Definition of a Community-Based Organization

In plain language

A Community-Based Organization (CBO) is a legally recognized, tax-exempt, membership-based association (like the AMA) that provides safety guidelines and programming for model aviation.

Requirement as structured

Under 49 U.S.C. 44809(h), a 'community-based organization' means a membership-based association entity that is recognized by the FAA Administrator; is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from tax under section 501(a); has the furtherance of model aviation as its demonstrable mission; provides a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for all aspects of model aviation (and may provide safety rules and programming for aircraft with advanced beyond-visual-line-of-sight capabilities); provides programming and support for local charter organizations, affiliates or clubs; and assists in developing and operating locally designated model aircraft flying sites.

Original regulatory text

(h) Community-based Organization Defined . In this section, the term "community-based organization" means a membership-based association entity that (1) is recognized by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration; (2) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (3) is exempt from tax under section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; (4) the mission of which is demonstrably the furtherance of model aviation; (5) provides a comprehensive set of safety guidelines for all aspects of model aviation addressing the assembly and operation of model aircraft and that emphasize safe aeromodelling operations within the national airspace system and the protection and safety of individuals and property on the ground, and may provide a comprehensive set of safety rules and programming for the operation of unmanned aircraft that have the advanced flight capabilities enabling active, sustained, and controlled navigation of the aircraft beyond visual line of sight of the operator; (6) provides programming and support for any local charter organizations, affiliates, or clubs; and (7) provides assistance and support in the development and operation of locally designated model aircraft flying sites.

Applies when

country

United States

operation type

recreational

regulatory category

General