Rant: Perhaps this is why the FAA and the AMA don't like me
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- čas přidán 13. 10. 2023
- If you fly an RC plane or a drone in the USA then this video will explain exactly why you now face more regulation than at any time in history. I doubt this video will make me many friends but it contains things that I believe must be said.
Videos referenced in this rant:
Counter UAS Issues: A Roundtable of the Aviation Subcommittee:
• Counter UAS Issues: A ...
Tim McKay's assertion that now is the golden age of RC flight
• The Golden Age of RC F...
Tail Heavy Productions video:
• Why Flying RC Planes I...
A big thanks to all those who also believe that protecting the hobby for future generations is important and demonstrate this commitment by supporting my efforts through Patreon:
/ rcmodelreviews
By using the "thanks" button
or through channel membership:
/ @xjet - Sport
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If it wasn't for a hobbyist , we would never have stepped on the moon.
Moon landing was done at Disney studio , its all fake, do some research...
Yeah he's a nice guy but dead wrong with his take on the hobby. As a private pilot I like that that folks can fly paramotors without any licensing. It has led many into getting their private certificate and even Commercial and ATP ratings and a career in aviation. The fact that paramotors can fly without licensing which could cause a much more severe accident that a tiny drone, tells you all you need to know. Remote ID has nothing to do with safety, it has to do with powerful corporations trying to take over the skies and squeezing out the hobbyists and small Part 107 operators.
Hahaha what a joke! Now that Hamas used paramotors in their attacks. Stand by paramotors are next to be regulated
@@nunabizYou are no doubt on to something! 🤦♂️
@@nunabiz They used small drones to take out border wall cameras, too. That sort of thing has been from day one of this creeping sequence of regulations what this has always been about.
@@winstonsmith478 that's the reason the FAA is going after drones but not paragliders, or paramortors or hanggliders. But now that they have been used in an attack, they will be afraid others will do it also. Just wait FAA will be coming down with regulations for those too
Well said, disgusting subservience to a control everything government
Being disliked by an evil bureaucracy is a mark of respect. Ex military here.
Thank you for your service
Did you miss the part where he insulted military service folks? This man is a fraud, a liar and a deceiver.
I was a member of the AMA for years, but bailed on them when they caved to the FAA and sold out their members.
Not so long ago (longer than it seems I guess) I was an active fixed wing enthusiast, and flew everything from indoor micros to Giant Scale (I really like the bigger gasoline (petrol) planes). When my club fell apart I shifted to flying mostly sport quads (have never owned a camera drone unless you count an occasional Inav/Mission planner setup) in my rural area. I now send my money to Flitetest instead of the AMA, and take my chances regarding liability (which I was probably doing all along anyway). I've never had a property damage incident, and have never been asked to leave or harassed because I seek permission to fly when I fly away from home. I use common sense while flying any model and have never put at risk anyone.
Thanks for continuing to fight for our sport! Be well.
When everything turns into legalese, liability questions, insurances, certifications etc. it kills the hobby. I'm under the impression that actual aviation insurance is extremely costly and drones are now considered, generally speaking, aviation. At least in Finland the government emphasizes that a drone is an aviation vehicle and subject to the same fundamental laws as any plane, hot air balloon etc. even if the regulation is much lighter, there usually isn't the responsibility to communicate with the ATC and so on. If I had to fully insure myself against property and personnel damage and legal costs, my drone's purchase price is peanuts.
Until close to the end of the 20th century the owner pilot of an aircraft with a UK CAA Certificate of Airworthyness only required third party insurance if it was desired to land at a government airfield. When the EU made if mandatory to be insured merely to fly we thought the extra premiums might reduce the individual cost. How stupid could we be? Up went the minimum cover along with premiums. No change to the accident rate so looking after yourself is the only safety measure.
This is why I support the FTCA. it's free unlike the AMA.
You should have bailed when AMA bought into drones and FPV and threw away the Sec. 366 hobby exemption for model aircraft. "Model aircraft" were a separate legal category and out of reach of the FAA until the geniuses at AMA thought they could force 1,000,000 drone owners to send AMA $75 per year.
I recently canceled my AMA membership. After 40+ years as a professional pilot I’ve seen how the FAA oversteps its boundaries and it takes strong alphabet groups to fight them. Watching how the AMA caved so easily, tells you how ignorant they are of the FAA’s ways. I’m a newbie in the RC community, and have been really surprised at how easily registration and RID were accepted in the community.
About 20+ years ago, I taught a young guy to fly RC when he was about 15. Recently, I saw him as the Captain of a domestic A320 flight I was on! I went to say hi at the end of the flight, he was thrilled to see me again, and I am thrilled that in some small way, I helped him achieve his goal to be an airline pilot.
That story made me feel happy.
So genuinely nice to see things go 'FULL CIRCLE'😉
What a guy he must be? To get to that impressive position in his life...WOW😊😎
And you must feel very proud.
