Scott Page
Very Strong User
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What are you doing to fight the FAA's proposed Remote ID?
- Thread starter Wayne
- Start date
fliers1
New User
Not that it would do any good, I've already commented. Why don't we have the numbers that golfers have? A small vocal percentage out of 1110,000 AMA members vs. 330 million US population. Politicians who only have votes and money on their minds. Don't get your hopes up. Been there, done that. Right, Wayne?
fliers1
New User
Except for Youtube, our message is basically preaching to the choir. Why not work on getting on TV. If the industry and members donated a tiny amount each, say $20 or more to getting on local cable stations, or PBS specials. I have no idea of the cost, but with the help of 200,000 AMA members, along with the assistance of industry members, and maybe 1 million drone pilots...that's a lot of money. That and we won't have to depend the whim and will of clueless politicians to get the word out. Every club could possibly get their activities on TV in their area.
fliers1
New User
AMA has has it with me. They won't even bother to reply. Unfortunately, even the Flite test guys are too busy for them to reply. I explained this (TV) to AMA decades ago. No joy. lolGreat idea. I am in. contact the AMA and see if you can get it going.
Konrad
Very Strong User
The AMA is NOT why we are in this situation! With 20/20 hindsight they may have been able to do a better job keeping us out of this situation. But the situation is that public and “officials” fear what we (others) can do with this tech.
An effective national TV campaign is far too expensive for a small organization to engage in. Heck, we can’t even get folks to buy into the AMA for insurance coverage. I think the first round of registration requirements showed that the AMA doesn’t represent even 10% of the “drone” fliers. To run an effective national TV campaign would take doubling or tripling the current AMA membership dues. The reality is this isn’t going to happen. Just ask any hobby vendor how price sensitive the market is! Few are willing to put any money where their mouth is!
Also as a 501C corpuration the AMA is limited in their ability to engage in the political process. So again their hands are tied.
The best we can do as citizens is hit the individual policy makers with constant phone calls, emails and letters to let them know the realities of the issue and that this is an issue we will take into account when we vote. This is how the Tea Party and NRA has political power. Not through any TV campaign.
I agree, you yourself need to call your representatives everyday and let them (the staffers) know the real issues.
All the best,
Konrad
An effective national TV campaign is far too expensive for a small organization to engage in. Heck, we can’t even get folks to buy into the AMA for insurance coverage. I think the first round of registration requirements showed that the AMA doesn’t represent even 10% of the “drone” fliers. To run an effective national TV campaign would take doubling or tripling the current AMA membership dues. The reality is this isn’t going to happen. Just ask any hobby vendor how price sensitive the market is! Few are willing to put any money where their mouth is!
Also as a 501C corpuration the AMA is limited in their ability to engage in the political process. So again their hands are tied.
The best we can do as citizens is hit the individual policy makers with constant phone calls, emails and letters to let them know the realities of the issue and that this is an issue we will take into account when we vote. This is how the Tea Party and NRA has political power. Not through any TV campaign.
I agree, you yourself need to call your representatives everyday and let them (the staffers) know the real issues.
All the best,
Konrad
fliers1
New User
Model Aviation PAC
We're on the verge of losing everything. I only have 4 trainers left, so I won't be out much. Even if I couldn't find a buyer, it would hurt a little, but if the FAA made it too expensive and complicated with their over regulations, I can still see me throwing everything out to the street for the garbage man to pick up.
I've been given dozens of airplanes, radio, engines and other equipment because the previous owners were unable to find buyers. After I refused to take some of other's things, they did indeed throw everything they had out to the street. We have 3 beautiful flying fields here that go unused, except for a few drone fliers. So as far as money goes for TV programs, as I pointed out if push comes to shove, I believe modelers and industry members could gather enough money for TV time, even if it's just on local cable. The idea is to get the word out to the public that the government is taking over our hobby, just to get rid of it. How many related businesses and customers will be that hurt? The government officials mainly are concerned with how many votes they will gain or lose. Hundreds of thousands? Or potentially the millions as a result of TV, be it cable or whatever $20 x 1000,000 drone and fixed wing pilots will pay for. Hypothetically, would you donate $20 or $100 if you knew that the message would reach the better part of 320 million people?
