The FAA Drone Registration Deadline and Warning on Major Fines
February 16– The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reminding drone owners about this week’s registration deadline.If you own a drone weighing more than 0.55 lbs. but less than 55 lbs., and you’ve been flying it outdoors or plan to fly it outdoors for hobby or recreation, federal law requires you to register by this Friday, February 19, 2016.
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Registration is simple. You can register online at FAA.gov– it costs only $5 and is valid for three years. Once you complete the registration process, you will receive a certificate and an FAA registration number which must be marked on all unmanned aircraft that meet the registration weight requirement. You must have your certificate with you when you fly. You can print your certificate or save it to your personal electronic device, like your smartphone, or do both.
“Besides being required by law, registration provides an excellent opportunity to educate yourself if you are new to aviation, and it will help you become part of the safety culture that has been the hallmark of traditional aviation for more than a century,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.
More than 342,000 people have already registered. Failure to register with the FAA could result in one or a combination of the following: a civil penalty of up to $27,500; a criminal fine of up to $250,000; imprisonment for up to three years.
Note to broadcast media: Please download audio and video sound bites from FAA Administrator Michael Huerta:
(Audio) If you own a drone weighing more than .55 lbs. but less than 55 lbs., and you have been flying it outdoors for hobby or recreation prior to December 21, 2015, Federal law requires you to register with the FAA by February 19.
(Audio) Registration is simple, it costs only $5 and you can do it online at FAA.gov. Once you complete the registration process, you will receive a certificate and an FAA registration number. Mark it on all unmanned aircraft that meet the registration weight requirement. You must have your certificate with you when you fly. You can print your certificate or save it to your personal electronic device, like your smartphone, or you can do both. Registration is valid for three years.
(Audio) If you own a drone you are responsible for understanding the airspace rules before you fly. Read your pre-flight safety checklist on FAA.gov and fly safely.
(Audio) If you own a drone you are now part of the aviation community and it’s your responsibility—before you fly—to register, to understand the airspace rules and to fly safely.
(Audio) If you own a drone that you’re flying for hobby or recreation, get registered before you fly. Know your pre-flight checklist. And encourage your friends and family to register before they fly at FAA.gov.
(Video) If you own a drone weighing about more than .55 lbs. but less than 55 lbs., and you’ve been flying it outdoors prior to December 21, 2015 for hobby or recreation, federal law requires you to register by February 19th. Registration is quick and easy. You can do it online at FAA.gov, it costs only $5 and it’s valid for three years. Flying a drone in the national airspace system means that you’re now part of the aviation community. So we need you to register and understand the airspace rules before you fly. We want you to enjoy your hobby and fly safely.
