02/12/2015 01:00 PM House TRANSPORTATION
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HJR5 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HJR 5 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
February 12, 2015
1:06 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Neal Foster, Co-Chair
Representative Shelley Hughes, Co-Chair
Representative Charisse Millett
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Matt Claman
Representative Dan Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Benjamin Nageak
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5
Recognizing the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
- MOVED CSHJR 5(TRA) OUT OF COMMITTEE
Ambler Road Project Detail
- REMOVED FROM AGENDA
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HJR 5
SHORT TITLE: RECOGNIZE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HUGHES
01/21/15 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/21/15 (H) TRA
02/12/15 (H) TRA AT 1:00 PM CAPITOL 17
WITNESS REGISTER
STEVE COLLIGAN, Volunteer
Academy of Model Aeronautics
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified on HCR 5.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:06:43 PM
CO-CHAIR NEAL FOSTER called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:06 p.m. Representatives
Millett, Stutes, Claman, Ortiz, Foster, and Hughes were present
at the call to order.
HJR 5-RECOGNIZE ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
1:07:14 PM
CO-CHAIR FOSTER announced that the only order of business would
be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5, Recognizing the Academy of
Model Aeronautics.
1:07:30 PM
CHAIR HUGHES, speaking as the prime sponsor of HJR 5, said this
resolution is a work product of the Legislative Task Force on
Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Last fall, the task force met and
recognized that the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has been
instrumental in the nation in establishing safe and best
practices to promote good use of remotely-piloted aircraft, also
known as unmanned aircraft. This organization has been
recognized by the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], who has
allowed this community-based organization to lead the way in
setting safety standards.
CHAIR HUGHES referred to three items in members' packets provide
by FAA [but drafted by the AMA] that help provide a sense of the
significance the AMA has had across the country on safe
practices. Each item contains a link to the Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA). One, entitled "model aircraft operations"
contains a link to "Know Before You Fly." Second, the handout
entitled "What Can I Do with My Model Aircraft?" provides a
community-based set of safety guidelines, and a poster on the
FAA's website, which is helpful for people who may be hobbyists
or casual users, and lists a website, model aircraft.org, that
redirects users to the AMA's website. With the increasing use
and affordability of these unmanned aircraft units, the
Legislative Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems felt that it
was important for Alaskans to be aware of the safety and best
practices promoted by the AMA, which is why HJR 5 was
introduced. She deferred to Steve Colligan, who serves on the
Legislative Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems and
represents the Academy of Model Aeronautics, to discuss HJR 5.
1:10:17 PM
STEVE COLLIGAN, Volunteer, Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA),
speaking as a volunteer for the AMA, stated that model airplanes
and organized youth hockey changed his life and it was great to
be involved in an organization that got him interested in
electronics, mechanics, and doing something productive.
MR. COLLIGAN said that the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) is
almost 80 years old. He referred to a 75th anniversary document
of the AMA that describes the history of the organization, which
existed before general aviation or commercial aviation even
existed. People often think of drones when they think of
unmanned aircraft and the differences between a model aircraft
and a drone are very blurred, he said, but since radios were
first used, there has always been an evolution in electronics.
Being involved with the FAA and communities has meant constantly
adjusting safety standards and best practices to represent the
next evolution for the AMA. The Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA) provides information to communities and works to promote
math, science, and engineering. During this latest [model
aeronautics] iteration, which he called "the drama of the
drones," there has been a lack of education and understanding
even though the AMA has had rules and safety standards in place
for years. Due to these evolving standards, the AMA has been
proactively incorporating the latest standards into the
education process, he said.
1:12:53 PM
MR. COLLIGAN reported that the Academy of Model Aeronautics
(AMA) has voluntarily been self-regulated and self-insured, both
for the pilots and the airfields in which they operate. The
latest example of the collective effort between the AMA and the
Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is
the "Know before You Fly" campaign. The AUVSI, which is a
worldwide international nonprofit organization dedicated to the
advancement of unmanned systems and robotics for commercial
operators, includes defense contractors, manufacturers, and
governmental agencies that represent the industry coming
together through a portal to access information. In fact, it is
a fulltime job to keep abreast of regulations and dispel rumors
related to UAS (unmanned aircraft systems). He emphasized the
AMA's role: to educate people on the regulations, best
practices, and safety. He applauded the sponsor and her staff,
[Ginger Blaisdell], in leading the Legislative Task Force on
Unmanned [Aircraft Systems] to provide a forum to discuss
privacy, public safety issues, and appropriate uses of unmanned
aircraft. He relayed that [model aviation] technology is
similar to gun safety, in that [safe use] is all about
education, appropriate use, and standards. Most people are not
aware of existing rules related to this technology, including
that operators cannot fly within five miles of an airport
without notifying the airport, that the operator must have a
copilot, and that a certification process exists. He has
participated in middle school training and students are excited
for the opportunity to have hands-on experience and learn about
this technology.
