All unmanned aircraft more than about a half-pound in weight will now need to be registered with the federal government, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced Monday as officials belatedly move to try to bring accountability to the burgeoning number of drones in the skies.
Advertisement
Each owner’s registration will remain in effect for three years.
A report issued just last week said there were 241 near collisions between drones and commercial aircraft in a two-year period that ended in September 2015, FOX News reports, including 28 incidents in which pilots had to veer out of the way. One of the key goals of the registration requirement is to allow the FAA to be able to identify the owners and operators of unmanned aircraft in USA airspace.
People who get drones after December 21, 2015 have to register their device before they fly it outdoors for the first time. By having your name attached to your drone, you’ll like be a bit more careful about flying where you shouldn’t.
“Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely”.
The online program applies only to drones that weigh 55 pounds or less.
Registration will be free for the first 30 days of the registration process, which begins December 21. The FAA expects parents to register for younger children. The ruling follows and includes recommendations from an industry task force that also called for drone registration.
Owners using the model aircraft for hobby or recreation will only have to register once and may use the same identification number for all of their model UAS.
Drones, which are typically camera-equipped quadcopters with four rotors to keep them aloft, have become a new consumer and business phenomenon for those interested in remote-controlled vehicles, aerial photography and even aerial racing. While many hoped the FAA wouldn’t charge a registration fee, the agency says it’s legally required to charge a fee.
“Registration helps us ensure safety – for you, others on the ground and manned aircraft”, the FAA states on its website. He said registration will make the skies safer.
Advertisement
While some people might not like the idea of signing up their drone, Anderson feels the new rule will not stop people that want to buy a drone.