When there's a 'Connection between 2 Generations' that's so lovely.
Well done. 👍
I've been an ag pilot and RC hobbyist for several decades now, and I'm one of the very few people that would be directly affected by RC craft for obvious safety reasons. We both share that same ground to treetop airspace, and just about anything park sized or larger would plow right straight through the windshield and into my face if there was a collision. Up until recently, I never gave it much thought and often shared the skies with RC enthusiasts, wagging my wings at them or hitting my smoker while working close to them. They always saw me and I always saw them, they paused their flights while I did my best to finish up and let them get back to the skies. Never once did I feel like hobbyists with their models, no matter the scale, were a danger to me. When drones were able to be bought and flown without any sort of requisite knowledge, I started to be a little concerned about it, as drones are much harder to see and the average person wouldn't think to land it if a plane was flying nearby. A few close calls later and I decided to replace my windshield with armored glass. I'm still entirely against any regulations for RC hobbyists and I don't think regulations would make it any safer for me. I do feel like something should and could be done to lessen the safety concerns coming from the Best Buy and Amazon Air Force so that they don't affect this hobby or my own life. I don't know what that something would be, but regulating the rest of the RC world to death surely isn't going to solve the problem. This whole Remote ID and FRIA stuff is completely new to me and it sounds terrible. There's got to be a simple answer to the problem that satisfies the regulators and is easy/cheap for RC enthusiasts or first time drone operators to implement with the ultimate goal of making it safer for everyone.
Brilliant comment......
Thank you for such a great comment. This is what the regulators and congress needs to see.
False! Have you never seen myth busters!? Smfh
@@Sircrashalot1993 You got a specific link for those of us that haven't?
@@Sircrashalot1993 I've had a bird go through my windshield and almost kill me, glass shards in both my eyes while flying 10ft above an orchard. A bird, made of meat and hollow bones, made it through a 1/4" safety glass windshield. Fortunately the impact of the bird on my face wasn't too bad and didn't knock me unconscious. That wasn't what prompted me to completely tear the front of the cockpit off and replace it with a new frame to accept a thicker 3/8" armored glass plate though...bird strikes aren't uncommon but they rarely make it through the glass, it was a fluke more than anything. Imagine what a steel/copper/aluminum outrunner and a 4S lipo pack would do given the same conditions, and you'll see why I spent $7K on a tougher windshield. If a squishy bird can make it through, a drone with metal parts and dense batteries absolutely will. Not every situation can be attributed to a mythbusters episode.
This is by far the best video on the topic you have made. Well done, so many good points made. I especially liked the bit about if you can't tell the difference between a drone and a model aircraft, you are incompetent, and if you choose not to see the difference, you're corrupt.
There is no legal difference. Model aircraft were once a separate legal category until AMA sold the hobby down the river for FPV and drones. It went from RPA (remotely piloted aircraft) to sUAS, (small unmanned aircraft) to just UAS to now, Drone Pilots. Bruce is the corrupt one. These videos are all con jobs by a charlatan.
As a new AMA Club president in 2009, my email signature simply said "If it's not fun, it's NOT a Hobby". The club was being over regulated by long term members that were officers, but seldom fly / had few successful flights when they did. They were very much like Tim McKay in being AMA fan boys. Some rules they added, really added no safety, and a few increased risk. You are totally on point Bruce.
Even in the past, some clubs were quite exclusive. When my brother and I were boys, our local club wasn't interested in mentoring children or welcoming to families. I'm the president of an out of town club that's friendlier to newcomers, fortunately.
As mentioned, the introduction of nonsensical regulations and overbearing by-laws hurt a flying club. It's hard work to secure land and build a facility for the enjoyment of our sport.
@@triskellian The FAA did the same thing to the Ultralight guys in the early days but like always, after nothing happened, they just passed them off to the EAA and were done. We can hope that happens with the hobby side of this.
I hope so as well. Most of the guys at our club fly below 400 feet and stay well within line of sight distances. Also, the parcel of land we use is quite small compared to manned flight. Like you, I have a hunch that the FAA will just abandon this idea after some fruitless efforts.@@CentralPaRcFlyingDays
The golden age has surely passed. The 2010's gave us cheap high quality electronics and miniaturization that was the stuff of dreams in my youth. We now have runaway inflation and big brother on our backs, not to mention on our phones and laptops, all in the name of keeping us safe. God bless America!
Top points awarded, my friend.
If it isn’t bad enough the hobby has become so damn expensive, but now we are forced into compliance or down right resorting into criminal activity!?
Well, call me Jessie James.
FTFAA.
I saw the title of Tim's video and my blood boiled. He's such a shill, and the worst part is he can't see it. He honestly doesn't get it.
Tim who?
Tim MvKay. He is an unofficial AMA spokesperson. When you poke holes into the AMA or his opinion he passes it by.
