“I stronglyopposethe application of the proposed Remote Identification rules to amateur/hobby model aircraft operated in accordance with the current rules for model aircraft operating in safe areas within line of sight of the operator and at an altitude of less than 400 feet above the ground or structures. I have enjoyed the hobby of model aircraft since I was a child, as did my father. We both enjoyed building and flying model airplanes. It provided us both much fun and joy and brought us together as a for many fun and memorable adventures. The model aircraft hobby has also done the same for millions of other people. It was a primary inspiration for my career in technology and as a teacher. For over 30 years as a science and technology high school teacher and then an instructor at our community college, I have used radio controlled model aircraft to inspire young people to explore and study science, technology, engineering and math. If the proposed FAA remote ID rules for commercial remotely piloted aircraft, are also imposed on amateur built model aircraft, it will also have a devastating effect on the use of model aircraft for education in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs at all levels from elementary schools through universities. The proposed remote identification rules that, while they might be appropriate for heavy weight and long range remotely controlled commercial unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are completely unnecessary for model aircraft made of low density light weight materials and which are flown in visual proximity to the pilot. The model aircraft hobby has been in existence for over 100 years, predating the Wright Brothers. Much of our modern aviation technology was developed first on a small scale with model aircraft. The hobby is enjoyed by millions of people of all ages and walks of life, including people with disabilities who cannot participate in many other sports. For many people the model aircraft hobby is very important part of their life because of the enjoyment it provides them as they are able to enjoy the freedom of flight by radio control. Many model aircraft enthusiasts build there own models which is another very enjoyable aspect of the hobby for many and has many educational and therapeutic benefits. The model aircraft hobby brings fun and enjoyment to millions of people of all ages and backgrounds, including people who may not be able to enjoy many other sports because of disabilities. It provides an activity that brings families together in a healthy outdoor sport that combines artistic creativity, problem solving, technical design, aeronautical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, and mechanical engineering all in one amazing hobby. If the proposed Remote Identification rules are imposed on the model aircraft hobbyist, it will make it expensive and difficult, if not impossible, for many people to enjoy this hobby. It will also destroy many small businesses that produce products for this hobby. Sadly, the recent FAA notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) called “Remote ID” from the FAA places so many regulations on the model aircraft as to largely destroy the hobby for most people. The FAA is proposing to require that model aircraft be tracked and monitored by a system called “Remote Identification which would require that the position of even small model aircraft and their operators be constantly reported to a so called “service provider” over the internet and the operators would be required to pay for this tracking service. The position and identification information would be available to anyone on the Internet. Some kind of traffic management system does makes sense for flying drones used for delivery of packages and other commercial operators, that may weigh as much 50 pound or more and who will be operated at long range beyond visual line of sight, but it makes no sense for those who operate small and lite model aircraft within visual line of sight. While no hobby or sport is without accidents, the model aircraft hobby has an excellent safety record, with less accidents than most sports. The vast majority of model aircraft enthusiast are careful and and conscientious. They are careful to fly their models away from people and animals and keep them under control within visual range of the pilot. There is absolutely no need to impose such extreme measures on a hobby that has had an excellent safety record for over 70 years. More injuries and property damage have resulted from wayward golf balls, than model aircraft accidents, yet nobody proposes registering golf equipment or imposing strict regulations on the location of golf courses and driving ranges, with intent of eventually phasing them out ! Somebody could use a model aircraft to cause harm, just as they could use many other technologies for nefarious purposes. All such actions are already illegal as an attack on persons or property. Do we really believe that imposing such draconian rules on a hobby enjoyed by law abiding citizens would prevent someone intent on such a crime ? A person intent on evil would not comply with remote identification rules anyway. What are we going to do, blanket populated areas with scanning devices looking for flying objects that do not comply with such rules ? What will they do when they detect large birds like geese which weigh much more than most model aircraft ? Are we going to shoot down every eagle, hawk, goose, owl, and vulture that flies into such restricted air spaces ? The existing laws and rules for amateur build and manufactured hobby model aircraft are already more than sufficient. It is not necessary to destroy a hobby beloved by millions to initiate a traffic control system for commercial remotely piloted aircraft. I strongly oppose the overreaching imposition of these remote identification rules on the model aircraft hobby. I want our children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy the happiness and freedom of flight provided by this safe and wonderful hobby. Sincerely, Tim Vaughan Technology Education Instructor Yosemite Community College District p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; }p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; }”