There is supposed to be a march on Washington on the 29th of this month. How much sway do you think that may have on the situation as compared to TV?
We're on the verge of losing everything. I only have 4 trainers left, so I won't be out much. Even if I couldn't find a buyer, it would hurt a little, but if the FAA made it too expensive and complicated with their over regulations, I can still see me throwing everything out to the street for the garbage man to pick up.
I've been given dozens of airplanes, radio, engines and other equipment because the previous owners were unable to find buyers. After I refused to take some of other's things, they did indeed throw everything they had out to the street. We have 3 beautiful flying fields here that go unused, except for a few drone fliers. So as far as money goes for TV programs, as I pointed out if push comes to shove, I believe modelers and industry members could gather enough money for TV time, even if it's just on local cable. The idea is to get the word out to the public that the government is taking over our hobby, just to get rid of it. How many related businesses and customers will be that hurt? The government officials mainly are concerned with how many votes they will gain or lose. Hundreds of thousands? Or potentially the millions as a result of TV, be it cable or whatever $20 x 1000,000 drone and fixed wing pilots will pay for. Hypothetically, would you donate $20 or $100 if you knew that the message would reach the better part of 320 million people?
There is supposed to be a march on Washington on the 29th of this month. How much sway do you think that may have on the situation as compared to TV?
I think the hope of the march is to shine some light on the issue and hopefully get a little news coverage. Think it will be too late in the game though.
Yes, I was very excited to see Mike Patey add his voice. He was careful not to say too much for fear of upsetting the drone folks. I'm sure Horizon Hobbies warned him. (He works with Horizon on projects.)Mike and his brother are amazing and Mike has a huge presence in the aviation world. And i do agree, his videos are very motivating. Watch a few and see what you think. He pretty much builds a new plane each year. Most know Draco, but before Draco he built the world's fastest prop plane.. (I think that is the claim..?) A turboprop Lancair that was highly modified and a real work of art. He has done the Reno thing, etc. Super nice guy, I chatted with him at Oshkosh prior to Draco, now he is a bit of a celebrity.
Yes, I was very excited to see Mike Patey add his voice. He was careful not to say too much for fear of upsetting the drone folks. I'm sure Horizon Hobbies warned him. (He works with Horizon on projects.)Mike and his brother are amazing and Mike has a huge presence in the aviation world. And i do agree, his videos are very motivating. Watch a few and see what you think. He pretty much builds a new plane each year. Most know Draco, but before Draco he built the world's fastest prop plane.. (I think that is the claim..?) A turboprop Lancair that was highly modified and a real work of art. He has done the Reno thing, etc. Super nice guy, I chatted with him at Oshkosh prior to Draco, now he is a bit of a celebrity.
Scott Page
Very Strong User
Google the stages of grief. I'm pretty sure that this is applicable.
Less than 3% of the drone and fixed wing pilots have even taken the initiative to submit a comment to the FAA (projecting a final comment number of 25,000). Do you really think even 10% will offer money? It's not happening. In order for this to get into the public consciousness individuals and clubs need to reach out to their local news and give them a compelling human interest story. Two takes on this. One is David and Goliath where David is being crushed by the interests of commercial drone interests. The other is one of Fear and oppression - where due to the F.E.A.R. of terrorism the government has capitulated with terrorists by removing their rights. BTW: F.E.A.R. is an acronym for False Expectations Appearing Real.
Regarding the fear of terrorism - the real motivator behind the RID NPRM....
Nobody fears getting into a car yet tens of thousands are killed every year in "accidents". Terrorism is the act of changing an large group of peoples lives by inflicting death and horror to a relatively small group of victims.
