Did you get a Drone for Christmas?
If I received a drone for Christmas does it need to be registered? If I have drone do I have to get a license to fly it?
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones as they are often called, are increasingly available online and on store shelves. Prospective operators—from consumers to businesses—want to fly and fly safely, but many don’t realize that, just because you can easily acquire a UAS, doesn’t mean you can fly it anywhere, or for any purpose.
Effective December 21, 2015, drones weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams)[1] but less than 55 pounds must be registered. To register you must be at least 13 years old, and a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident.[2] Registration can be done online at http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/ , costs $5.00 and lasts three years. If your drone weighs more than 55 pounds (takeoff weight with all attachments) you must use a paper registration system. Forms are available at: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/aircraft_certification/aircraft_registry/
Did you get a Drone for Christmas?
If a younger child received a drone for Christmas as a gift it must be registered by someone who is at least 13 years old. Once registered your registration number must be place on all drones before they are flown outside (even on your own property). Penalties for flying unregistered drones may result in regulatory and criminal sanctions. The FAA may assess civil penalties up to $27,500. Criminal penalties include fines of up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment for up to three years. Someone will be the first person prosecuted under these new regulations, don’t let it be you.
So far “flying licenses” or pilot certifications are not required to fly a hobby drone. Registering your drone may help you get it back if it gets lost. If you have a question about registering your unmanned aircraft system (drone) call the experienced lawyers at the Mazza Law Group, P.C. today.
[1] Not sure how much 250 grams actually is? Ask your friendly neighborhood cook (or drug dealer). From the cooks: a cup of bread flour is about 150 grams, a cup of table sugar is about 200 grams. So, the answer is not much. If you bought a hobby drone for less than $100, it probably weighs less than .55 lbs. Check the box or weigh it before you fly!
[2] If you are not a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident consult with one of the immigration lawyers at the Mazza Law Group, P.C. for further information about living in or visiting the United States.
Did you get a Drone for Christmas? was last modified: December 28th, 2015 by William Arbuckle