NBC News is reporting that the federal government will soon announce new requirements for drones, the most severe of which is that consumer drones will need to be registered with the Department of Transportation.
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The Transportation Department said it plans to make a drone-related announcement on Monday but declined to comment further.
It looks like the USA government wants to put its stamp of approval on any drones you own, with a report from NBC News indicating that the Obama administration is ready to announce new plans for drones.
In June, a small drone flew within a few hundred feet (meters) of a Southwest Airlines flight as the plane was about to land at Dallas’ Love Field airport.
The expected initiative represents the administration’s effort to address the rising number of unauthorised drone sightings near airports and crowded public venues. By requiring registration, officials may be able to better track down suspects. A drone registry will bring stricter order and accountability to the industry after several recent close calls involving remote-controlled drones and commercial aircraft.
Aside from worries over drones entering restricted airspace, officials have also highlighted the potential danger of modified consumer drones – like one in Connecticut that had a handgun mounted to it.
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Sources told CBS News the DOT will form a task force, including representatives from the drone industry and other stakeholders, to implement the process.
