AMA’s partnership with the EPA helps locate new flying sites
For many years, the AMA has solicited input from its membership by conducting member surveys. One frequently asked question is, “What is the biggest issue facing you or your club?” The answer consistently involves the acquisition and retention of flying sites.
Joe Beshar, former Flying Site Assistance Coordinator, worked diligently with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, on February 10, 2005, signed an agreement with the EPA in which both entities pledged to work to allow AMA clubs access to remediated Superfund landfills for the purpose of establishing model flying sites. You can read more about this MOU on the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org/files/715.pdf.
Included in that document is a link to the EPA website that lists Superfund sites that may have potential as future model aircraft flying sites.
After a potential site has been identified, the modeler or club should contact me. I will work with an interface company that does the actual remediation for the EPA sites. This company will gather the details of the site remediation, determine if the site is suitable for model aviation activities, and will provide contact information so that the club can make direct contact with the site management. At that point, it will be up to the specific site management/owner(s) to determine what plans are for the site and whether model aircraft activity could be a part of that plan.
Our EPA interface contact provides us with a monthly report on sites that are being investigated for possible model aircraft use, as well as sites that have been completed and are currently in use as model aircraft flying sites. This service has proven to be a valuable resource for the AMA and its clubs and members who are searching for a new or better flying site.
There aren’t EPA sites available in all areas, but if one is found to be suitable, it usually provides a long-term, low-cost flying site that would likely not face the negative impact of urban sprawl.
Another advantage is that these sites are usually monitored in some way by the EPA, state, or county government to ensure that the EPA rules are being followed. This might mean that the grass is mowed and ongoing maintenance is paid for by a government entity, so the club has little cost in creating and maintaining the facility. Often an agreement can be reached with the government entity so that site improvements are supplied or the cost is shared by the club and the entity. As a result, a quality site is created that modelers will be able to enjoy for years.
It is AMA’s desire that members and clubs are aware of the relationship we have developed with the EPA and take advantage of this resource when searching for a new flying site.
Acquiring and keeping long-term flying sites is difficult. The EPA is helping AMA by making us aware of potential opportunities and then helping us connect with the appropriate stakeholder of what some refer to as “undesirable” land. Land that developers cannot access for several decades is often the kind of land that perfectly fits our needs.
Please take the time to read the AMA/EPA MOU and see if this is an opportunity that you might want to pursue for your club!
As always, I am here to assist you in any way that I can. Please contact me by email at fsac@modelaircraft.org or call me at (912) 242-2407 anytime.
— Tony Stillman AMA Flying Site Assistance Coordinator
Flying site assistance: Information, case studies, and more
Clubs are fortunate to have a resource in Tony Stillman, AMA’s Flying Site Assistance Coordinator. Helping 2,394 clubs with one of their most critical issues—getting and keeping a flying site—is a big task and one that requires sizeable resources.
One of the biggest assets in Tony’s and your club’s “tool kit” is the AMA website and its repository of how-tos and success stories, some of which entail working with local municipal authorities.
Check out www.modelaircraft.org/membership/clubs/fsap.aspx and you’ll find a treasure trove of ideas and problem-solving suggestions.
Tony is available with answers to nearly all of your questions. Contact him at (912) 242-2407 or email him at fsac@modelaircraft.org.
Do you want to share a case study to help your fellow pilots across the country? Send Tony your stories. Consider compiling your story by:
- Problem
- Actions
- Results
Learn from and help your peers. It’s the best way to fly.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
