The FAA announced today that “nearly 300,000 owners have registered their small unmanned aircraft in the first 30 days after the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) online registration system went live. Owners who registered in the first month received a refund for the $5 application fee.” The FAA now requires recreational users and hobbyists to register their drones.
Last night at midnight EST was the deadline to have the application fee waived.
“I am pleased the public responded to our call to register,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “The National Airspace System is a great resource and all users of it, including UAS users, are responsible for keeping it safe.”
“The registration numbers we’re seeing so far are very encouraging,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “We’re working hard to build on this early momentum and ensure everyone understands th e registration requirement.”
The FAA’s registration rule took effect on December 21, 2015 and applies to small unmanned aircraft that weigh between 0.55 lbs. and 55 lbs. Owners of these aircraft must register before they fly outdoors.
Users that began operating their small unmanned aircraft before December 21 have until February 19, 2016 to register. The current online system is only available for owners who intend to use their small unmanned aircraft exclusively for recreational or hobby purposes. The FAA is working to make the online registration system available for non-model aircraft users – such as commercial operators – by March 21. Currently commercial users are required to apply for a 333 exemption in order to operate a drone. Over 3,000 businesses have received exemptions to date.
Registration, which is available online requires complete name, mailing address, physical address, and email address. Users are then given a registration number and certificate that they can print out. The certificate includes the registration number that must be marked on all aircraft that meet the registration requirement. Registration is valid for three years. The user’s drone needs to be labeled with the registration number and the user should have the certificate on their person when flying.
To register, go to: www.faa.gov/uas/registration.
Frank Schroth is editor in chief of DroneLife, the authoritative source for news and analysis on the drone industry: it’s people, products, trends, and events.
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For everyone who has a 333 and would like to connect with commercial clients they should register on our official drone pilot directory – http://www.dronepilots333.com.
They say… “The National Airspace System is a great resource and all users of it, including UAS users, are responsible for keeping it safe.”
Just how is this little piece of paper and that 14 year old pimply faced kid that is holding it, going to do that?