I have addressed TIm multiple times and myself and Bruce and others have corrected him time and again and even asked he stop making such videos without providing real facts about his stance and yet he continues to refuse to be corrected and do what he knows is right...he gets it, he just refuses to admit it and do it !!!
How are Remote ID rules stopping "illegal activity" by criminals? I want to see those statistics.
These regulations impact the lawful a lot more than criminals.
They do catch all the honest, law abiding criminals though.😇
@@hanelyp1just like 'gun control'.......just disadvantage law abiding citizens, and make absolutely no difference to criminals.....
Criminals don’t care about any rules generally speaking. It’s to squeeze us out and allow amazon and walmart to deliver for cash/ food stamps. Same as digital money, it’s to crush YOU.
Thats funny because the one who dont give a shaft about rules, wont follow them.
My Dad and Uncle were enthusiastic about model aircraft, and later, my uncle moved on to become a pilot. I was always hooked on his stories; one such story was when his aircraft was due to take off before the "Buzby Babes" in Munich; he was preparing to take off and decided to cancel because of the bad weather. After flying my dad's models and learning the physics of aviation, the thought of flying a real aircraft was in my mind as a child, so yes, the rules are killing the dreams of many who could later be involved in aviation.
Well said Bruce, keep fighting, doing what you do and being the voice of 99% of the model flying hobby.
Don't concern yourself with the 1% of 'Tims' of this world who will blindly follow anything the FAA or CAA dictate, falsely thinking it's for the good of the hobby......😳🙄😂
You are so right. I trained some rc pilots that became Airforce pilots. Another became a pilot for UPS. Now our field is closed and all of our nearby hobby shops are closed. The hobby was really fun in the 80s and 90s for us. I will always fly rc because it was my dream as a young child. I really dont think they know what kind of war this will be. I have said before that rc fpv is far more addictive than alcohol or drugs. I doubt they understand that. Impossible to stop. Watch and see.
Yea I have moments I regret buying grass. Coulda got drone parts and assembled very sober. It still gets assembled I just get more sidetracked😂.
I fly drones, I don't fly model airplanes, I did when I was younger. But Bruce, you are 100% correct, drones should be regulated differently than model aircraft. I am lucky, I live out in the middle of nowhere and can fly my drones without another soul seeing, hearing, or even picking up remote ID signals if I had them. One day if I'm caught I will pay the fines and continue on. Love your videos, never stop.
Bruce is 100% wrong 100% of the time, if YOU take the time to look closely at what he actually says. Bruce is by far the most uninformed talking head in RC. You just like that soothing voice.
@@dougj8186 FAA arse licker, no doubt.
I've never understood how Camera Drones have been lumped into RC Model Aircraft. I believe they were used as a catalyst to regulate and suppress the hobby for one sole purpose, Commercial Drones.
Yes, they became a convenient justification for clearing the traditional hobby out of the skies.
Drones are killing the hobby not for the reason you think. It's the lack of effort, the lack of skill, and the lack of enjoyment from the accomplishment. Drones are just big selfie sticks.
A history lesson. RC model aircraft at one time were were separate from drones (sUAS), legally separate, in 2012 when a law was passed exempting them from FAA regulation, Section 336. AMA shatcanned Section 336 right down the toilet that when AMA got on the drone and FPV bandwagon. The FAA slapped down AMA and took over the hobby and the rest is history. That's it in a nutshell.
@@breckfreeride Well, I use my drone for photogrammetry in construction and hope to get into agriculture seeding and spraying as I jump through the hoops for a 137 cert. neither of these qualify as "selfie sticks".
I think you hit the nail right on the head.
Be well...
The FAA FAR's haven't changed, what changes does the FAA have in mind?
Section 336 must be reinstated in response to this fraud. The AMA positioned themselves to be a commercial drone insurance company while lying to their members about protecting our hobby.
That's All The AMA Have Ever Been, An Insurance Company! 🤔😜😁😎
Exactly. They don't deserve my money anymore! Done nothing for me!
Really? Every 5 years or so Congress passes a new LAW that Authorizes or rather Reauthorizes the FAA and can make changes which they have. The current and expiring law is PUBLIC LAW 115-254-OCT. 5, 2018 titled FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2018. In this LAW, congress included the Remote ID requirement for UAS. So, actually, it seems that the FAA FARs DO change. Also, it is Congress, NOT the FAA that changes the LAW. Maybe take a look at the FAA REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023 that is in the process of being signed into LAW. It has many changes from the last one including changes in the UAS sections. I have seen many proposals and one that was 773 pages long, however, I am not sure that I have found the actual final version. Maybe take a look. Or maybe wait until it is signed into LAW, then take a look.
