UAS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has commenced the online registration process for the owners of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

Through the process, hobbyists and recreational users who own UAS and remote controlled aircraft will be able to register their drones with the federal government.

As per the registration rule, announced earlier this month, owners of small UAS, weighing between 0.55p (250g) and 55p (around 25kg) must register their aircraft before taking flights out in the air.

Announcing the small UAS registration process, US Transportation secretary Anthony Foxx then said: "Make no mistake: unmanned aircraft enthusiast are aviators, and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility.

"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."

FAA and the US department of Transportation had formed a task force to provide recommendations on the UAS registration process.

Following the recommendations, given by the task force on 21 November, FAA made it mandatory for the owners of small UAS to register their vehicles.

FAA is waiving the usual registration fee of $5 for the first 30 days starting from 21 December to 21 January.

"Registration gives us an opportunity to work with these users to operate their unmanned aircraft safely."

The registration guideline has specified that any owner of a small UAS, who has previously operated an unmanned aircraft or drone exclusively as a model aircraft before 21 December have to register their UAS by 19 February next year.

Upon completion of the registration process, a unique identification number will be given to the owner for marking it on their respective aircraft.

The UAS owners need to go through the registration process once and can use the unique identification number for all of their models.

Immediately after completing registration, FAA will email a certificate mentioning the holder’s name, registration number, and the dates of issuance and expiration. The registration will be valid for three years.

Image: FAA activates online small unmanned aircraft registration process. Photo: courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net