the work that results in the models we have to fly will have to comply with Section 33 Exemptions or get a COA. Neither of which make a lick of sense. Those same companies would also be required to obtain an FAA registration number, or "N" number, for all the models they test or demonstrate.
Once consequence of this may be that these companies relocate these tasks outside the US.
When it comes to the FAA, nothing is simple.