Definition
A nonprofit membership association recognized by the FAA that represents the interests of model aircraft and recreational unmanned aircraft operators, and that publishes safety guidelines its members must follow when flying recreational drones or model aircraft in the National Airspace System.
Plain English
A recognized nonprofit club for hobby drone and model aircraft flyers that sets the safety rules its members agree to fly by.
Context Anchor
You may see this term in rules for recreational drone flying, model aircraft operations, and FAA guidance about approved safety guidelines.
Why Pilots Care
These groups often provide affordable access to aircraft and training that would otherwise be unavailable at commercial schools.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just any local club or neighborhood group. In this aviation use, it means an organization that meets FAA recognition requirements and provides aviation safety guidance.
Example Sentence 1
He flies his model aircraft under the safety guidelines of a Community-Based Organization recognized by the FAA.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots joined the community-based organization to share the cost of maintaining a Cessna for weekend flying.