Model planes more than just a hobby
Congress is considering legislation to set policies for the Federal Aviation Administration, including some provisions that could harm the century-old hobby of flying model aircraft. Threats to the aeromodeling hobby should be a concern for everyone, not just those like me who love to fly model airplanes.
I’m a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), a nationwide organization that for more than eight decades has represented those who fly model aircraft for fun and educational purposes. AMA manages a niche group of responsible hobbyists through Section 336 of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, more commonly known as the Special Rule for Model Aircraft.
Unfortunately, some in Washington want to gut Section 336 and force new regulations on responsible model aviation hobbyists. I urge Congress and Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, to preserve this important provision, especially for the 31 AMA clubs in Oklahoma. Model aviation is too important to so many.
Flying model aircraft is much more than a hobby; it’s an effective tool for teaching STEM to kids and teenagers. AMA clubs across Oklahoma routinely host STEM events to promote the model aircraft hobby and get kids interested in STEM-related career tracks. For many of these young people, aeromodeling leads to successful careers in aviation, aerospace, science and engineering — jobs that are increasingly vital to our future. In fact, many famous aviators started flying model airplanes at a young age, including astronaut Neil Armstrong and aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan.
A repeal of Section 336 would also be a devastating blow to innovation. Many mistakenly believe drones are a recent invention. To the contrary, the aeromodeling community has helped develop and advance unmanned flying since the turn of the 20th century. Even today, modelers are dreaming up new and innovative platforms.
In addition, Section 336 helps keep our skies safe for everyone. This provision facilitates critical public-private partnerships, which frees up scarce FAA resources. Even with AMA managing model aircraft hobbyists and funding broader educational efforts like the Know Before You Fly campaign, the FAA is still under-resourced to handle the growing surge in commercial drones and future rulemaking. Eliminating Section 336 would exacerbate the demand on the agency’s resources, which could have implications for the safety of our skies, the commercial drone industry and other agency priorities.
Some tweaks to Section 336 may be needed to clarify who the provision does and does not cover. That’s why we are actively working with Congress, the manned aviation community and the unmanned aircraft systems industry on policy solutions to these challenges within the framework of Section 336. However, any changes to Section 336 must continue to support model aviation, innovation and the important role of the model aviation hobby in facilitating STEM education.
Congress should preserve Section 336 and protect the hobby of model aviation. The aeromodelling hobby is needed to promote STEM education and innovation, support the FAA and to keep our skies safe.