Perhaps the AMA Safety Committee is simply playing things cautious. When I get a newcomer to RC Flying, I suggest a "TRAINER" and the use of buddy-cord to start with the larger weight on learning to fly and the safety things to consider when flying solo before a group. As I read through these forums, that seems to be a popular method , especially in the Beginners forum.

AMA is now at the "Beginner" stage with this new technology. Even to this old crusty person, I feel that it is not a bad thing, especially when we - Modelers - are under the watchful eyes of certain groups that have to do with National Security.
(If you don't believe it, take a look at Federal Rulemaking @ www.Regulations.gov and Docket No. TSA-2008-0021 which will just about wipe out many areas of private civil aviation, especially the War Bird group. [:-] )

If you read this quote from the AMA minutes of the above mentioned EC meeting, I think you might understand where and why the committee may well have chosen this route. As for myself, I believe it is definitely the prudent road to take. Now as Robotech alludes to, "Tomorrow is another day." Remember that one!

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• FPV – The committee received a document re an amateur model FPV flying safety code; the document was compiled from discussions on RC Universe. Currently Item 10 in the Safety Code does not allow for FPV operation at a chartered club field, by an AMA member. The Safety Committee (with input from R. Hanson) established guidelines for FPV operations and recommends modifying the Safety Code to allow FPV operation. The President feels this would be an opportunity for AMA to work with people, possibly do some testing, using FPV under restricted terms. Following discussion document item 1. now reads “An FPV equipped model must be flown by two AMA members utilizing a buddy box system. The pilot in command must be on the primary transmitter, maintain visual contact and be prepared to assume control in the event of a problem.” Item 2. was amended to read “The operational range of the model is limited to the pilot in commands visual line of sight as defined in the Official AMA Safety Code (see RC item 10).

MOTION X: Moved by J. Rice (VIII) and seconded by B. Brown (III) to approve the document titled FIRST PERSON VIEW (FPV) OPERATIONS – AMA MEMBERS AND AMA CHARTERED CLUB SITES as amended; and add it to the Supplemental section of the Safety Code and the PDF file listing.
MOTION passed unanimously (Dist. VII VP out of room for vote)

• Update – The Safety Committee has a subcommittee working on updates to the Experimental Aircraft document and expect to present it to Council at the January 2009 meeting. The cost for printing the large version of the Safety Code for clubs is approximately 8-9k. Further discussion re increase weight in experimental aircraft was tabled until completion of the ARC process and printing of the large versions of the S.C. should also be held off until completion of the ARC process.
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Safety Committee (C) (1/88): Chair: Bob Underwood; Mission Statement: “To review new techniques, ideas, and guidelines that would affect the safety of our sport/hobby.”
Committee Members: Jim Giffin, Dave Gee, Don Lowe, Ron Morgan, Terry Nitsch, Jim Rice, Walt Throne, Ilona Maine, Harry A Koch Co. (Insurance Representative)
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Once AMA has a foot in the door, there will be more opportunity to progress further. Thinking now !!! Sitting in an air-conditioned room while watching the goggles and flying with just that model having to sweat!!! Or staying warm when the snow comes to you northern folks, and you're all cozy inside while shooting ski-landings ???

Final Thought: If the item was not a safe one and a good start, I seriously doubt that Underwood, Lowe, and/or Rice plus Hanson would have been voting for such. I use their names because I know these individuals fairly well. Patience here and a special thanks to "typicalaimster" because his work changed my mind from being AGAINST, when I initally heard of the item, to being FOR it.