The FAAs registration rule, which took effect on
December 21, 2015, applies to small unmanned
aircraft that weigh between 0.55 lbs. and 55
lbs. Owners of these aircraft must register
before they fly outdoors. People who operated
their small unmanned aircraft before December 21
must register by February 19, 2016.
The current online system is only available for
owners who intend to use their small unmanned
aircraft exclusively for recreational or hobby
purposes. The FAA is working to make the online
registration system available for non-model
aircraft users such as commercial operators by
March 21.
Registration is simple and is done online. Once
the owner enters the required information
complete name, mailing address, physical
address, and email address they receive a
registration number and certificate that they
can print out. The certificate includes the
registration number that must be marked on all
aircraft that meet the registration requirement.
Registration is valid for three years.
In addition to being an education opportunity,
registration helps new flyers become part of the
safety culture that has been deeply embedded in
traditional aviation for more than a century,
while still allowing for the recreation and
innovation that are staples of American
aviation.
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