While I agree with the premise 336 is history. AMA has done more than sell commercial drone insurance. Section 336 is gone because AMA (Rich Hanson the psychopath) thought they could force 1,000,000 drone owners to send AMA $75 per year. AMA sued the FAA in 2014 over FPV. It wasn't intended to go anywhere and didn't. It was a signal AMA was open for business for drones and FPV. Fast forward. It didn't work out. AMA had their asses handed to them when Section 336 was repealed in 2018 and the FAA took over the hobby.
Bruce, I believe in the US when the AMA decided that they could make $$ by trying to get all these “drone” pilots to become members was the beginning of the demise of traditional hobbyists. I said it then and I still believe it. IF they were not permitted into the AMA & were kept separate from the traditional hobby things would be dramatically different now.
Excellent job Bruce. You’re very much appreciated. We need you!
I’m not even just a hobbyist, I am a commercial camera drone pilot. But my younger generation isn’t, and it’s important for them that we protect the hobby! Between the corruption on the inside, and the ignorance on the outside, it’s very frustrating. Please don’t let up, keep pressing on!
You are spot on with this one mate. Thanks for your continuing efforts.
You have made my day as I thought I was the only one left standing up for freedom and the traditional American way. I own a business that is so regulated by the government that their own trainers will tell you that it is impossible to turn a profit without breaking a number of rules daily and that the key is learning how many you can break and not get caught. Government regulators have no idea of what real life is about and we all need to stand up. Thank you so much for your thoughts!
Thank you for your work on this problem...
I am a Canadian and currently a MAAC member....
But I will not be renewing for 2024...
I will not also be taking the test to achieve a licence to fly my model aircraft under these new rules...
I have been flying my models safely since 1965...I also, due to my love of this flight, I got my private pilot licence...
It is very sad that I must break the law to enjoy my hobby...this is a very sad overreach by government...
Lets get back to a true (SAFE) sport....again thank you for your stand....
As for AMA, the only reason I'm a member is our local AMA field is the only place I can fly without being hassled. I don't dare pull out my R/C equipment anywhere else, no matter how safely and far away from people and only in class G airspace, etc.; I'm instantly set on by Karens and police cars like mosquitos if I do....
Amen Bruce! Ex Airforce jet mechanic here.. Tim is off his rocker.
TM's comment about looking on the bright side reminds me of the Monty Python song from Life of Brian 'Always Look on the Bright Side of Life'. They were being crucified at the time.
I watched one of his videos, and that was enough.
You are right about the source of the problem.
As someone who has enjoyed both remote flight natures for many years I really like the distinction drawn between RC Flight and Drone Operation. It's always good too to see an emphasis placed on the critical role that education and information play in promoting safety. Nice one, Bruce.
Just found your channel. You're 100% spot-on. I wrote the FAA independently to tell them that they have not thought the RID rules through with respect to model aircraft that fly from parks and open fields away from airports.
Absolutely %100 agree, this video is just packed with the facts. Aside from these regulations deterring people from entering the hobby, I could see people being deterred from wanting to work in the aviation industry all together. "If the FAA regulates people responsibly flying toys the way they do, why would I want to take part in a career where I'm regulated by an incompetent and corrupt administration like this?"
Drone and long range autonomous equipment operations is already an evolving part of modern warfare. Human controlled and AI loiter munitions are already developing in an arms race of capability vs. countermeasures. This hobby has limited time left before legislatures regulate parts and equipment the same way they regulate gun frames and magazines. The hobby is not in a golden age, it's one terror attack away from it's death knell.
These two clubs are the last thing I think about when I enjoy my hobby.
Clearly, we were sold out.
Golden age, is the years after you retire, right before you die.
Those are "golden years"
They used to call it a second childhood, where you can be free to be an adult child.
Hi Bruce, Great RANT and video. And you know exactly how I feel about RID, I could talk about it for hours. But I notice in the 90s we had a decline in our kids and aircrafts. When video games were coming our with a better unit than there competitor's. But in 2008 or so when fpv was coming out we had a boost in the Hobby and now people are going to rc cars again. My local A-main Hobby only has a couple planes and every rc car they could get their hands on. They only have the DJI drones, they say nobody buys them why stock it. Thanks again for the video
When the lady for the CDA spoke about the airspace changing, this made me understand. The commercial drones for making deliveries are encroaching on RC Modelers airspace. And obviously, to make deliveries, the commercial drones need to use the 0-400ft AGL space. I can see where the faa could care less about hobbyists, but that’s bad. The young RC Modelers of today, will be commercial pilots in the future. If the hobby dies, it could affect future pilot availability. I don’t exactly know how to handle this, but the faa should have a light touch regarding RC modelers/hobbyists and drone modelers/hobbyists.
