All drone operators must register their unmanned aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) by Feb. 19, 2016. Registration begins on December 21, 2015 and is free for the first 30 days. While the registration fee is only $5.00 the government is encouraging as many owners as possible to register quickly.
The rule applies to drones weighing between 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms). Owners using the model aircraft for hobby or recreation will only have to register once and may use the same identification number for all of their model UAS. The registration is valid for three years. For more information about registration check this
link.
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. Consumers who purchase drones after Dec. 21 must register before their fist flight outdoors.
Each aircraft must be marked with a unique number, although not necessarily the serial number. The goal is to help authorities track down an owner if a drone collides with another aircraft, flies too high or encroaches on an airport.
"My message to unmanned aircraft operators is pretty simple: it is in your best interest to register early," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said. "We are excited to bring these new users into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American aviation."
“Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility. 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”, Foxx continued.
“We expect hundreds of thousands of model unmanned aircraft will be purchased this holiday season,” said FAA Administrator Huerta. “Registration gives us the opportunity to educate these new airspace users before they fly so they know the airspace rules and understand they are accountable to the public for flying responsibly.”
For information about restricted airspace and Temporary Flight Rules (TFR) check out this
link.
The online registration system does not yet support registration of small UAS used for any purpose other than hobby or recreation – for example, using an unmanned aircraft in connection with a business. The FAA is developing enhancements that will allow such online registrations by spring of 2016.
The FAA receives about 100 reports per month from aircraft pilots who said they spotted drones flying near them. Hobbyists who scrutinized the records contend that many of the reports involve objects that aren't drones or that involve drones following the rules.
Penalties for failing to register could reach $27,500 in civil fines and $250,000 and three years in prison for criminal penalties. But Michael Whitaker, deputy administrator of FAA, said initial efforts will be to get everyone signed up rather than to punish owners, unless it is an egregious incident.
Commercial drones, for purposes like aerial photography or utility inspections, are already registered when operators get special permission to fly from FAA.