On the Horizon RC Podcast · Horizon Hobby

S3 Episode 1: Chad Budreau - Executive Director with the AMA

·58 min·5 clips

The Mars Ingenuity helicopter was designed by a hobbyist who got hooked in sixth grade science class.

This episode of the On the Horizon RC Podcast features hosts Chris Dickerson and Steve Petrato, the CEO and Marketing Director of Horizon Hobby, in conversation with Chad Budreau, the Executive Director of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Budreau has been with the AMA for over 12 years and has collaborated with the FAA on issues impacting model aviation. The hosts discuss recent Horizon news, product releases, and the AMA's role in the hobby. Horizon announced the "Masters of RC" series on RC Nation, featuring professional racer Dakota Fenn sharing his setup and travel tips. The company sponsored Michael McDowell's NASCAR vehicle at the Fontana race, where Horizon employees and guests attended. Horizon participated in large events like King of Hammers and Motorama, which attracted 60,000 attendees and features various motorsports. The company's signature summer events include Axial Fest, RC Fest, a Germany air meet, and Proline by the Fire. New product releases include the Losi Polaris RZR Rey, a scale licensed UTV, and the limited-edition Mini JRX-T, with only 5,000 units produced. Axial also released the competition-ready SCX10 Pro Trailer chassis. Budreau explains the AMA was founded in 1936 to unify hobbyists and now focuses on education, museum curation, advocacy, and club support. He states the AMA's goal is to grow model aviation into the biggest sport in the United States. Budreau describes the FAA's Remote ID rule, noting that known flying sites will have a "sphere of protection" where traditional flying can continue unchanged. He estimates external broadcast modules for flying elsewhere may cost around fifty dollars. The AMA was officially recognized as the first FAA Community Based Organization in late 2023, which codifies its seat at the table for regulatory discussions. The AMA has dedicated over 3,500 staff hours to help clubs apply for FAA Recognized Identification Areas (FRIAs) for Remote ID compliance. Budreau reveals the FAA likely will not begin reviewing FRIA applications until summer, creating a tight timeline before the September deadline. The AMA uses Safety Risk Management Panels to negotiate higher altitude allowances for clubs, involving airlines and air traffic control. Budreau is optimistic about future blanket approvals for altitude waivers, arguing that low altitude caps can sometimes increase safety risks. The tone is conversational and informational, blending company updates with an educational interview on advocacy. This episode is ideal for RC hobbyists interested in industry news, event calendars, and the regulatory landscape for model aviation. Listeners solely interested in surface RC without any aviation focus might find the regulatory discussion less relevant.

As heard by us

A season opener that pairs spring hobby energy with a practical look at RC rules and community.

On the Horizon RC opens with familiar shop talk: weather, event season, and the first real push to get back outside and fly. It then moves into a steady conversation with AMA executive director Chad Budreau about what rules like registration and Remote ID mean for model…

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Press play if you want the RC season opener with AMA context on registration and Remote ID.

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