January 15, 2016
FAA Began UAS (Drone) Registry Dec. 21
Starting December 21, the Federal Aviation Administration began requiring everyone to register UAS’s, unmanned aerial systems. Sometimes they are referred as drones. The owner – whether it’s a new purchase or a UAS that’s been flying for years – will have to register a name, a physical address and an email address with the FAA. The decision follows a recommendation last fall by a task force of manufacturers, retailers, pilots and hobbyists. Existing owners will have to register by Feb. 19, 2016, and new buyers will have to register before their first flight.
The registry for UAS’s weighing at least 9 ounces marks the latest balancing act for federal regulators who are trying to keep the skies safe as USA’s increasingly share airspace with passenger planes. FAA guidelines say hobbyists should fly UAS’s no higher than 400 feet, within sight of the operator during daylight and at least five miles from the nearest airport, unless they have special permission from the air-traffic control tower. The registration site is available at: www.faa.gov/uas/registration. The registration will cost $5 for an unlimited number of aircraft and will be valid for three years. The credit-card transaction will help confirm the owner's identity, and the fee will be refunded during the first month, to encourage people to register early.