We all appreciate the time and effort you put in to our hobby 👍🏼😎👍🏼🏴
I love how much you care about our hobby. Thank you for your numerous contributions for many years here on CZcams.
the hoby shop in my area has quit stocking new RC flying stuff, he has put flying items on sale and at close out prices, he is tho, still stocking RC boat and car items along with train, models, etc... there are only 2 "qualified" fields for flying and neither have been given the go ahead ( fria) to "continue" as before this shit occured, its a shame things had to go this direction, but it has and Im going to miss the hobby...
You are spot on, Bruce. Interest in aviation at a young age leads on to aviation careers. If you deny children an interest they move on to others. Hobbies are voluntary education that is trivialized by boring ignorant old people.
FAA couldn't be heavy-handed but now they can. Power is the reasoning and money from potential corporate users of the sub 400ft airspace, is the motivation.
Best Rant ever Bruce! Here in Norway we fly our fixed wing models at the field, below the glideslope of Trondheim airport, we have had an agreement with the people in the tower for 20 years and everything has worked fine. But we have to register a drone - no matter the weight, if it have a camera. We are many retiered pilots at the field, youths have been here with model planes, decided that aviation was for them and became professional pilots and mechanics - atcos....
I thank you friend for another informative video to educate us so we can pass these things alone to the general public. 👍🎊🥳
All is not lost yet. Everyone in the hobby need to speak up including those like me who see it as an overreach of government influenced by the money makers in the industry and big business lobbyists who are only after $$$ signs, and not we the people who have in the very high majority done nothing wrong and do the right thing. And for those who believe in a miracle working Creator, pray 🙏. Seriously, pray. You may not see anything but behind the scene something is and will be happening. That's all I have to say, and have a great rest of what ever time you see this. ❣️😇😸
This video is so true. The only reason I’m an AMA member is that the field I fly at requires it. If it wasn’t for that they would never get any of my money. The AMA has done nothing to help modelers out, all they have done is bend over and let the FAA have their way with them.
Totally agree with you Bruce, I started flying at the age of 14 with single channel reed based RC and now at the age of 76 still flying.
I spent 30 years in the Army and I was always encouraged to question ALL orders, not just do whatever I was commanded to do. I agree in all that you said...
I think with "the golden age of rc flying is here", they mean the inflated prices, the extra revenue from Remote ID modules, and regulations forcing people back to join a club so they can fly in the FRIA that club has secured and not have to be bothered about Remote ID. But at the expense of the freedom of flight that we've been enjoying for years, which gradually gets taken away under the moniker of safety.
That is certainly possible. I hadn't even considered that.
The AMA is worthless. I went to their local airstrip to ask about training for my 107 and they couldn’t have been less interested in my inquiries. Not even pointing me in the right direction. Now how is that going to hep the hobby when someone that’s enthusiastic about “doing it the right way” is basically told they don’t care?
I won’t even use their CBO guidelines and went out of my way to find another CBO to use their guidelines.
I have inquired about joining up and flying my FPV drone at several RC clubs near me...and never gotten an answer back from any of them. That told me all I need to know. They missed getting a new member, who would also fly RC planes, but their arrogance or unwillingness to allow drone flight makes me say "forget it".
You nailed it with the lack of support. My son and I are researching drones and I just happen to stumble upon the Trust Cert and COB requirement. But you're right. I can go down to Best Buy and buy a drone and just fly. I'm sure the vast majority have no idea about the FAA Trust Cert or the 250g limit. Or having to register over 250...etc.
Ex military here, the best soldiers think on their feet and are focused on achieving the goals of the mission rather than just doing what they are told.
But keep doing what you're doing, you are a great advocate for the hobby.
What's next, the NTSB going after RC Cars? Have to buy a license plate, can only drive in certain places, have to have signal lights, quiet exhaust on gas models, insurance and registration?
I'm finally at a point I can purchase some RC planes or drones and they are so regulated I don't want to. I really thought it would be something my grandchildren and I could enjoy out here in the country.
Keep up the great videos, I really enjoy watching you guys fly and your information about what is going on with the hobby.
When was the last time you saw half a dozen new young fliers with gliders, starting out on their RC dream?
Sadly, that is a sight I haven't see for a while. In fact, I notice that the hobby continues to grey-out at an ever-increasing rate :-(
@@xjet Time to promote the hobby before it dies?? Regs haven't destroyed NZ yet.
@@eyespy1415 Don't look at the CAA Act 2023 then... it'll scare you. It gives authorities the right to seize or even destroy your drones or RC models if they simply believe that they may be used to do bad things. Plus the MoT has made it clear that we are lined up for Registration and Remote ID in the not-too-distant future.
@@xjet Time for RCMR to review gliders? :) I have not flown my models in some years but would really love to try slope soaring some day.
Good point. I have not in a very long ..... scratch that...about 4yrs or so ago. Though actually not seen it, but me mum knew my interest in airplanes in general and was trying to make foam gliders for me and my nephews. Long story short, she had a child in a class she substituted at the school who asked if she could make them one. I did made one for them and me mum said they liked it and thanked her . I didn't think much of it at the time, but now wonder what type of impression I made on their life and interest in flight. 🧐🤔😇
Hi Bruce, Well said. Good points all. Keep the pressure on. All the best.