1:15:16 PM
MR. COLLIGAN referred to an incident in which a man recently
piloted an unmanned aircraft/drone that crashed on the White
House lawn. At the time the [Legislative Task Force on Unmanned
Aircraft Systems] began, 10,000 - 11,000 devices similar to that
drone were used on U.S. soil every month - from one vendor and
one model, he said; however, each time events such as the one
just mentioned occurs, it drives up more interest. Through
community-based organizations, especially in Alaska, the AMA's
mission has been to promote best practices at every level,
including ensuring state and government [agencies] understand
current regulations. In addition, Alaska's weather and [open]
space provides for a unique test environment. Speaking as an
individual, and as a mapping professional, he asked members to
support the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Although it is
now technically possible to equip a small drone with a "Go-Pro"
camera and perform intricate quantitative analysis at a
construction site; unfortunately, unmanned aircraft technology
cannot be used for commercial purposes at this time. He
emphasized that this technology is evolving, but also stressed
the importance of having public involvement in the process. He
highlighted that opportunities exist to use this technology to
manage resources, vegetation analysis, and many other things in
Alaska.
1:17:30 PM
CO-CHAIR HUGHES commented that Alaska has been on the leading
front on [unmanned aircraft use], in part due to the research at
the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the number of
entrepreneurs in the industry, but also because Alaska has
significant air space that makes it a great place for testing.
On the policy front, Alaska has also taken the lead. She shared
efforts the [Legislative Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft
Systems] took once the task force learned that drones were
expected to be in the top five Christmas gifts for the season.
The task force created and provided an Alaska customized "Know
Before You Fly" safety guidelines sheet to distribute to vendors
in an effort to encourage parents to put the informative flyer
in the package. The task force also created a website,
Alaskadrones.org to provide resources to the public, including
the safety guidelines sheet.
1:19:02 PM
CO-CHAIR HUGHES, speaking as the Co-Chair of the [Legislative
Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft Systems], said she is encouraged
and excited about the industry uses. She emphasized that
privacy and safety will continue to be the top priority;
however, she characterized unmanned aircraft/drones as being a
neutral piece of technology. People have expressed concerns
about drones being used to spy, but she stressed that the
technology is "neutral." It is really about how the operator
uses the unmanned aircraft, so part of what the Academy of Model
Aeronautics (AMA) does is to promote casual and hobby use of
this technology in a safe way, which dovetails with the best
practices the task force promotes. These best practices include
making sure safety requirements and regulations are followed,
such as checking in prior to using devices at airports and
operating them under 400 feet. It also informs operators about
privacy issues so they know where to fly them and how to operate
them. Since aviation is very important in Alaska - Alaska has
more pilots per capita than in other states - and Alaska has a
limited number of roads, it has become especially important to
educate those using drones about when, where, and how to fly
them to prevent accidents. Certainly it's important for
operators to have fun, but it's equally important for users to
know how to properly use [unmanned aircraft]. As Mr. Colligan
stated, the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has been working
on these issues for decades, leading the way with education, and
[the task force] would like Alaskans to recognize the AMA's role
and to encourage them to use the AMA's resources as guidelines.
1:22:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ acknowledged how quickly technology moves.
He asked whether the industry can keep pace with questions and
wondered about concerns of privacy in relationship to the speed
at which this industry is moving.
MR. COLLIGAN, speaking as a member of the Legislative Task Force
on Unmanned Aircraft Systems, answered that privacy and public
safety is the number one concern of the task force and the task
force worked with the Department of Law to review other states'
laws. One question that arose was consideration of the length
of time to retain videos for evidence. He viewed the unmanned
aircraft technology as a convergence technology disrupter.
Although it is possible to outlaw specific devices, each
component [in unmanned aircraft] consists of a standard
electronic component that has been combined together, he said.
As a hobbyist, he noted, there are many ways to build drones and
it is currently possible to control them with devices such as an
Apple iPhone; hence, the need for additional consumer education.
1:25:13 PM
MR. COLLIGAN said the technology has advanced to the point where
drones are safer and easier to fly, using multi-rotors instead
of fixed wing models, in fact, they are incredibly easy to fly
and are more intuitive to use. However, the technology is
different from a hobbyist's perspective than from a professional
commercial operator's perspective and the difference comes down
to use and intent, he said. The U.S. Supreme Court has already
tested the reasonable expectation of privacy, including the
invasion of privacy or inappropriate use, and it doesn't really
matter if people are taking aerial photos using a drone or a
smart phone since the same laws apply. Although some aerial
photos are not allowed due to the FAA's regulation of airspace,
people can currently take oblique photos. Due to the lack of
formal regulations, it is especially important for everyone to
know the rules and to follow best practices. He agreed that
technology is outpacing bureaucracy by two to one. The [task
force] and the university embrace the technology and working to
inform and educate consumers, including requiring vendors to put
safety information in the box with the unmanned aircraft.