Over the past decade there have been an average of 21,000 people killed WORLDWIDE each year by terrorism. That's HALF the number of people killed in auto accidents in the U.S. alone, and 1.25 million world wide. Terrorism kills < 2% of the number of people as auto accidents worldwide. We have no fear of getting into an automobile, yet homeland and the DOD has our elected officials afraid of wild eyed miscreants with drones creating havoc.
fliers1
New User
Do you really think that individuals and clubs would reach out to their local news and give them a compelling human interest story?
I contacted my local newspaper last summer and had a reporter come out to our mostly deserted large flying field. He came out with his camera, ready to take photos.
I even gave him a 15 minute flying lesson, I explained our situation in detail and gave him a lot of written information. He said he would go over the info I gave him and put it in the paper, but didn't say when. Guess what? It never got in the paper, but later on, on the front page was a large photo of somebody polishing his motorcycle. He apparently thought that was more important then a decline of a multi-billion dollar hobby/sport. BTW, he lived here for many years and he said he never knew the flying field was there. I sent several emails to him but never got a reply.
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fliers1
New User
I'm talking about a fund drive to specifically get our message on television. Ask everyone involved if they think it would be worth a small donation each to pay for TV presence, whatever that form might be. A blanket statement of it can't be done isn't doing anyone any good. I don't know anything about AMA's PAC, but that may be a good start. Something has to be done and if plan A doesn't work, (complaining to the government) hoping they take pity on us, trying to get the TV presence thing should be plan B.
https://thedroneracingleague.com/ They say we are all in this together. Look at all the deep pocket sponsers they have.
https://thedroneracingleague.com/ They say we are all in this together. Look at all the deep pocket sponsers they have.
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fliers1
New User
Goal: Increase Media Exposure
AMA invited Nickelodeon’s hit TV show “Dude Perfect” to fly at AMA’s Richardson Radio Control Flying Club in Princeton, Texas (pictured above). AMA Youth member Rhett Lambert helped arrange the shoot and participated in the episode. The episode debuted May 1, 2019, as 720,000-plus viewers that night were introduced to the joy model aviation on Nickelodeon.
AMA invited Nickelodeon’s hit TV show “Dude Perfect” to fly at AMA’s Richardson Radio Control Flying Club in Princeton, Texas (pictured above). AMA Youth member Rhett Lambert helped arrange the shoot and participated in the episode. The episode debuted May 1, 2019, as 720,000-plus viewers that night were introduced to the joy model aviation on Nickelodeon.
Scott Page
Very Strong User
Our local TV and newspaper have covered events at the fields I fly @ (2 clubs) more than once a year. Both clubs have fundraising charity events - always covered. Over the past 25+ years we host day camps for kids - usually covered. 3 generations flying together Wings Across America (My Father, myself and my son) (https://amablog.modelaircraft.org/amamuseum/2015/05/24/waa-08-exhibit-introduction/) - covered in newspaper on front page. We reach out to the local news stations a couple times a year and one of the three networks generally covers the event.
Scott Page
Very Strong User
I submitted my fourth and final comment to the RID NPRM this evening. I've spent way too much time reading and watching all I can on this subject. I'm tired of reading the NPRM and reading posts (elsewhere) from folks that have an opinion but have not even read the darn thing. So I'm done! But before I'm done I decided to go back to the FAA RE-authorization act of 2018 which was the birth mother of this Satan spawn. Decided to quote a short clause from the document and encourage the FAA to utilize it. My post is as follows:
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RE: clause (j) in section 44805 in Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code (49 USC 44805), as established by clause (a) in section 345 in the FAA Re-authorization Act of 2018
‘‘(j) EXCLUSIONS.—The Administrator may exempt from the requirements of this section small unmanned aircraft systems that are not capable of navigating beyond the visual line of sight of the operator through advanced flight systems and technology, if the Administrator determines that such an exemption does not pose a risk to the safety of the national airspace system.’’
I strongly encourage the FAA to exercise the above allowed exclusion from the RID NPRM for recreational model aircraft that are not navigating beyond the visual line of sight of the operator or a proximal spotter in the case of FPV. By visual line of sight, I specifically mean watching the model in the air with the unaided eye with corrective lenses. Such an exemption would not pose a risk to the national airspace system, particularly if operations were in locations specifically cleared for such activities and recorded on VFR sectional charts.
