As you may have heard the war on hobby flyers is on, as the major corporations such as Google, Amazon and the Commercial Drone Alliance (which includes ford motor company, CNN, and many more) have called to repeal a law known as Section 336.
For the full story recap, click here. In short, Section 336 which is part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, is designed to protect hobby flyers by distinguishing them from commercial drone users. In defense, large commercial drone operators such as Amazon and Google argued that this law should be repealed as it gives preferential treatment to hobby flyers. 
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has responded by highlighted the alliance’s bias and agenda as commercially invested stakeholders of the drone industry. In a statement to the press, the AMA said: “While we support commercial drone endeavors, Congress should not allow for-profit companies to dictate legislation abolishing a segment of the hobby with a strong, eighty-plus year safety record." Since, the AMA, as well as key players in the drone industry, have rallied together to create a petition to stop the FAA from repealing Section 336, as this will have significant adverse effects on the hobby drone operator. In an email that was sent to all AMA members, AMA Government Relations highlighted how crucial it was for people to get involved in the movement and send a letter to your elected representatives in support of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. Read the full email below: ---------------
Dear members, We need your help. There is talk that the next reauthorization bill for the Federal Aviation Administration will eliminate the Special Rule for Model Aircraft – also known as Section 336 – which has allowed AMA to manage our members and fly safely and responsibly, as we have for over 80 years. Losing the Special Rule would be a devastating blow to our hobby. Please send a letter to your elected representatives in support of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft. This is a critical moment to let your elected representatives know the importance of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft and the role of community-based organizations such as AMA. Our community has operated safely for decades – long before the recent advent of drones. Model aviation has played a critical role in the innovations of new technology and encouraging young people to pursue an interest in science and technology fields. More than that, this long-standing hobby has been passed down from generation to generation and is a tradition for many American families. We need your help to demonstrate the value of the Special Rule for Model Aircraft not only for our community but everyone. Please make your voices heard by contacting your elected representatives today. Sincerely, AMA Government Relations
