The FAA is changing and modernizing the National Airspace System. These modernizations particularly affect small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or sUAS – our model airplanes and us, recreational flyers. They have made certain exceptions for the Spirits of St. Louis RC Flying Club Inc. We now are able to operate under a persistent Airspace Authorization (AA) granted to us by FAA and Spirit of St Louis Tower (SUS-ATCT); as well as our expanded FAA-Recognized Identification Area (FRIA). Compliance is required, but exceptionally simple. The actual documents are linked below. The practical points when operating at our field are:
- Field is open from 9am to dusk daily to membership and authorized guests only.
- Full scale aircraft must always be given right-of-way
- Your aircraft must stay under 400ft AGL and within the confines of the AA (see map in AA link below)
- You can fly without a Remote ID or filing a flight plan (LAANC, B4UFLY, etc). This is codified in our expanded FAA-Recognized Identification Area and only applies within our identified airspace.
- All aircraft must have your AMA and FAA UAS Registration numbers on the outside somewhere.
- Any guests fliers must also have AMA and record their FAA Registration number on the form that is in case under pavilion.
- Dave Harrington is our FAA liaison
FAA Airspace Authorization(AA)
FAA-Recognized Identification Area(FRIA)
Everyone operating a sUAS must be properly credentialed. Links to obtain the required accreditations are here:
Obtain your TRUST certificate here: https://www.modelaircraft.org/trust or https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/ This is required by the FAA for all sUAS operators. It demonstrates that you know the rules.
Get an FAA registration number for your aircraft. FAA sUAS registration – https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/register This is also required by the FAA for all aircraft. Most of us only need one registration number for all our small aircraft. The process is streamlined for sUAS at the above link. You can also do this via ‘paper filing’, but the process is laborious and is identical to registering full sized aircraft.
Become and AMA member or renew your current AMA membership. AMA enrollment here: https://www.modelaircraft.org/membership/enroll Your Full or Youth membership provides public liability insurance, among other benefits, and is required by the club – in case you make a boo-boo that causes property damage or bodily harm to anyone with your aircraft.
Join the St Louis Spirits RC Club so you can enjoy flying at one of the premier small aircraft fields in the country! Spirits RC online membership – https://spiritsofstl.com/registration/
Keep your AMA and Spirits membership cards outwardly visible while at the field. This shows you are a current member and it has your name on it so others can get better acquainted with you. Mark your aircraft appropriately with your AMA and FAA numbers.
Read and abide by the FAA Airspace Authorization (AA) and FAA Recognized Area (FRIA) conditions.
Operate your aircraft in accordance with the AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code and Spirits of St Louis RC Flying Club Safety Rules found in the Spirits’ Handbook.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re legit to enjoy all the benefits provided by our club, including permission to fly at our field! Now you’re ready to GO FLY at the home of the Spirits of St Louis RC Flying Club, Bob Gizzie Memorial R/C Flying Field and get acquainted with some fantastic people – your fellow members!
