FAA Warns Against Drone Registration Services

As consumer fears about a widespread drone registration system mount, several companies have stepped in to make the most of the confusion.  While more than one brand new website has gone up since the announcement that the FAA would require registration, the FAA has warned drone operators that drone registration services should be unnecessary.  An announcement was posted on the government website today, stating:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) wants unmanned aircraft owners to know that there’s no need to work with a “drone registration” company to help them file an application for a registration number.
Owners should wait until additional details about the forthcoming drone registration system are announced later this month before paying anyone to do the work for them.

The drone registration task force is scheduled to give their recommendations to the FAA on November 20; with an expected implementation of the registration process in late December.  Leaked information about the proposed guidelines indicate that the registration process should be simple, web-based, and free.
Today’s FAA statement says that the system will be “similar to registering any newly purchased product with its manufacturer… Drone owners should visit FAA.gov for official updates on the unmanned aircraft registry.”

The announcement would seem to be a response to at least two new companies, federaldronerestration.com and dronenationalregistry.com who are cashing in on public concern about giving an unregistered drone as a Christmas gift.  For a $25. fee, the companies promise to transfer information entered on their website to the official drone registry.  The “federaldroneregistration” website says:

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will soon require every drone owner to register each drone that is purchased. If your drone is NOT registered you may be subject to the consequences defined in the pending U.S. Government drone regulation terms.

Fill out the online Drone Registration Application in less than 5 minutes. Our agents will review your application for omissions and errors. Once the DOT or FAA release the official drone registration requirements later this year, our experts will start your registration process and confirmation will be emailed to you. We will communicate any further requirements directly with you once the drone registration program is live. We are always here to help with any questions that you may have.

Quickly and easily start your pre-registration today for $24.99.

Given that the laws have yet to be published, operators should hold onto their money until the appropriate system is established.