FAA releases web-based system for small UAS registration
NewsDecember 15, 2015
WASHINGTON. Owners of small unmanned aircraft (UAS) can use a new streamlined, web-based process to register their aircraft. U.S. Department Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials announced the new ruling during the holiday season.
“We expect hundreds of thousands of model unmanned aircraft will be purchased this holiday season,” says FAA Administrator Huerta. “Registration gives us the opportunity to educate these new airspace users before they fly so they know the airspace rules and understand they are accountable to the public for flying responsibly.”
Under this rule, small UAS owners who previously operated an unmanned aircraft exclusively as a model aircraft prior to December 21, 2015, must register no later than February 19, 2016, and those that purchase a model aircraft after December 21, must register before its first outdoor flight. Registration is a statutory requirement that applies to all aircraft.
The registration fee of $5 is being waved for the first 30 days – from December 21, 2015 to January 20, 2016 . Owners have the option of using the paper-based process or the new streamlined, web-based system, but if using the web-base dsystem they have to be at least 13 years old to register.
Online registration is for UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms), including payloads like on-board cameras. As of right now the system only supports the registration of small UAS for the purpose of hobby or recreation, not for any use connected with a business. However, the FAA is developing enhancements that will allow such online registrations by spring of 2016.
The FAA Administration, Michael Huerta and Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx received recommendations by the Registration Task Force on November 21. The recommendations are included in the rules, officials say.
“Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility,” says U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely. I’m excited to welcome these new aviators into the culture of safety and responsibility that defines American innovation.”
To register online, visit: www.faa.gov/uas/registration.
Anyone registering will need to provide his or her name, home address, and e-mail address. The web application will then generate a Certificate of Aircraft Registration/Proof of Ownership that will include a unique identification number that must be marked on the aircraft. 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. The registration is valid for three years.
To read the full rule, visit: www.faa.gov/news/updates/media/20151213_IFR.pdf
