CG RC Flyers airfield expects to be a 'FRIA'

“As such, all model aircraft weighing more than 8.8 ounces will be required to comply with the Remote ID regulation. The only exception will be model aircraft flying in FAA Recognized Identification Areas,” a press release from the club said.

The Casa Grande RC Flyers, which maintains a hobby-related flying field on Isom Road, “has always been concerned with the safety of the public and their pilot members since their inception,” the press release said.

The club has filed the required information with the AMA and was later notified that the Academy of Model Aeronautics completed the application process with the FAA to make the Casa Grande club’s field a FRIA. The club’s airfield is located at 2725 S. Isom Road and expects to be exempt from the Remote ID requirements.

“As such when the regulation goes into effect this September, Casa Grande club members flying at the club’s airfield will not be required to purchase a “Remote ID” module for their aircraft, or purchase new model aircraft with the modules already installed. The new aircraft, or the added modules, are similar to transponders on full-size aircraft. They allow the FAA to monitor and track the aircraft’s location and owner. All modules and new aircraft flown at locations that are not FRIAs must also be registered with the FAA,” the press release said.

The club’s exemption will save the Casa Grande club members money as new aircraft can be costly and add-on modules for each aircraft are expected to cost over $50 each, the press release said.

“It is not known if there will be a fee for registering the new aircraft or modules with the FAA,” the press release said.

The new regulation will affect all model aircraft pilots who do not fly at FRIA field locations.

“That includes those flying on public or private land, and clubs that are not AMA chartered clubs, or other AMA club locations that have not become FRIAs. The AMA has over 2,500 clubs across the country and will help any of them that are eligible to become FRIAs,” the press release said.

More details about the FAA’s regulations, the Academy of Model Aeronautics or the Casa Grande RC Flyers is on the club’s website, www.CasaGrandeRCFlyers.com.