Just gonna fly under 250g now...was once a great hobby...oh and I gave up my AMA membership some years back as they have proven themselves to be a toothless ineffective organization in terms of representing the RC hobbyist..
Exactly, that is what most recreationalists will do in response to regulation. Stay under the radar... and avoid being labeled as a "bad kid" and having to deal with the "cops" of airspace, who want to spoil all the "fun."
Good, honest, & perceptive commentary - that’s what makes Bruce one of the RC hobbyists’ truly best voices! I watched that particular FAA exchange w/the Congressional committee on TV, and recall how the congressman was cut short by the Chairperson as he tried to drill down on the supposed dangers that current RC hobbyists actually cause anyone, that Bruce points out. And, of course, the FAA never even explained who or what entity these hobbyists are a danger to. Only that they can pose a hazard with the changing “environment”(whatever that means). Typical bureaucratic nonsense to hide disputable motives of over-control.
YEP, Tim is a bot.
I appreciate your rants. You provide great insight into what's really going on. Thanks.
Great video. The rot set in when the authorities lumped multirotors with fixed wing models and called them all "drones". We should have squealed loud and long then. I for one am not allowing anyone to call my fixed wing models "drones" and will correct them if they try. The irony though is that the ordinary person in the street won't do that - they see the difference very clearly. It's only those who are trying to screw us that don't.
Yes, this is the one point that the AMA should have refused to budge on and held its grounds. Sadly, when they were offered their 13 pieces of silver they folded and now we have what we have.
The club I fly at has had a few newcomers to the hobby start out as visitors. They come in the gate curious as to what we do and want to learn more. We encourage our members to engage with the public as often as possible. Like you, we refuse to call our models drones !
I became a life member of the AMA over 15 years ago. I’m embarrassed by what the organization has become. They no longer have any regard for regular model aircraft pilots that fly at parks or schoolyards for fun. We’re not interested in competition, just boring holes in the sky. People interested in the hobby are modelers and when denied fun in the air, they will find another outlet for it. It’s no wonder RC cars are seeing explosive growth and interest.
Thank you, Bruce, for eeing able to note things that just fly past most of us (or at least, past me). I have always maintained that the regulation madness is aimed at paving the way for clear skies for comercial drones. And doing this long, long before commercial delivery drones are a fact (if they ever will be a fact). Also, the restriction of age, as well as the regulations themselves, will cause people to lose interest in aviation hobbies, and therefore aviation walks of life, and therefore national security, because there will be fewer and fewer people to take on aircraft industry jobs. Remember the TV series “Drag Net” with Jack Webb? After a successful initial run in the 1950’s it was resurrected in the 1970’s for another run. Why? A former police officer told that the number of people in the pipeline to become police officers was empty and they needed recruits! He also noted that the second series was successful in increasing the interest in people going into law enforcement. This comment a little off topic, but I think the same thing will be needed if this over regulation continues.
I saw the two videos you mentioned and pretty much agree with your assessment. Thank you for presenting your views on this important topic!
Thanks so much Bruce. Great video! The AMA is no different to any other national model aircraft association around the globe. They encourage club flying and the hobby within that environment. Nothing wrong with that, and we all thoroughly enjoy club life where we can afford it and can easily travel to it. Unfortunately, there is a short shortsightedness in club association philosophies that fails to acknowledge that members were originally young park or private property pilots. By not supporting the hobby outside of their airfields, they are effectively cutting off the supply of new members. The future of RC model aircraft clubs does not look good in my opinion.
Great video Bruce! I’am second generation modeler and completely agree, and love what you’re doing for a hobby! Don’t stop doing what you’re doing!
I’ve felt the same way all along. The AMA wanted to include drones so they could increase their memberships. This has bitten them in the rear. Now the traditional modelers are being punished for the drone camera operators. I fly only at FRIAs and will not comply with the altitude and location devices they want . Are club is slowly dyeing due to this.
Bravo! Thank You, Bruce! BTW, I am an AMA member, and I am not the least bit offended by what You say about them. I am a member because they have benefits which I enjoy such as liability insurance, which most events I attend require for me to participate, a very good monthly publication (Model Aviation), and a vast collection of other publications and videos that are both informative, and entertaining. Perhaps they could have done a better job convincing the FAA to leave modelers out of the regulation fiasco, or perhaps not. Who knows? I think the big problem we face is that the regulators do not have a clue about the difference between model aircraft and drones, and I'm afraid there is no way to make them understand. Thank You for fighting for us!!! And for continuing to producing your wonderful videos at the airport. Gary Jones
Thanks Gary, for a very objective, rational and reasoned comment. You're right that the AMA does provide some valuable services and resources for its members but I feel it is run far more as a business than as a body that represents all model flyers these days. Great for members, not so great for the others who (these days) make up the majority of the model-flying population.
