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Date: December 21, 2015
Contact: Les Dorr or Alison Duquette
Phone: 202-267-3883
WASHINGTON � The Federal Aviation Administration�s (FAA) new
web-based registration system for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) is now
active. Hobbyists and recreational users who fly UAS, which include remote
controlled aircraft, may register at www.faa.gov/uas/registration. Owners must register small UAS weighing more than 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and
less than 55 pounds (approx. 25 kilograms) if they are to be flown outdoors for
hobby or recreation. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Deputy
Administrator Mike Whitaker announced the rule requiring registration earlier
this month. Aircraft operated by the current owner before Dec. 21, 2015 must be
registered no later than Feb. 19, 2016. For all others, registration is
required prior to the first outdoor flight. Owners must provide their complete
name, physical address, mailing address (if different), and a valid email
address to register. Federal law requires a $5 registration fee that will be collected at the time
of registration via credit card. To encourage speedy compliance, the FAA is
making the process free for the first 30 days. (The registration website will
initially charge the owner�s credit card $5, but a refund credit will appear
shortly afterward.) After completing registration, owners will receive a personal registration
number. If a person owns more than one small UAS, each aircraft must be marked
with that number. Any method may be used to mark the UAS, as long as the number
is legible. Registrants may put the number in the battery compartment if it is
easily accessible. The FAA will immediately email a certificate containing the holder�s name,
registration number, and the dates of issuance and expiration. The operator
must keep either a printed or electronic version of this certificate on hand for
inspection as proof of registration. Registration must be renewed every three
years. If assistance is needed with registration, email UAShelp@xxxxxxx. The full rule can be viewed here: http://www.faa.gov/news/updates/media/20151213_IFR.pdf.
A Registration FAQ with answers to most common questions is at: http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/.
Note to broadcast media: Please download audio and
video sound bites from FAA Administrator Michael Huerta: Audio (10 seconds): The FAA wants everyone who
buys a drone this holiday season to know they�re responsible to understand the
airspace rules and to fly safely. Audio (9 seconds): I want people who buy a
drone this holiday season to know that you are accountable to the public for
flying responsibly. Audio (14 seconds): If you own a drone, you are
an aviator�and with that title comes a great deal of responsibility. Read your
pre-flight safety checklist on FAA.gov. Audio (18 seconds): If you own a drone weighing
about 9 ounces but less than 55 lbs. you must register with the FAA by February
19th. Registration is free through a rebate until January
20th. Register online at FAA.gov. Audio (15 seconds): If you own a drone,
register it. Know your pre-flight checklist. And give the gift of safety to your
friends and family this holiday season by encouraging them to register their
drones at FAA.gov. Video (37 seconds, broadcast quality): The FAA
wants everyone who buys a drone this holiday season to know they�re responsible
to understand the airspace rules and to fly safely. If you own a drone weighing
about 9 ounces but less than 55 lbs. you must register with the FAA by February
19th. Registration is free through a rebate until January
20th. So register online now at FAA.gov. And give the gift of safety
to your friends and family this holiday season by encouraging them to register
their drones as well. The video is also available in HD format.
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