According to a Press Release on December 14, 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) required registration for small unmanned aircraft system (UAS, AKA “drone”) beginning December 21, 12015. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx elaborated, “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.”
Here is what you need to know:
- Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all aircraft.
- The Rule applies to UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds and less than 55 pounds.
- The weight includes all payloads, including onboard cameras and the such.
- The registration fee is a nominal $5.
If you had a “drone” prior to December 21, 2015, you are still required to register your UAS. This must be done no later than February 19, 2016. Owners of any other UAS purchased for use as a model aircraft after December 21, 2015 must register before the first flight outdoors. Owners may use either the paper-based process or the new streamlined, web-based system. Owners using the new streamlined web-based system must be at least 13 years old to register.
The full version of the Rule can be viewed at: https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2015/12/16/2015-31750/registration-and-marking-requirements-for-small-unmanned-aircraft.
Go to www.faa.gov/uas/registration to register you UAS today!
For additional information about flying drones, visit www.knowbeforeyoufly.org.
Summary by Lisa Marcus, Lee’s Toy & Hobby, Groton, CT