FAA announces that ALL unmanned R/C aircraft have to be registered

[Kim-n-Dean]

Jackasses ruin it for everyone!!!

https://www.faa.gov/news/press_relea...m?newsId=19856

[BushyAR15]

Wow, just over half a pound is the starting weight. Thats just about any of the "hobby" grade ones that don't even come with cameras. I need to read it in depth...

[Ezzzzy1]

I dont see what the big deal is. They are simply wanting drones that are flying around to be numbered so that they can tie the pilot to the machine.

[GMR]

Good. I haven't had any issues, but I've heard horror stories.

Does this affect RC planes as well? Or have those always had to be registered?

[Aaron]

I have not read it, but I wonder what their definitions are. What about model rockets that kids build?

Seems like a typical Government backasswards way of doing things to me. So a RC Drone is flying above a structure fire or active crime scene, interfering. The only way to know whose that is is to confiscate it, which requires taking it out of the sky. And currently, the only way we have of taking these out of the sky involves their likely destruction, either immediate or eventual. Either way the drone is destroyed, and the owner is out the $100-$1,000 dollar piece, which is punishment enough IMO. Just give the cops some birdshot, the firefighters some water, and let the problem work itself out.

[BushyAR15]

Good question, I had to go back and re-read it. I'm no attorney but it would read like it applies to any R/C aircraft;

"In the sUAS Operation and Certification NPRM, the FAA proposed to define “unmannedaircraft” as “an aircraft operated without the possibility of direct human intervention from withinor on the aircraft.”21 "

Here is the "cheat sheet" FAQ from the site; http://www.faa.gov/uas/registration/faqs/
The thing I find interesting is that if you transfer your drone, you log back into the system, remove your reg id from the drone and delete the drone from your list of drones. Which is good as it puts the burden on the buyer...

I want to know how how to put a serial number on my drone...

Good. I haven't had any issues, but I've heard horror stories.

Does this affect RC planes as well? Or have those always had to be registered?

[Kim-n-Dean]

It's a revenue generator. 1.6 million R/C aircraft sold per year X $5 per registration = another yacht for some asshole politician!

It also suck that it's illegal to fly within 5 miles of an airport. I'm 4 miles as the crow flies from Buckley AFB. You're telling me I can't practice hovering my big helis in my back yard anymore?!?

...aaaand just like gun laws, those who break the law just won't register their aircraft. It's just a revenue generator!!!

[Drano]

Jackasses ruin it for everyone!!!

Agreed, but at the same time, understandable that some action would have to be taken eventually. As you mentioned above, 1.6 million R/C aircraft are sold each year. While I think most enthusiasts understand where, and where not, to fly their aircraft, given those numbers it's reasonable to assume that there are a lot who may not know, or simply just don't care.

Privacy issues aside, I think the more pertinent issue at hand is the potential for these aircraft to enter controlled airspace, such as military bases and airports. Facilities like these go to great lengths to mitigate potential bird-strike, so an unmanned aircraft presents a whole new can of worms. In that respect I can certainly understand the FAA wanting to track down the jackass who flew his aircraft into controlled airspace and shut an airport down until cleared.

The "within 5 miles" seems pretty ridiculous, as tower personnel could hardly see that far out, and it's unlikely a drone could fly high enough to enter into that section of controlled airspace. Overall, it does seem more like feel-good legislation rather than anything which will actually be enforceable. As with most laws, it's simply become easier to ticket, and fine, rather than educate.

[BushyAR15]

This law is really far-reaching as I think most people only "think" of "quadcopters/multi-rotors" and not Park Flyers, Gliders, etc...

I wonder how long they impose some type of insurance requirement. I would think right now most home-owner policies would cover this to some degree, but I bet the insurance companies will start adding some form of a surcharge.

[Kim-n-Dean]

Agreed, but at the same time, understandable that some action would have to be taken eventually. As you mentioned above, 1.6 million R/C aircraft are sold each year. While I think most enthusiasts understand where, and where not, to fly their aircraft, given those numbers it's reasonable to assume that there are a lot who may not know, or simply just don't care.

As soon as all the RTF (ready to fly) quad copters came out with the cameras, I knew this was going to happen. Now, any idiot can buy and fly. There's pretty much no learning curve to flying a quad. They're super easy, therefore, everyone has one, now.

Privacy issues aside, I think the more pertinent issue at hand is the potential for these aircraft to enter controlled airspace, such as military bases and airports. Facilities like these go to great lengths to mitigate potential bird-strike, so an unmanned aircraft presents a whole new can of worms. In that respect I can certainly understand the FAA wanting to track down the jackass who flew his aircraft into controlled airspace and shut an airport down until cleared.

Agreed, but the jackass who likes to cause drama will simply not register his aircraft.

The "within 5 miles" seems pretty ridiculous, as tower personnel could hardly see that far out, and it's unlikely a drone could fly high enough to enter into that section of controlled airspace.

I've had my QX 350 over 1,000' up. Believe me, they are very capable of entering that airspace. The range on these radios is well out-of-sight.

[BushyAR15]

BTW, I can't find anything on "registration numbers". It didn't read like the FAA site generates those. That you as the owner provide them. What if there is not serial number on your drone?

[Kim-n-Dean]

BTW, I can't find anything on "registration numbers". It didn't read like the FAA site generates those. That you as the owner provide them. What if there is not serial number on your drone?

When you register, it will spit out a form with a reg. number. One number for all your aircraft. Put the number in a battery compartment, or anywhere else that doesn't require tools for access and you're good to go.

