December Newsletter Posted

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FAA Issues Final Rule on Remote ID

Modelers Comments Made a Big Difference

On January 28, the FAA issued its Final Rule on Remote ID for UAS. Over 53,000 comments, mostly from hobbyists and AMA members. were considered and caused modification or removal many of the worst proposals. As passed the rule is briefly the following, with implementation beginning in 18 - 30 months:

• All unmanned aircraft over 250 grams must be registered with FAA. This is what the current rules require.
• Aircraft used solely for recreational purposes may use one registration number assigned to the owner.
• All new UAV must be built with a system that has a built in or existing UAV have an attached identification system that broadcasts flight information  from takeoff to landing.
• The only exception are UAV operating in FAA Recognized Identifcation Areas. Applications for these areas will start being accepted in 18 months, and most likely be mainly AMA club fields and areas associated with schools and universities. No time limit is specified for future additions to flying sites, as was originally feared.
• Aircraft that are flown under the FRIA exception above must be flown within Visible Line of Sight.
• The UAV must not broadcast ADS-B Out.  That is currently used in general aviation aircraft for location and identification; use by UAV would overwhelm that system. New systems will be performance based with no one system designated.
• Flight over people and flight at night rules are allowed for UAV under 250 grams and for larger certified aircraft. It appears no hobby drones or aircraft over 250 grams currently qualify.
• The requirement for an internet connection was dropped as being impractical.
• The requirement for individual registration of recreational aircraft was dropped.

All in all the rule is probably as good as modelers could have expected with the most onerous requirements dropped. Operations at established flying fields should not be affected. 

Passing of Long Time Member

We are sad to announce the passing of our Treasurer, long time member and friend Walter Ed Roberts. He was our oldest member at 93, but still sharp, active and snippy. He was a military veteran, and retired from So Cal Edison. He served for many years as club treasurer, keeping a tight rein on our funds so we could enjoy and improve our field, have events, and still build a reserve. We will miss him showing up with his trusty (mostly) Chevy van, movie star Lincoln, or gas station big Mercury. Happy flying with those that have gone before, old friend.

UPDATE : JANUARY FLOAT FLY CANCELLED
NOVEMBER FLOAT FLY REPORT

It was a most beautiful day, 70s clear and calm. Lots of good flying
 with only a few boat retrievals and no "crying towel" candidates. 
Please plan to attend in March. 

CLICK HERE Jay Leno shows impressive knowledge of his newly restored Packard Merlin WW II aircraft engine.

July Float Fly Report

Float Fly July 11. Wind was calm, temperature was comfortable in the morning despite the 100°. Geese were in abundance, having had the park to themselves for a long time. Admission to the park was only $5 for us seniors. Attendance was, shall we say, low. However the three of us got in numerous successful flights. The boat didn't get unloaded until Earle's gasser flamed out on landing near the island. I'm sure the predicted heat and pandemic concerns kept attendance down. Let's hope for better turnout in September.

Follow Our YouTube Channel

SFDRCM has a YouTube channel with club and other RC videos.

CLICK HERE to see our channel. Be sure to subscribe. 

During the lock down, we will be converting the old club VHS library from the 80s and 90s and uploading them. Latest is the Dave Patrick video "Float 'Em" about flying from water. All the advise in these videos still apply.

FAA Recreational Flyer Registration Renewals

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has important registration information for drone recreational flyers whose registration was automatically extended until December 12, 2020.

Your registration expires in 180 days and you can now renew it in your FAADroneZone dashboard:

• Once you click ‘renew’ the process is the same as when you initially registered.
• Once you have renewed, to print an updated registration card: Login to the FAADroneZone, select the Recreational Flyer Dashboard and select Print.

How much does it cost to renew a registration?
$5 through the FAADroneZone.

Why Was My Registration Extended?
The National Defense Authorization Act for 2018 restored the FAA’s registration rule with respect to model aircraft and recreational flying. If you registered prior to December 12, 2017 and did not request to have your registration information deleted, the FAA extended the expiration date until December 12, 2020, which is three years from the rule restoration date. If you requested a refund of registration fees, you would have had to re-register again after December 12, 2017. Therefore, your expiration date would now also be December 12, 2020, or later. At this time you can retain your registration number.

SOME OF THE AIRPLANES DONATED TO THE KAISER CLINIC LOBBY DISPLAY BY 
EARLE LEVINE, BOB MATTER, GORDON CHAPPELL, DENNIS SOUZA.. MORE SMALL (18" - 36") PLANES NEEDED.
 

CLUB HISTORY

1990s MODELS OF THE  MONTH

Click the image to see a short video gallery of Models of the Month from the 1990s. Names are included when remembered. If you know others let us know.

In those days there were no ARFs and everyone built their own airplanes and were proud to show the result. Craftsmanship was admired.

Membership Application / Renewal Form Available On Line
New members dues $100 for 2020

Prorated each quarter
Renewal $60
Click the image below to access the Online Application and Renewal Form.
After you submit it we will email you payment options. Don't forget your AMA has to be renewed also.
Renewals after Feb 28 will be treated as new members.
NEW MEMBERS: Please go to the Become a Member tab for necessary information.

FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT WANT TO PRINT AN APPLICATION FORM CLICK HERE

NEW AMA SAFETY CODE
AMA comes up with simplified, concise Safety Code

For a complete copy of AMA’s Safety Handbook please visit: www.modelaircraft.org/files/100.pdf

Academy of Model Aeronautics

National Model Aircraft Safety Code

Effective January 1, 2018

A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying device capable of sustained flight within visual line of sight of the pilot or spotter(s). It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and related AMA guidelines, any additional rules specific to the flying site, as well as all applicable laws and regulations.

As an AMA member I agree:

• I will not fly a model aircraft in a careless or reckless manner.
• I will not interfere with and will yield the right of way to all human-carrying aircraft using AMA’s See and Avoid Guidance and a spotter when appropriate.
• I will not operate any model aircraft while I am under the influence of alcohol or any drug that could adversely affect my ability to safely control the model.
• I will avoid flying directly over unprotected people, moving vehicles, and occupied structures.
• I will fly Free Flight (FF) and Control Line (CL) models in compliance with AMA’s safety programming.
• I will maintain visual contact of an RC model aircraft without enhancement other than corrective lenses prescribed to me. When using an advanced flight system, such as an autopilot, or flying First-Person View (FPV), I will comply with AMA’s Advanced Flight System programming.
• I will only fly models weighing more than 55 pounds, including fuel, if certified through AMA’s Large Model Airplane Program.
• I will only fly a turbine-powered model aircraft in compliance with AMA’s Gas Turbine Program.
• I will not fly a powered model outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for myself or my helper(s) located at the flight line, unless I am taking off and landing, or as otherwise provided in AMA’s Competition Regulation.
• I will use an established safety line to separate all model aircraft operations from spectators and bystanders.