This is the greatest and most busy time of year for us and our community. Events are happening, and things are flying and crashing. So be sure to get out there and enjoy the skies together. For being so awesome, enjoy the FREE PLANS of the new Flyer and Nutball v.2 below.
There is little to report on at this time. We are still working with the other Community-Based Organizations requesting Congress to include in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 that the FAA raises the lower bound of the Recreational sUAS registration requirement from 250 grams to 1 kilogram. Our efforts are being met with acceptance from the staffers and representatives we have talked with thus far, so keep sending those emails to your congressional representatives.
We hope to see you all very soon at one of the events!
Your help is still needed…no matter what anyone else tells you!
Recently, the AMA sent out a letter encouraging their members to refrain from sending letters to their congressional representatives in support of the campaign the FPV Freedom Coalition and FTCA have created.
This is what the AMA said in a memo to their members:
As you might be aware, there has recently been a push from other Community-Based Organizations to contact Congress regarding raising the UAS registration and Remote ID weight threshold from .55 pounds to 1 kg, or 2.2 pounds. At this time, we are not asking members to engage Congress concerning this issue. That does not mean AMA does not support raising the Remote ID threshold to 1kg, but AMA’s advocacy strategy focuses on multiple changes in the upcoming FAA Reauthorization that will positively impact all aspects of the hobby. -Chad Budreau (email correspondence)
We at the FTCA along with the FPV Freedom Coalition believe it is your right to send as many memos to Congress as you deem appropriate. We also feel there is no dilution in messages our Congressional Representatives receive multiple memos from CBO members. We believe our community can make the best choices for themselves individually, and we just want to invite as many people as possible around a common goal for the protection and growth of the hobby.
The AMA has implied in their memo they are working on something larger than the 250 gram to 1 kilogram lower bound. When it is made public what they are working on, we will evaluate it and openly provide our analysis and appropriate support.
We believe every CBO should strive for the relationships we have developed throughout the industry as well. Our close relationship with the FPV Freedom Coalition clearly represents the value and effectiveness those relationships can produce. We have also been working with STEM+C to advocate even further for the hobby. We greatly appreciate everyone’s support and the continued actions that we need to take. We at the FTCA value your efforts and believe that your voice matters. Keep fighting for the hobby alongside us!
FTCA Update 3.15.23
Just a quick update for you! We have been working with the other FAA recognized Community Based Organizations in order to request that Congress includes in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 that the FAA raise the lower bound of the Recreational sUAS registration requirement from 250 grams to 1 kilogram. This may not seem like a big ask, but if we are successful, we will greatly impact the over reaching regulations that the FAA will be enacting on us in September.
So, what does this mean for you; and, how can you help? Great questions!
First, the current Recreational Registration requirement spans 250 grams to 55 pounds. This span encompasses most all of the aircraft that we love to fly. Our request would raise the lower bound (250g) so hobbyist aircraft may continue to be flown in back yards, school grounds, church grounds and parks. We all love going to our favorite flying spots and gazing into the sky at our aircraft, melting away the stresses of the week, this change to the lower bound limit would help us guard the hobby we love from the upcoming compliance regulations of Remote ID. If we get this to pass, we will be able to enjoy most of the aircraft that we do today.
Currently, the 250-gram limit will restrict children and adults from flying small aircraft close to their homes or the majority of their flying sites without RID. This will negatively impact our hobby and also the participation in aviation-specific STEM programs. We do not want to see the hobby that we all love so much, be throttled down by those in Washington that don’t know the difference between a Nutball and a Warthog.
(If you are not aware, the regulation for Remote ID is directly tied to the registration of sUAS with the FAA. This request is intended to provide an exception to remote identification below 1 kilogram, since today this exception exists for sUAS below 250 grams.)
Your participation!
We need your help! We need you to write your congressional representations and share your desire that they support our efforts. You can write your own email, or you can simply copy and paste the one that we and FPVFC wrote for you. Follow the link provided below, and the instructions provided on the website, to successfully join in the fight for our flying liberties! https://fpvfc.org/congressional-outreach
Thank you for your continued support! Help us grow the hobby for the future!
Regulation Outlook
DISCOUNTS & PERKS
FTCA STORE
$6 off downloadable plans
Use code:
ACplans4free
FT Slow Stick S250
The FT Slow Stick S250 is inspired by the classic early electric flier, GWS Slow Stick, which was the entry point for many new pilots. We wanted to take that iconic plane from the past and bring it back to life. The FT Slow Stick S250 was designed to introduce you to the DIY building and 3D printing space. It offers a great flight experience wrapped up in a sub-250-gram aircraft that can be flown without regulations. This design is perfect for new pilots and those looking for a relaxing flight in their backyard or even a large gym.
