So 1/2a engines are excluded because of noise, right? The noise from an engine on 30 foot lines doesn't travel near as far as the same engine 200 ft in the air flown by RC over a much larger area.

The AMA supports lots of activities that create much more noise over a much larger area.

Seems like if the intent is to encourage more people to participate in the hobby then the program should support entry level activities no matter what the propulsion method. Noise is a separate issue that is local in nature. Some may fly in areas where noise is not an issue.

Perhaps I have interpreted the intent incorrectly.