If you fly a drone, quadcopter, model airplane, or UAS in the United States airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration wants you to register your device. These new regulations went into effect today, December 21, 2o15. While the process of restoring takes less than 5 minutes, there are a lot of hidden details buried within the numerous government documents about UAS registration.
The In-Depth Look
I've dug deep into every document that I could find and have put together a comprehensive look at the new regulations. If you fly, or are thinking about buying a drone I'd strongly suggest watching this tutorial.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently released new regulations about flying a drone in the United States airspace. This in-depth video explores the registration process as well as the policies. We've read through hundreds of pages or rules and regulations to bring you the most essential information.
Just the Registration Part
If you only want the mechanics on HOW to register using the website... here's just that part of the tutorial.
In this video, you'll learn how to register your drone on the Federal Aviation Administration's website (FAA.gov). If you fly a quadcopter, drone, UAS, or model airplane, you now need to register if you plan to fly outdoors in the United States. This is the short, how-to video.
Skim the Highlights
The Official Bits
Here's some of the key details from the FAA. You can find out more here (http://bit.ly/registeradrone)
Which unmanned aircraft do I have to register?
Owners must register their UAS online if it meets the following guidelines:
- Weighs more than 0.55 lbs. (250 g) and less than 55 lbs. (25 kg). Unmanned Aircraft weighing more than 55 lbs. cannot use this registration process and must register using the Aircraft Registry process.
See examples of UAS that do and do not require registration (PDF).
Owners must register their UAS by paper if it meets the following guidelines:
- Your aircraft is used for commercial purposes.
- Your aircraft is used for other than hobby and recreation.
- Your aircraft is greater than 55 lbs.
- You intend to operate your aircraft outside of the United States.
How do I register my UAS?
It costs only $5 to register your UAS and the process is simple and web-based. Registration is free for the first 30 days. Some things you'll need before you get started:
An email address
- Credit or Debit card
- Physical address and mailing address (if different from physical address)
Your registration is valid for three years. Once you receive a registration number, you can use it on all of your unmanned aircraft if they meet the online registration criteria.