1:27:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES stated that she is all for this
[resolution] and she finds [the technology] to be very exciting.
She recalled when her young son built models with his father.
She suggested that this technology can also benefit people since
it will bring them outside and into the sun, noting the benefits
of vitamin D. Today's testimony also reinforces her support
[for the technology], knowing of the increased safety
information and about the AMA's website, she said. She
characterized this technology as bringing the 50s into this
century.
1:28:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CLAMAN said he is also pleased to support the
resolution. He recalled using model aircraft attached by
strings and how easily the models crashed and broke. With the
advent of radio technology came lighter materials, but he
recalled the carnage from errors his son made while flying model
airplanes. He acknowledged that most people who buy models in
stores don't have any idea about the rules and regulations or
best practices. He offered his belief that it is important to
educate the public on safety and about privacy concerns. He
agreed the technology is advancing much faster than anyone can
keep up with so he applauded this effort. He noticed an
amendment was in members' packets.
1:29:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked to comment prior to taking up any
proposed amendments. She offered her support for the
resolution. She suggested it might be a good idea to send
copies of the resolution to other organizations since HJR 5
highlights the [Legislative Task Force on Unmanned Aircraft
Systems'] work with several organizations, including the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA), the University of Alaska (UA),
and the Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International
(AUVSI) so perhaps they should also receive copies of this
resolution since the [legislature and the AMA] plan to work with
these organizations. She was not sure if it was appropriate to
do so, but it seemed like it would be a good message to send.
1:31:10 PM
MR. COLLIGAN offered his belief that it would be very
appropriate and the AMA's intent is to broadcast this as widely
as possible. He also pointed out that lots of items, including
model aeronautics are sold on the Internet. In fact, Internet
sales have brought people back to the local hobby shops seeking
information and education. He said the interest in model
aeronautics has been good for local industry and for education
and awareness.
1:31:58 PM
CO-CHAIR FOSTER said that this resolution has touched many
lives. At one time he had a Buzzard Bombshell, a Decathlon, a
Citabria, a Southwest Cawell, and a mini glider, which are all
in pieces, he said.
1:32:28 PM
CO-CHAIR HUGHES said she would entertain a conceptual amendment.
She also thanked members of the Legislative Task Force on
Unmanned Aircraft Systems. She offered her belief that of all
the technologies, this is the fastest growing. She thought it
was very appropriate that the task force will run until 2017.
1:33:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE Claman moved to adopt Amendment 1, labeled 29-
LS0320\A.1, Strasbaugh, 2/12/15, which read, as follows:
Page 1, line 1, following "Aeronautics":
Insert "for establishing safety guidelines and
best practices"
Page 2, line 1:
Delete "coordinated rules of operation and safety
standards"
Insert "established safety standards and best
practices"
Page 2, line 14, following "organization":
Insert "that promotes industry and community
safety guidelines and best practices"
CO-CHAIR FOSTER objected for purpose of discussion.
1:33:44 PM
CO-CHAIR HUGHES, speaking to Amendment 1, said that
organizations are often recognized through legislative
citations, but this resolution, HJR5, does not recognize the
Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) for the sake of it being an
organization, but because the AMA sets the safety guidelines and
best practices standards so Amendment 1 changes the title of the
resolution. On page 2, line 1, it inserts the language
"standards" instead of "guidelines." On page, line 14, language
was added to the resolved clause, as follows, "that promotes
industry and community safety guidelines and best practices."
She said this is important since it emphasizes the focus of the
AMA, rather than to recognize the organization itself.
1:34:45 PM
CO-CHAIR FOSTER removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
1:35:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT made a motion to adopt Conceptual
Amendment 1.
CO-CHAIR FOSTER objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT explained that Conceptual Amendment [1]
would add Michael P. Huerta, Administrator, Federal Aviation
Administration, as well as any other organizations or entities
named in [HJR 5] to be added to the list of those receiving
copies.
CO-CHAIR FOSTER removed his objection. There being no further
objection, Conceptual Amendment [1] was adopted.
1:35:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT moved to report the HJR 5, as amended,
out of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal note. There being no objection, the CSHJR
5(TRA) was reported from the House Transportation Standing
Committee.
1:36:30 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 1:36
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HJR5 ver A.pdf |
HTRA 2/12/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| HJR5-LEG-SESS-02-06-2015.pdf |
HTRA 2/12/2015 1:00:00 PM |
|
| KBYF_Brochure (4 Panel).pdf |
HTRA 2/12/2015 1:00:00 PM |