Thanks for your video
Being old man, 82 , I have loved making model planes.
Sticks and tissue was and is my bag.
Never lived where there was room to fly and here in Texas finding a place were the wind blows
Less than 20 mph is a trick.
Got a White Wings paper plane to fly once. Recon I’ll have to get a gov. tracking. Device for my paper planes ?
Drag out your fixed wing toys more, love the way you fly.
Love watching the old geezers flying too.
I also remember watching one of those recorded hearings prior to 336’s repeal at which it was said that 336 was the single biggest obstacle to the commercial drone/uav/uas (not sure which terminology was in vogue then) going forward.
I agree with you. I bowed out when the FAA first announced RID was coming.
coherent & articulate talk! ❤
You persuaded me to get my first plane about 10 years ago. AXN floater jet. Thank you for all your info and insights.
Good point about the flow of people into the aviation industry. My father introduced me to model aviation when I was very young and it led to a career in aerospace that I'm now retired from. Without that introduction, I probably would have majored in electrical engineering instead.
Perfect analysis as always. Good to see you well, Bruce.
I'm a "hobby modeler" have always enjoyed the build then, the heart pounding maiden, with the sigh of relief as I landed it smoothly. I have attacked the AMA for not supporting the hobby modeler such as I and got ridiculed for it! I am so glad someone else is seeing the truth behind the madness of this whole destruction of our hobby. Thank you Bruce, I appreciate you and stand with you.
But is it too late?
I grew up on a farm in central Illinois and directly north about 1 mile was another farm with an RC Club, that said with crop dusting no RC and crop dusters ever had any incidences the crop dusters knew the RC Club existed, RC Clubs were there in the past and manned pilots knew where they were on the map.
I agree. I've built many planes from flitetest. I can't fly like I was a kid.
You are so right. And all that negative publicity around drones we saw before the regulation came out, has had a very negative influence on what the 'public' thinks of our hobby. Before I only had mostly positive remarks when people passed by. Now they are only focussing on the negative without knowing anything about our hobby. Everytime I have to explain what is going on and most of them have more understanding afterwards. But it's very tyring
When the FAA is compliant with the Bill of Rights, I might consider being compliant with the FAA! Fly safe, fly free!
Spot on. Thanks, Bruce! Been flying RC airplanes since the 70's. Never hurt anyone or anything. Never belonged to the AMA, and never will.
Very powerful video! Thank You Bruce for all the work you do for the Modelling community.
Thanks for having a consistent, in-touch perspective on the state of the hobby. Watching Tim's "rose tinted glasses" opinion was difficult. I'm very glad he is having fun, but it hurts to see that he doesnt seem to grasp that our concern with the new regulations isnt only about us today, its also about future generations. As a father, it saddens me that my children will not have the ability to enjoy the same freedoms within the RC hobby as I have. And what concerns me is that by the time they are old enough to begin flying, they might not even have a legal route to do so.
The tail heavy video was excellent.
And, finally I understand why I was wrong in thinking it was okay to equal quads with fixed wing and single rotor copters.
Love all your work. Thank you. Have been in the ama since i was 8. Now a life member at 51 i wasnt planing on stopping flying because of all this mess. I just fly my stuff when i can. If i can make a club field i will do so. Otherwise leave me alone...
Research where exactly the AMA financials go to.
It sure as hell ain’t paying out on claims!!!
Must be sharpening up all those lawn mower blades at Muncie costs a fortune!
That hearing made my blood boil when I watched at the time, watching it back now does the same. That hearing paved the way for everything we have today - no matter what country of the world you are in. With regards to what the representative for the commercial operators had to say, well, model flyers world over are still waiting for their fun flying sessions being interrupted by all of these commercial drones. You have more chance of winning the lottery than seeing a BVLOS commercial drone come flying over your flying field. And even if they were, model flyers have for years demonstrated that we know how to avoid mid-air collisions with other users of the airspace, so why do they feel that model flyers are a safety concern for their unmanned BVLOS craft? None of it makes any sense.
While it's fine to look at the positive/make the most of a bad situation, recognizing there is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with and doing something about it is the point. Keep up the good work.
Punishing others for small minority,... Bruce, maybe part of the problem with the fractured way the hobby is presenting itself, is the way MultiRotor and FPV has been treated by the Wing and Heli sections of the hobby? There's clubs here in Victoria (Australia) where folks that have gone to model flight feilds have been turned away or not allowed to fly because they've brought 'drones' with them. Same goes with consumers who've bought toys for thier kids from department stores, they end up flying in ignorance of the safe operation principles, because they've been treated poorly when trying to join local clubs.
And then those traditional clubs complain about falling membership numbers, or loosing access to sporting parklands because they don't have the numbers to meet demand rules and the land goes to other uses.
