This internal FAA memo states that beginning 5/17/2019 hobbyists can no longer fly within 5 miles of an airport by calling the ATC. It further advises that electronic notification via LAANC will be the new method beginning sometime this summer. During the intervening transition period it is less clear exactly what the procedure will be.
They muddied the water further by suggesting elsewhere that the rules themselves will change in a significant but yet undisclosed manner. They have also requested permission to track pilots electronically. They have also eliminated the our friendly designation as "hobbyist" with the more serious-sounding "Limited Recreational Flyer". There are repeated references to flight in fixed/designated model aircraft fields but not yet clear if that's the only place flight that will be permissable in restricted airspace. There will need to be more details for FAA officials to enforce this and for hobbyists to comply - it raises many questions at present.
Hard to be certain if all this is as ominous as it sounds or it is communicated that way because this memo was not meant to circulate publicly. In the next few days there will be more details and probably some confusion. Hopefully when the dust settles this will be an improvement and not further restriction and marginalization of our HOBBY.
Stay tuned
They muddied the water further by suggesting elsewhere that the rules themselves will change in a significant but yet undisclosed manner. They have also requested permission to track pilots electronically. They have also eliminated the our friendly designation as "hobbyist" with the more serious-sounding "Limited Recreational Flyer". There are repeated references to flight in fixed/designated model aircraft fields but not yet clear if that's the only place flight that will be permissable in restricted airspace. There will need to be more details for FAA officials to enforce this and for hobbyists to comply - it raises many questions at present.
Hard to be certain if all this is as ominous as it sounds or it is communicated that way because this memo was not meant to circulate publicly. In the next few days there will be more details and probably some confusion. Hopefully when the dust settles this will be an improvement and not further restriction and marginalization of our HOBBY.
Stay tuned
