December 15, 2016
FAA Requires UAS (Drone) Registry
On December 21, 2015, 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 – must register a name, a physical address and an email address with the FAA. The decision was backed by a task force of manufacturers, retailers, pilots and hobbyists. Buyers must register UAS’s 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 costs $5 for an unlimited number of aircraft and will be valid for three years.