If Santa brings you a drone this holiday season, make sure to register it in accordance with the FAA's new mandatory registration requirements. Otherwise, you may find yourself on the FAA's naughty list. In anticipation of increased drone purchases, one of the hottest holiday gift items, the FAA announced its new registration requirements on Monday, December 14, 2015.
A federal law effective December 21, 2015 requires registration of small UAS ("unmanned aircraft systems"), regardless of whether they are operated by modelers and hobbyists. Unmanned aircraft weighing less than 55 pounds and more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) on takeoff, including everything that is on board or otherwise attached to the aircraft and operated outdoors in the national airspace system must register.
If you fail to register, the FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years.
As explained by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta: "we expect hundreds of thousands of model unmanned aircraft will be purchased this holiday season. 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 more information on the FAA registration requirements, and to register your UAS, visit the FAA's registration website at www.faa.gov/uas/registration.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