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RE: clause (j) in section 44805 in Chapter 448 of title 49, United States Code (49 USC 44805), as established by clause (a) in section 345 in the FAA Re-authorization Act of 2018
‘‘(j) EXCLUSIONS.—The Administrator may exempt from the requirements of this section small unmanned aircraft systems that are not capable of navigating beyond the visual line of sight of the operator through advanced flight systems and technology, if the Administrator determines that such an exemption does not pose a risk to the safety of the national airspace system.’’
I strongly encourage the FAA to exercise the above allowed exclusion from the RID NPRM for recreational model aircraft that are not navigating beyond the visual line of sight of the operator or a proximal spotter in the case of FPV. By visual line of sight, I specifically mean watching the model in the air with the unaided eye with corrective lenses. Such an exemption would not pose a risk to the national airspace system, particularly if operations were in locations specifically cleared for such activities and recorded on VFR sectional charts.
fliers1
New User
All of the industry members including the AMA has painted themselves in a corner. What I mean is, even if all decided to take me up on my offer to demonstrate my proven mass and rapid growth program and it proved successful to them, they would then have to explain to everyone involved why it took them so long. Never, I repeat, never has anyone dared me to put up or shut up. We may be on the verge of losing our great hobby/sport. It would seem that the industry would search under every stone to find a solution. Collectively, billions of dollars are on the line and no one will stick their necks out to witness something that I've been doing for decades. I've provided written proof, testimonials, videos and trained hundreds who earned their solo wings within a couple of hours in many cases. Still no one will take a chance on what I'm trying to do.
Millions have been spent on promotions, advertising, consulting and lobbying fees and what have we got to show for it? We may have a 2-3 year window. If we can triple our numbers within that time, we might have much better legs to stand on. What I ask everybody, this is my plan...what's yours?
Millions have been spent on promotions, advertising, consulting and lobbying fees and what have we got to show for it? We may have a 2-3 year window. If we can triple our numbers within that time, we might have much better legs to stand on. What I ask everybody, this is my plan...what's yours?
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Konrad
Very Strong User
thereEvery modeling club I belong to does this. We always get at least one local news organization to attend. And if it is a slow news day we even get TV news coverage aired often with interviews. As a club president and officer I can say that this coverage did NOT have a statistically significant up tick on membership or even spectators.
When we had a roving NATS I rarely saw the locals (public) at the flying fields. Yes, the local fliers where there but as NATS workers.
I know as an insider that getting folks to "join" any organization is extremely difficult. Be it an Archery club, skeet shooting, sailing or even bowling. So, what is this sure fire way to generate interest and up membership? I'd like to see the results where you have instigated these programs.
In your drone racing example the organization is having problems getting viewership up. They are finding it hard to get non-participants in the hobby to watch as it is difficult to understand what is going happening, on the TV screen. 3 dimensional FPV is very disorienting. Heck even in auto racing (2 dimensional) the use of onboard camera work is kept to a minimum.
Millions in lobbying fees in support of our hobby, really? Who? As a 501c corporation I hope it wasn't the AMA. Do you have any annual financial reports supporting this claim?
As to job losses, the secretary of transportation (DOT) Elaine Chao thinks these new UAS rules have generated thousands of new high paying jobs.
The issue is that DOT is under the burden that many feel this remote control thing is the perfect tool for terrorists. This is also coming from inside government through the office of Home Land Security. The public and the media don't not understand risk assessment. To most it is black and white, most feel RC is a dangerous tech that in the wrong hands will destroy our peaceful way of life. And that with this tech anybody can invade our personal privacy. Never mind that there are far more disruptive technologies already able to do this far easier than a toy or a UAS. We, need to counter these fears in the public mind with the known facts, as to R/C's benefits. Mainly that it is the breeding ground for many into high paying jobs, be them directly in aviation or some other STEM area.
All the best,
Konrad
