FAA’s mandatory drone registry begins next week
Monday, 15 Dec, 2015
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The Federal Aviation Administration has announced virtually all remote controlled drones will have to be registered with authorities from December 21.
The registry covers drones weighing at least 9 ounces which are already flying and the estimated thousands more being bought as Christmas gifts this year.
A one-time fee of $5 is payable regardless of how many UAVs an owner has and is valid for three years.
Existing drone owners are required to register by February 19, 2016, while new drones have to be registered before they are allowed to take flight.
Owners are required to supply a name, a physical address and an email address with the FAA.
The move follows recommendations agreed last month by a task force of drone manufacturers, hobbyists, pilots and aviation officials.
"My message to unmanned aircraft operators is pretty simple: It is in your best interest to register early. We are excited to bring these new users into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American aviation," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
"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," added FAA Administrator Michael Huerta in a statement.
The FAA records up to 100 drone sightings from aircraft pilots each month.
Commercial drones, typically used for aerial photography, already have a registry system with the FAA.
Current FAA guidelines permit non commercial drones to fly no higher than 400 feet at least five miles from the nearest airport.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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