FAA Mandatory Drone Registration Goes Into Effect
(CBS SF) – Current drone owners, along with those who will receive them as gifts this holiday season, are now required to register their aircraft with the Federal Aviation Administration.
People who purchase drones starting on Monday must register their drone before flying their aircraft outdoors, while current owners have until February 19, 2016 to register.
The FAA's drone registry is expected to go live sometime on Monday.
Owners must provide their name, home address and email address. Upon registering, owners will receive an identification number which must be marked on the drone.
Registration is free for the first 30 days, but will be $5 thereafter.
The FAA also warns drone pilots to fly their aircraft below 400 feet altitude, to keep drones within sight, to stay away from other aircraft and at least 5 miles away of an airport.
The new rules come amid a growing number of near misses involving drones and other aircraft, including a close call involving a drone and a California Highway Patrol helicopter near Martinez earlier this month.