[blaircsf]

As I understand it, it's effectively $5 per pilot regardless of how many aircraft. Anything that is remote controlled and over half a pound is included, planes, gliders, multicopters, etc. The fee will be waived for the first month, but you have to register every three years.

The whole thing is stupid and pointless. First off, when Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act it included a "Special Rule for Model Aircraft" clause that should prevent the FAA from making rules or regulations about hobby / recreational model aircraft. That didn't stop them though, the FAA released their 'interpretation' where they think they can, so that is currently tied up in court. Assuming the original act is upheld, the FAA has no authority to implement this.

Second, so most of the legal aircraft will have a number written on them. I'm SURE anyone who plans to break the law or just fly irresponsibly will have their number displayed, they wouldn't not display or even display a number registered to someone else. Also, if one is involved in an accident or worse, what's the likelihood the number survives?

[Drano]

I've had my QX 350 over 1,000' up. Believe me, they are very capable of entering that airspace. The range on these radios is well out-of-sight.

Wow, I wasn't aware they had that kind of range. Then again, I was basing my judgement on R/Cs like the AR Parrot, which has a range of 150 - 300 feet depending on mods. That's pretty incredible to go beyond 1,000'.

[Kim-n-Dean]

As I understand it, it's effectively $5 per pilot regardless of how many aircraft. Anything that is remote controlled and over half a pound is included, planes, gliders, multicopters, etc. The fee will be waived for the first month, but you have to register every three years.

Finally, someone read the link.

The whole thing is stupid and pointless. First off, when Congress passed the FAA Modernization and Reform Act it included a "Special Rule for Model Aircraft" clause that should prevent the FAA from making rules or regulations about hobby / recreational model aircraft. That didn't stop them though, the FAA released their 'interpretation' where they think they can, so that is currently tied up in court. Assuming the original act is upheld, the FAA has no authority to implement this.

Stupid? Pointless? You do know we are talking about our government?!?

Second, so most of the legal aircraft will have a number written on them. I'm SURE anyone who plans to break the law or just fly irresponsibly will have their number displayed, they wouldn't not display or even display a number registered to someone else. Also, if one is involved in an accident or worse, what's the likelihood the number survives?

When I get home, I'll post some crash pics of 1/4 scale (big) planes. You'll be amazed at how much survives.

[blaircsf]

If you spend a bit of time on youtube and similar, you can find videos that start to show the altitude and range.

There are also videos just made to showcase altitude etc, lots of people claiming 'records'. Unfortunately these people are contributing to the increased regulations.

When I get home, I'll post some crash pics of 1/4 scale (big) planes. You'll be amazed at how much survives.

I agree if they just crash by themselves. One scenario people like to throw around is being sucked into a jet engine, pretty sure the number isn't likely to survive.

[BushyAR15]

This article has one good point I liked; how to define what should or shouldn't "need' to be registered. http://www.tested.com/tech/555995-wh...-registration/

The use of GPS should have been one discriminator as opposed to weight.

[Bueller]

I think I'll be waiting to register until this thing plays out a bit more. I can't imagine the can be any real enforcement. The only ones that will get caught will be those that crash them or get caught flying illegally. It looks like they are asking for the public to be their eyes and snitches. And with the fines they are talking about it must be national security

[Bueller]

Taken from text of FAA Regs publication:

"The National Air Transportation Association expressed its support of the registration requirement, but acknowledged the ability to track an unsafe or noncompliant UAS back to the operator is limited to incidents in which the UAS is disabled, but not too damaged to obtain registration information. Several commenters, including the Competitive Enterprise Institute, questioned the usefulness of a registration number for identification purposes asserting a registration number would be impossible to read during flight, would only be useful after an incident has occurred and only if the UAS is recovered. Some commenters said affixing the name and contact information of the owner to or in the aircraft will serve the same purpose with much less expense. Other commenters said because it will be very easy for an individual to ignore the registration requirement, the small benefit of registration will be greatly outweighed by the burden placed on the model aircraft industry and the cost of implementing and maintaining the system.
NAAA and CoAA said registration will help track down who is responsible after an accident, but noted that FAA will not be able to enforce illegal and unsafe operations without requiring UAS to be equipped with an ADS-B like system through which to trace them."

[blaircsf]

The AMA is suggesting their members hold off for now:
http://amablog.modelaircraft.org/ama...odel-aircraft/

[asp_125]

Drones don't kill people, people kill... umm nevermind.

Seems to me this was just an arm waving move to placate the complainers. Personally don't think this law has any teeth to it, unless your UAV gets captured or downed and they read the number.

[dirkterrell]

Seems to me this was just an arm waving move to placate the complainers. Personally don't think this law has any teeth to it, unless your UAV gets captured or downed and they read the number.

As usual, it is a way of "doing something" but does little to nothing productive, and inconveniences law-abiding people (e.g. TSA). It's much easier to hassle the hell out of law-abiding people than it is to actually try to do something about crime.

[BushyAR15]

Woohoo! Today is the big day! The Registration site is supposed to go live! Wonder if its going to be overwhelmed and crash. The guys at the LHS said the AMA (Aircraft Modeler) groups is recommending to their members to NOT register as they are filing an injunction or something like that.

What I find interesting, and again shows the lack of knowledge by the media and the public, is when they are reporting on this registration, all they are showing are "multi-rotors", no gliders, Park flyers, or any fixed-wing type aircraft...

Because of my line of work, I'm going to wind up registering by the 21st of Jan. unless the rules change...

[~Barn~]

I'm just gonna go ahead and assume this was one of you undocumented types to blame here...