Are You Flying High With a Drone?

Did your techie take advantage of all the great sales to buy a drone? If they did, you need know the laws on drones before running outside to zip about the neighborhood. Study up on the topic and don’t get caught not knowing the rules.

The Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) has placed some rules to limit where you can use a drone-like aircraft, as well as, standardize the rules concerning ownership of “Unmanned Aircraft Systems” aka “Drones”. However, the new rules cover much more than drones, it includes radio control planes and even the old fashioned U Control Planes.

Take advantage of the opportunity to register your drone and get your fee refunded if you complete the process by January 20th, 2016. Those who have previously operated UAS before the new rules must register prior to January 19th, 2016. The registration is good for three years. For more information: go to https://www.faa.gov/usa/registration .

The FAA registration page includes directions for completing registration, lists of unmanned aircraft that do or do not required registration and links to move details about their program. There are also instructions available on the site on how to mark your unmanned aircraft system with the registration number.

UAS support questions or inquiries at UAShelp@faa.gov. Live phone support is available from 7 am to 5 pm Eastern, seven days a week. Phone assistance is available at (844) 244-3565.

On a local level, you need to make sure your city, county or state has not implemented additional rules. Some places, like Miami-Dade County, Florida, is focusing on encouraging safe flying by supporting college programming on UAS and providing special development areas.