FT B-25 Mitchell
The North American B-25 Mitchell is an American medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Major General William “Billy” Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. In honor of the original, the FT B-25 Mitchell takes the prestigious history and identifiable airframe characteristics and combines them to make a pleasurable building and flying model. The FT B-25 can be powered on Power Pack B Twin or C Twin, depending on desired flight. One unique characteristic of the FT B-25 is its fully operational bomb hatch, that can use the extra servo of a power pack. There is also an optional landing gear that makes take-off and landing an enjoyable part of your experience.
FT Mighty Mini Old Fogey
The FT Mighty Mini Old Fogey MKR2 is a return to the golden age of model aviation with an FT Twist. Back when R/C was just a dream, and free-flight was the only option, designs that required extreme stability and gentle flight characteristics were a must. This is where Josh’s personal childhood memories and love of flying started with his dad. Classic designs like the Buzzard bombshell, the Powerhouse, and the Quaker shaped both his memories and knowledge of flight. The FT Mighty Mini Old Fogey MKR2, along with its larger version, are a mash-up of all those designs to both honor them and to create a truly gentle and stable foam old-timer. This Mighty Mini version provides even more stability and smooth flight than the original. With a build time under 2 hours, and with the simple 3ch controls, you can enjoy classic maneuvers like loops, barrel rolls, wing overs, and so much more. The FT Mighty Mini Old Fogey MKR2 can be your first build, or one of many, with a weight under 250 grams.
FT 3D XL
The newly designed FT 3D XL MKR2 is the perfect entry aircraft into Aerobatics and 3D flight. Inspired from the classic FT 3D, the larger scale, and more capable version, was designed through a collaboration of Michael Bixler and Jason McQuiston. Both Jason and Michael have a love of extreme aerobatics and wanted a design that was would grow with pilots. Although the FT 3D XL MKR2 looks similar to the smaller original, many updates have been added to make this aircraft a great experience from building to flying. New features like wing plates and a removable wing and canopy make transportation and battery instillation a breeze. If you are looking for a great 3D flying experience that will go toe-to-toe with aircraft four times the cost, the FT 3D XL MKR2 is the perfect plane for you!
FT Nutball 2022
After many years, and many requests, Bixler has upgraded the two most iconic designs that gave FT its beginning! Everyone loved the original FT 3 Pack (well, maybe minus the Delta), so we are now offering the new and improved FT Nutball! This aircraft has the same functionality as the original, but now with a little more history under the wings. Whether you are just starting out in the hobby, or have been in it for a while, the fun and excitement of these aircraft will not disappoint.
Specs:
- Weight without battery – 7.5 oz (212 grams)
- Wingspan – 19 inches (480 mm)>
FT Flyer 2022
After many years, and many requests, Bixler has upgraded the two most iconic designs that gave FT its beginning! Everyone loved the original FT 3 Pack (well, maybe minus the Delta), so we are now offering the new and improved FT Flyer! This aircraft has the same functionality as the original, but now with a little more history under the wings. Whether you are just starting out in the hobby, or have been in it for a while, the fun and excitement of these aircraft will not disappoint.
Specs:
- Weight without battery – 8 oz (226 grams)
- Wingspan – 25.75 inches (655 mm)>
EVENTS
Wings over Edgewater, May 27th-29th
Sponsor/Partner Highlight
Hey guys! Flite Fest is just around the corner and what better time to reserve an awesome RV Camping spot. We have partnered with Road Adventures by Mark Wahlberg to get you all a great deal of your rental with code: FF250 for $250 off your RV rental! Check out their selection and see which one is gonna be right for you! See yall at Flite Fest in June!
Sponsorship/Partnership Opportunities
Hello FTCA community! Stefan here and I wanted to let you know that we are so grateful for all of the ways our community helps support all the facets of the FTCA and its partners. I wanted to let you all know that we are searching out individuals and entities every day to come alongside the FTCA to help make our goals and aspirations for this great hobby and the community a reality! I would like to encourage all of you, whether you are an individual or a business owner, to consider if donating to and partnering with the FTCA financially is right for you! Also, maybe you have someone or a company in mind that you think would be a great fit that you have a connection to that we could reach out to directly! If either of these cases peak your interest or align with you, I would love for you to contact me directly through email at stefan@flitetest.com . We want to inspire change, connect people and change lives through the efforts of the FTCA and it all starts with you, our awesome community! We look forward to hearing from you all and making great strides to bringing hope to the hobby for all!
