FAA Requires Modelers and Hobbyists to Make Drone Registration as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Starting December 21, 2015 Also for Drones Already in Possession

As regards our previous posting on drone registration, please now read the official FAA announcement concerning the drone registration requirement, starting December 21, that drones (also those used by modelers and hobbyists) must be registered with the FAA as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). See their FAQ for the definition of UAS.

Anyone who has made, purchased or otherwise obtained a drone prior to that date has 60 days to register. Yes, Christmas gifts and homemade drones also fall under the registration requirement.

When operating a drone, the operator must have his or her drone registration certificate in their possession.

Civil fines for non-registration can reach $27500 and "criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years".

As one sees, the registration requirement must be taken seriously by all.

No drone registration is required for drones below a certain weight (250 gm viz. 0.55 lb. or less) which are regarded to be unmanned aircraft systems viewed in the category of "toys".

Also excluded from the drone registration requirement are "paper airplanes, toy balloons, Frisbees, and similar items" which are not connected to control systems for the unmanned aircraft.

Make sure to check out the FAA Drone Registration FAQ for all the details.