As drone laws are being put in place around the world, you need to be aware of whether your drone is required or not. The drones became one of the most popular gadgets in the market, partly because they are toys, and partly because they also are being used as tools for aerial photographers. The days of flying your drone through the sky is limited.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the number of small unmanned aerial system (UAS) models will increase from 1.2 million in 2018 to 1.4 million in 2023. The rapid growth of drones being flown through the sky as more and more people are getting their hands on this hottest gadget under the Christmas tree. It also prompted the FAA to require UAVs that weigh 0.55 lbs or more to be registered in order to fly legally.
The registration fee only costs $5 — which you will need to register your drone’s serial number, manufacturer brand, and model. Afterwards, you will get the registration number which you can then write it down on a sticky tape and attach onto your drone. Despite registration fees being $5, drones are still growing in popularity. So it is more important than ever to know the drone rules to fly legally in the United States (and for most parts of the world).
What Are The Drone Rules?
The FAA stated that if your drone weights less than 0.55 pounds then you do not need to register it. (You can find a list of drones that do not require registration here). Though, there are a few specific drone rules that you should know about when flying your quadcopter:
If you are going to fly your drone indoor, registration is not required.
If you are 13 years old or younger, your parent, guardian or someone older than you to register the drone for you.
If your drone weighs more than 55 pounds, you need to register via mailing.
If you plan to fly your drone commercially, including photographing and filmmaking, you need to take and pass Part 107 remote pilot exam to obtain a certificate. Without a valid remote pilot certificate, you are breaking the laws and the FAA are known for hefty fines.
If you want to fly your drone somewhere else other than the United States, you will have to register with the FAA and obtain permission from the country’s civil aviation authority in order to fly legally.
But if you enjoy building drones and own a fleet, you don’t have to register them individually. Registering only once will give you a registration number that is good for three years and applies to your whole fleet. When it expires, register again.
Regardless of whether you need to register your drone, the same rules apply to flying your quadcopter. We do not recommend flying your drone near an airport, military bases or in a heavily-populated city. They are serious violations and can land you in hot waters. You also can’t fly 400 feet above the ground, unless within the structure. Do not fly your drone where you can’t see and especially during nights.
How to Play Drone Rules
Luckily several drone manufacturers are adding FAA registration to their mobile apps. Which helps ensure that the drones are being flown legally and comply with all the rules, regulations and safety. To play by the FAA’s drone rules, you will have to register your drone via visiting their website and complete the registration process.
1. Go to the official FAA UAS registration site and create an account. You will need to enter your e-mail address and create a password. Then you will get a verification link to your e-mail address.
2. Next, enter your mailing address and your full name. Afterwards, you need to agree with the FAA’s safety guidance list.
3. Now you will need to enter your credit card information. You will be charged $5 to register the drone. Well, this is how the government works!
4. After you submit your card information, you will get a review screen to ensure that all of the information that you have entered is accurate.
5. Now your drone is officially registered, make sure you add the 10-digit registration number to your mobile app. It also must be visible on the drone at all times. Once it is done, your drone is cleared for takeoff.
Why You Need to Register Your Drone?
As drones are becoming more and more popular. The skies are becoming more and more crowded. Ever since the FAA implemented drone registration, around 1.2 million drone owners have completed the registration process. Drones have been spotted near airports, military bases, prisons and even interfering with firefighters. Honoring the drone rules isn’t going to work and that’s why all remote pilots need to take accountability for their actions.
As I mentioned before, the fines are steep. Civil penalties can reach $27,500 and criminal penalties can land you into hot waters, up to $250,000 and three years in the prison. “Registration is all about safety,” says FAA spokesperson Jim Peters. Registering your drone with the FAA gives them the opportunity to teach a new generation of users that as soon as they start flying, they are pilots and there are regulations that they must follow.
Let us know if you have any questions about FAA drone rules and regulations in the comment section below. Growing and developing an educated pilot community is our high priority. Stay tuned for more drone news, deals, and guides at Dronesfy. Happy flying and fly smart!
