Drone owners must now register their aircraft

The drone is one of the hottest gift items of 2015, but some receiving drones should take note of a new federal law by the Federal Aviation Administration.

 

As of Dec. 21, 2015, all drone owners must register their aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) registry. Those who don’t register their drones are subject to civil and criminal penalties.

 

During the first 30 days of registration, there is no charge, but after Jan. 20, 2016 the charge is $5.

 

The registration requirement applies to small unmanned aircraft weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (about kilograms), including loads such as on-board cameras.

 

This is something new, as unmanned aircraft owners such as those who fly model planes haven’t had to register previously to this.

 

Local photographer Lee Letzer has been using a drone both for recreation and in his photography business for a little over a year now.

 

“It’s been coming for a long time,” Letzer said. But Letzer feels that enforcing the law is better than requiring owners to register.

 

“Many owners don’t know you can’t fly your drone any higher than 400 feet. Lots of people say, ‘Let’s see how high we can get with this, but once you hit 400 feet, you’re in FAA airspace.” Letzer added. “Also, if you live over near Metroplex Hospital, you can’t fly your drone within five miles of an airport.”

 

Drone owners must register no later than Feb. 19, 2016. Those who own any other unmanned aircraft purchased for use as a model aircraft after Dec 21, 2015 must register before the first flight outdoors.

 

Registration may be done via paper or on online at www.faa.gov/uas/registration. Registrants must provide their name, home address and e-mail address. After the registration process is complete, registrants will be able to print a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership that includes an identification number for the owner, which must be marked on the aircraft.

 

The registration is valid for three years for those using the unmanned aircraft for hobby or recreation and may use the same identification number for all their aircraft. The online registration system does not yet support registration of small unmanned aicraft system used in connection with a business. That feature will be available, likely in spring 2016. The full rule can be viewed here: www.faa.gov/news/updates/media/20151213_IFR.pdf.