The time has come: you can now (and really should) register your drone with the FAA.
As announced last week, US drone pilots must register their drones – anything from 0.55 to 55 lb, including cameras and cargo – by Feburary 19 or risk fines of up to $250,000. That is, for hobbyists – the FAA is still working on its regulations for commercial drone pilots.
Signing up requires filling out a simple Web form with your name, email and address. You must be 13 years or older to register online; the young pilots out there will have to send in a snail-mail letter.
After completing the process, you’ll receive a Certificate of Aircraft Registration along with an ID number that must be displayed on the drone. That number applies per-user, so no need to re-register every single one of your aircraft if you’re something of a drone collector.
Not everyone is happy about the new regulation; reports are indicating the drone registry will eventually be made public (including names and addresses), and groups like the Academy of Model Aeronautics have been fighting back.
The <3 of EU tech
The latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!
Registration is free until January 20; after that, it’ll cost you five Washingtons. To register, go here, and or more information, check out the FAA’s help guide.
➤ FAA Small Unmanned Aircraft Registration Begins [FAA]
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.