FAA Date Set for Small Drone Registration Rule

January 13, 2016

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a web-based small unmanned aircraft (UAS) registration process for recreational and hobby owners. Beginning Monday, December 21, 2015 all UAS weighing more than 0.55lbs (250 grams) and less than 55lbs (approximately 25 kilograms) – including payload weight – must register through this portal.

According to the FAA:
“Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all aircraft. Under this rule, any owner of a small UAS who has previously operated an unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model aircraft prior to December 21, 2015, must register 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.”

You can also insure the camera system or payload that you may be flying. This payload may be integrated with the drone or it may be separately purchased and installed. Some camera system costs significantly more than the drones so please don't forget about insuring your important payloads.

The registration fee will be $5, however, this fee will be waived for 30 days (December 21, 2015 to January 20, 2016) in order to encourage people to register as soon as possible. Registration is user-friendly, and asks only for name, home address and an email. When the form is completed, the application will generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership. This will include a unique ID that must be marked clearly on the aircraft.

Commercial UAS operations must continue to utilize the paper-based system at this time.

To register your recreation drone, please visit: https://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/