OK folks -
As mentioned earlier in this thread I contacted the FAA with regards to the original e mail sent to a member of a FB group I belong to. Here's the response I got from the FAA.
The 2016 letter to the AMA was attached.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Sir/ Ma'am
Yesterday a friend of mine contacted your offices with regards to the 400' ceiling limit "recommendation" mentioned through out faa.gov as as well as numerous publications and advisory circulars. Yesterday someone from your offices responded to my friend and stated that "hobbyists may not operate over 400' under any circumstances." While I agree with this as a "recommendation" there is nothing regulatory that currently prohibits hobbyists to operate over 400' (Ref CFR Title 14 FAR 101.41). While the administrator may consider operations above 400' a hazard to the National Airspace System (and I fully agree with his "opinion") the FAA must first provide specific regulatory guidance in the matter.
I hope this correspondence is reviewed and forwarded accordingly.
Sincerely;
xxx
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
[email protected]
Mr. xxx,
Thank you for contacting the FAA's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Support Center.
Staying below 400 feet AGL is a best practice, but is not regulatory. I have attached a clarifying letter sent to the AMA from the FAA on this matter.
Best Regards,
Paul
PLH
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