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“We want people who fly model aircraft for
recreation to enjoy their hobby – but to enjoy
it safely,” said Transportation Secretary
Anthony Foxx. “At DOT, we often say that safety
is a shared responsibility, so to help, we are
providing additional information today to make
sure model aircraft operators know exactly
what’s expected of them.”
In the notice, the FAA restates the law’s
definition of “model aircraft,” including
requirements that they not interfere with manned
aircraft, be flown within sight of the operator
and be operated only for hobby or recreational
purposes. The agency also explains that model
aircraft operators flying within five miles of
an airport must notify the airport operator and
air traffic control tower.
The FAA reaffirms that the Act’s model aircraft
provisions apply only to hobby or recreation
operations and do not authorize the use of model
aircraft for commercial operations. The notice
gives examples of hobby or recreation flights,
as well as examples of operations that would not
meet that definition.
“We have a mandate to protect the American
people in the air and on the ground, and the
public expects us to carry out that mission,”
said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.
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