Government types always apply a Divide and Conquer approach, where it's easy to overcome a fractured community, knowing that they won't suceed in the face of a co-ordinated and organised body with a single focused goal.
Very well said. Ive been flying since my father taught me at the age of ten from 47 now. Everything you said was spot on
I totally agree Bruce, the flying areas that I’ve flown in have not changed either.
Bruce: Thanks for the link! Also, fully agree the Tail Heavy Productions channel is a winner. They do a heck of a job with their various videos. Regards, Tim
Glad to be of service Tim.
@@xjet Team sport. 😊 Tim
I am a perfect example of the hobby of model aviation leading to a career. Went from Propeller mechanic to an A&P/IA, to now working in the defense industry on rocket engines for defense of our Nation and her allies. These regs are going to stifle any similar futures for others.
Amen Bruce! Another great vid and thank you for your input on the hobby in the US!
Good for you Bruce is not a doctor.
Before a car accident in 2016 at least temporarily ended my participation in the hobby, I'd crashed a 3-meter Graupner sailplane, salvaged the wings and tail assembly, repaired them, and attached them to a 3"x36"cardboard shipping tube with a pusher prop stuck on a pylon on top. Gave it a plastic nose cone, painted it black and, when flying high, it looked so much like a U-2 that a cop came by and asked if I was "illegally surveilling something?". First, I cracked up. Then I realized he was serious. I explained what was happening, landed the craft so he could inspect and accepted his compliments and we talked about how the cop didn't actually know what, if any, rules there were for flying my plane. Ahhh, good times. Don't know if I'll ever fly again, but the "good ol' days" seem to have up and gone...once again. Thanks to corrupt corporate money. Again.
I AGREE! I'm a Camera Drone user. These are nothing like RC models. My Dad flew model planes for my entire life. He did put a Super8 camera in his largest fixed wing plane! All the films had the same scenery. These guys just fly in circles in the same place. He was a member of a RC flying club. I will never be (technically I belong to Flite Test, although they are thousands of miles from where I live. I use my membership card to show police)
For me Drones are not about flying, it's about photography. Why would I ever join a club and fly in circles???????? Drones are not fun to fly, except for the first flight when it doesn't crash.
Camera Drones and RC models are miles apart and should be separated from the same regulations, IMO.
Excellent points, Bruce. Really well said!
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Bruce, more than any other video you have made, this one speaks for me. I completely agree. RC peaked before all this came down on us and ruined it. I truly hope some part of our hobby persists. Technological development is the root cause, and I see no slowing of that march, unfortunately. It is clear that they don't want us in the air at all. This will be even more true as technology continues to evolve.
Many many great points here in the VID and comments. To be plain, IMO, DJI opened the door with cost and simplicity to normally good folk, but MAYBE dont have the judgment for operating an aircraft of any size. I know that opens the door to other issues, but im also the guy who rides a sports bike, but ALSO thinks there should be restrictions on ANYONE being able to buy a Suzuki Hayabusa. Some folk JUST SHOULD NOT ride one. SOME folks just should not fly/operate. Unfortunately, thats easier now than ever to "get into". So, how do we solve the safety concerns WHILE still be inviting to new model enthusiasts?
PS: i do not believe remote ID will cover that issue enough to be practical.
Bruce, you have always been hated for telling the truth. All truth tellers are the most hated for some reason. Keeping it real is the hardest job and I commend you sir!
It's not the FAA/CAA etc that needs educating, it's the people the politicians that makes the rules that they have to follow that need educating what we do and what we fly are different from DJI style platforms. Until we get our representatives and MP's understanding this then the problems go on. Best thing to do is to invite your rep./mp down to your place where you fly and get them to fly and talk to them.
Oh yeah, this thing peaked back in 2010's when we were flying rc helicopters... those days are gone.
Respects from Canada, New Zealand always in our hearts ❤
Part of the pilot problem is simply cost. It is very expensive. You have to work for small regional airlines. But they force the crews to work impossible conditions. Low pay, barely enough to live on. Impossible schedules running multiple legs a day, multiple days away from base. Many pilots can't afford to live in their home base city, so they fly hours to commute or live in flop houses. Houses or appartments that are split into dozens of rooms with bunk beds.
Example, "Buffalo Airways", "stars" of "Ice Pilots NWT" reality TV. Pilots pay to get a commercial license. They get hired by Buffalo, have to move way the **** out into the sticks. Then they are forced to slave as "rampies". That is manual laborers on the ground loading the planes, moving them around etc. They have to do that for a year or more before they may "earn" the opportunity to fly again. Buffalo isn't unique
The FAA is a bureaucracy. It wants to grow, expand it's control, it's about money, budget. The FAA has been given a schizophrenic roll. It is supposed to promote aviation as well regulate safety. Can't do both.
Good digging! Well put. Thanks!