Maximilionalpha

This question is for those that are in the know; Is the FAA registration for drones, mandatory, or optional? Reason that I'm asking, is that I've recently gotten into the drone fpv hobby and I've seen quite a few articles on having to register, to not having to register! Who can point me into the right direction?

tedsander

If you fly something not attached with wires/strings (anything, not just "drones"), and it weighs more than .55 lbs, you must be registered. Start here: https://www.faa.gov/uas/recreational_fliers/
Note that you are registering yourself, not the craft - you would put the same registration number on each of your aircraft.

Most (but not all) clubs and the A.M.A. generally take the stance that they are not in charge of policing the rule. A few do, though, demand proof of registration to join. So generally whether you will go to prison for life if you don't register mostly depends on what official law enforcement you have a run in with.

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

It's not prison for life! LOL

Yes, its a requirement. The penalty is a fine up to 20,000 so for a 5 dollar registration its a relative bargain.

As to the yes and no thing, registration was enacted by an FAA rule that violated a federal law but they interpreted that it didn't, a court case was brought that affirmed they did indeed violate the law and threw out the registration requirement, so in the next FAA funding bill the FAA got it written into law and again requires it.

Its cheap, its easy, and its the law so there's no reason not to do it. Use the link tedsander posted, if you Google it you will come up with any number of paid services that offer to register you but charge you 5x as much.

Maximilionalpha

I didn't use tedsander's link, as to the fact that I had already went onto the FAA's website and read up on everything that was pertinent to me, as a hobbyist and yes, prior to that I had clicked on a number of sites that claimed to be FAA , with outrageous pricing. The FAA site is only $5 bucks.

Lnewqban

tedsander

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

It says it has to be there so I put it on with black sharpee on my tires

Maximilionalpha

That's hilarious, but, in the end, you've still registered into their database!

GallopingGhostler

If you are concerned about registration, you were registered when you were born (your social security number). I still remember having to register with the FCC when flying RC model planes back in the 1970's. Regarding use of the AMA number, the AMA is an NGO. Since they are not government, I seriously doubt government will accept their number, until a few other actions are taken. Organizations such as NFPA, NACE, ISO, ANSI, UL, etc. have their standards adopted by government (Example, Intertek’s Warnock Hersey labels on fire rated doors.)

IMO, problem is AMA doesn't have the legal teams and technical staff these organizations have to have their standards adopted. Basically,

AMA has influence, but not financial clout. I say, keep flying, and let's not sweat the small stuff.

Lnewqban

Appowner

NOT according to my Congress Critters. They smiled and chuckled under their breath any time I mentioned the AMA.

turnnburn

My Feedback: (49)

I have been at best semi active in RC for the last few years but am getting much more active and plan to continue to. I do have an FAA registration and have my number displayed on most of my models (have a couple new ones that have not yet been flown and have not had the numbers put on them).

I am told or under the impression that the requirements have expanded or changed.

Where do I find a complete and comprehensive list of all FAA registration requirements ?

tedsander

If you go to the link I posted above, under "New Changes..." is a link to the law that was passed in 2018, (all 400+ pages of it!). For the average model flyer, the information on the main page above (and subsequent pages) should suffice.
The current topics of the day, that come from the passage of that law, and FAA actions:
1. Central administration of permission to fly in controlled airspace near airports. Rather than clubs getting permission from the airport, it will all come from the FAA itself.
2. In uncontrolled airspace, the FAA is generally saying the altitude limit is 400 ft.
3. The AMA is providing a list to the FAA of all affiliated club flying fields.
4. In the law is authorization to require a test to get the registration number. The FAA is still figuring out what the test should be and how it is to be administered.
5. In the law is a provision allowing the requirement to have, essentially, transponders in all unmanned aircraft. No action on that being required, yet. But it is authorized, if the FAA ever wants to implement.

GeoffS

One other thing to remember is that as recreational pilots, we can now use LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) to get authorization to fly in some controlled airspace.

The FAA's "dronezone" website is one place to go, but smart-phone/tablet apps like KittyHawk and Airmap. The FAA's B4UFly app doesn't allow you to submit an authorization request, but it does give a quick check on airspace.

LAANC was a huge boon to me because one of my favorite flying areas was right at the edge of the local airport's class-C airspace. Until August I could only fly there using my Part 107 certificate. Now I can go a "fly for fun" and not have to worry about logging time or the other miscellany Part 107 requires/encourages.