FAA 44809

[akdrone]

I am quite puzzled by the second line of the rules under 44809 that say, "(2) The aircraft is operated in accordance with or within the programming of a community-based organization's set of safety guidelines that are developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration." I joined the Academy of Model Aeronautics in part for insurance and in part due to some sense that perhaps it would be meaningful in terms of this regulation but as with all things legal, it seems to be a strict interpretation of this might not require actually joining an organization but merely operating in accordance with their safety guidelines. Even that is odd in that it would seem an organization might develop guidelines "in coordination with the FAA" that somehow differs from the FAA in some manner. It seem to be a very, very obtuse and muddled regulation. Also, "locally" it takes very little driving on my part to be miles and mile (and miles) far away from any community organization. Think wilderness Alaska. In December it's a frozen muddle. Here I thought I'd just order a drone and...take off! Luckily I even enjoy the education I'm being required to receive. Your comments are appreciated.

 

[sar104]

You are correct that you don't have to be a member of an organization to operate compliantly under its safety guidelines. So, in the US, anyone can fly recreationally under AMA guidelines, and you don't need to be at an AMA field to do so. The reason that they were developed in coordination with the FAA is that the FAA doesn't, itself, regulate flights under the recreational exemption. The arrangement to operate under recognized community organization guidelines was put into place by Congress, which simply required that the FAA endorse the guidelines.

 

[Jagerbomb52]

This post from @Vic Moss might answer some of your questions.

Night Flight question, just to be sure....

Cool! So it's like a job? Nope, volunteer only. It would be nice if I got paid, but then I'd be an FAA employee. And I'd make a horrible Federal Employee.

mavicpilots.com

 

[msinger]

I am quite puzzled by the second line of the rules under 44809 that say, "(2) The aircraft is operated in accordance with or within the programming of a community-based organization's set of safety guidelines that are developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration."

More details are available here:

"We have not yet begun officially recognizing CBOs. Recreational flyers are directed to follow the safety guidelines of existing aeromodelling organizations or use the FAA provided safety guidelines per Advisory Circular 91-57B."